Fall Fling 400

The The Petit Family 5k Road Race began in early 2008 by two brothers, Robert and Gary Heslin, who were classmates of Dr. William A. Petit, Jr. at Plainville High School, class of 1974. Together the three of them ran cross-country and track & field. In response to Dr. Petit’s request to do good things for others and to carry on the legacy of his wife and daughters, lifelong runners Robert and Gary decided that a USATF-certified 5k, point-to-point course would be the best option they could offer. There is also a 1.3mi Fitness Walk.

On behalf of the Petit Family 5k Road race, the Petit Family Foundation has awarded over $4.5 million in grants to programs and projects all over Connecticut, as well as the American Northeast and all across the United States.

For 6 weeks, young athletes across Rhode Island and Massachusetts have been swimming, biking, and running toward this one incredible goal!

This finale event brings together participants from Race4Chase programs across both states to celebrate their hard work, determination, and confidence gained throughout the summer. It’s more than a race, it’s a powerful celebration of youth achievement, healthy living, and community support.

While this event is exclusively for Race4Chase participants and not open to public registration, we need enthusiastic volunteers to help make it a safe, smooth, and unforgettable experience for every child crossing that finish line.

Join us for the 4th annual Run The Runway 5k and Kids Fun Run at the Meriden Markham Airport, a unique opportunity to run, jog, and walk on the runway! The 5K race route will begin on the Meriden Markham Runway and venture out into the beautiful South Meriden neighborhood, before safely landing back on the runway for what will be a fantastic finish!

Proceeds will benefit: To Be Announced Soon!

Presented by the Meriden Markham Airport, City of Meriden, and The Meriden Running Club

Race Day Schedule

• 7:45am - Race Day Check-In Begins (All registrations must be made online only; Race Day registrations available until 15 minutes prior to race)

• 8:45am - Kids Fun Run

• 9:00am - Run the Runway 5k

• Awards to Conclude!

Entry Fees

• 5K

• Before July 31 - $25

• August 1 through September 27 - $30

• September 28 through October 18 - $35

• Thereafter - $40

• Kids run - FREE

** T-Shirts guaranteed to 5K participants registered by October 11, thereafter shirts will be subject to availability.

Awards:

• Top 3 Overall Male and Female

• Top 3 Male and Female Age Division

• 15 and Under

• 16-19

• 20-29

• 30-39

• 40-49

• 50-59

• 60-69

• 70+

Notes:

• Please - No Dogs allowed within the airfield property.

The 4th Annual Robert J. Lynes Memorial Road Race is a 5K run/walk race with a kids Fun Run just before. It is being held in memory of Bobby Lynes who was a lifelong resident of Meriden.

In high school Bob ran on the track team at Orville H. Platt High School. Throughout his life he volunteered in Meriden for many different organizations such as:

• The Meriden Daffodil Festival

• The Meriden Men's Softball League

• The Meriden Girls Softball League

• The Meriden Soccer League

• Boy Scout Troop 43

• Castle Craig Playhouse

• Francis T. Maloney High School Props and Paints

• The Francis T. Maloney Marching Band Pit Crew

Monetary donations and proceeds from this road race will go into The Robert J. Lynes Memorial Fund for the preservation and beautification of Hubbard Park. Proceeds from previous years races have gone towards a beautiful bench put in the park dedicated to Robert for anyone to go and sit on and enjoy the beautiful park, as well as a donation made to plant more daffodil bulbs and a donation was made to the Daffodil Festival for the 45th anniversary fireworks display for 2025! We hope you can join us in honoring him and his dedication to the city and park that he loved, Meriden’s beautiful Hubbard Park.

Race Day Schedule

• Participant check in opens 8:00 am

• Kids Fun Run start 9:15 am

• 5K Road Race start 9:30 am

Entry - Online registration only

• 5K - $25 for registrations before September 30, $30 for registrations before November 1. Thereafter $35 (Note: registration is via this online portal only)

• Kids Run - Free

T-Shirts for all 5K registrants before October 17, 2026

Awards

• Top 3 men overall

• Top 3 woman overall

• 1st place in each age group

Gift cards and baskets raffle after the race. Free raffle ticket for each race registrant. We also will have Roba Physical Therapy and Wellness at the race offering free massages, normatec compression boots, and the opportunity for free movement screens at their clinic to all attendees!