Bob Houghtaling 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk

Experience the thrill of running before a pre-assembled cheering crowd as excitement builds for the annual Gaspee Days Parade. Each year, more than 2,000 runners take part in this beloved event, racing along the Parkway’s iconic red, white, and blue road stripe. Whether you’re competing for a prize or running just for fun, your participation helps support one of the community’s most cherished traditions—all proceeds benefit the Gaspee Days Parade.

RACE DETAILS

The race starts at 9:30 AM sharp on Broad Street at Chiswick Road, Cranston, RI. The course spans 5K (3.1 miles) and was bicycle calibrated by Ray Nelson. It runs south on Broad Street into Warwick onto Narragansett Parkway then turns at General Hawkins Drive and returns north. The race finish line is just past the Parade reviewing stand at Rhodes Place. Timing and results are coordinated by Spitler Race Systems.

• Due to the timing of the Parade, which immediately follows the 5K, the race has a strict cut-off time of one hour. You must be able to complete the 5K distance within this timeframe.

• The race is capped at 2,000 people: sign up early.

• There will be no RACE DAY registrations. All sign-ups must be completed by Friday night. Bandits will not be tolerated.

Pre-Race Bib Pick Up

We'll be hosting a bib pick-up event on Wednesday, June 10 from 4:00-8:00 PM at Aspray Boat House.

Beat the race-day crowds by checking in early. Pick up your bib and shirt. You MUST bring a copy of your photo ID. If you're checking in for someone else, please have a copy of their photo ID (can be a text picture of the photo ID). Please have your QR registration code ready to be scanned when you arrive

Check-In

If you do not pick up your bib at pre-race check-in, you can check-in on the morning of the race. Bib pick-up begins at 7:30 AM and closes at 9:00 AM at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center, Broad Street & Rhodes Place, Cranston, RI.

NO ENTRIES ON RACE MORNING. All runners must be registered online (see here).

POST-RACE ACTIVITIES

Complimentary refreshments are available for all runners after the race. All runners 21+ are able to receive one complimentary beer at the conclusion of their race in the fenced Refreshments Area adjacent to the Scottish Rite Masonic Center. Beer will stop being served at 11:00 AM, so be sure to get your included beverage right after completing the race!

Runners under the age of 21 will NOT receive a beer ticket. You cannot use the beer ticket of a registered runner who is under the age of 21. ID's will be checked at the gate before entry into the Refreshments Area.

The 5K immediately precedes the Gaspee Days Parade, which follows the race into Pawtuxet Village. Runners and their families are encouraged to stay in the area to enjoy a fun-filled morning and afternoon. Visit Gaspee.com/events to see a calendar of events for the day.

ADDITIONAL LOGISTICS

Portable restrooms are provided for participant use only. Showers, changing facilities, and storage areas are not available. Due to insurance limitations, the use of strollers or baby carriers is strictly prohibited by runners. Pets are also prohibited around the race area for liability and safety purposes. Limited parking available. Follow our social media for up-to-date parking and traffic information. Arrive early to find parking and check-in. Please note that NO shirts will be given out after bib pick-up closes at 9:00 AM.

Experience Newport like never before at the Newport Sprint Triathlon presented by Trident Waterproofing and Masonry. Set against the backdrop of Newport’s unmatched early-summer energy and iconic coastal scenery, this event delivers fast racing, ocean views, and a truly memorable way to kick off the season. Whether it’s your first triathlon or you’re a seasoned competitor, this race is designed to be welcoming, exciting, and true to the spirit of coastal New England.

Athletes will take on a classic sprint-distance course that showcases some of the most scenic and historic terrain in coastal Rhode Island. The race begins with a 1/3 mile protected swim inside the calm Fort Adams cove beside the SSV Oliver Hazard Perry. From there, athletes head out on an 11.6 mile bike ride along the world-famous Ocean Drive, featuring rolling terrain, nonstop ocean vistas, and classic Newport landmarks. The race wraps up with a 3 mile run through Fort Adams State Park, including stretches inside the historic fort itself and along its beautiful waterfront grounds.

Come race, explore, and enjoy a classic Newport morning at one of New England’s most unique sprint triathlons.

USAT Sanctioned Event:

This race is sanctioned by USA Triathlon (USAT). All participants are required to be current USAT members or purchase a one-day USAT membership during registration. All registrants must also complete and sign the USAT waiver prior to competing. No athlete will be permitted to race without a valid USAT membership and signed waiver.

The Independence Rhode Race will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026. In partnership with the Bristol Fourth of July Committee, the half marathon will follow the beautiful downtown streets of America’s quintessential community when it is decked out in its finest - during the Oldest 4th of July Celebration in America. The course includes incredible historic homes, a town common and the America’s Cup Museum before heading out along the scenic coastline, through Roger Williams University, following the parade route, and finishing along the water at Independence Park.

The Official Post Race Party will be Pivotal Brewing, 500 Wood St, Bristol (Mile 3 of the course). Join us after the race, and show your bib for one free beer on race day only.

For more information visit our event website, RhodeRaces.com

Please Note: The Independence Rhode Race will be happening rain or shine. Because of the logistics of planning for a race of this size, we cannot offer refunds for any reason. In the event that the weather is severe enough to create an unsafe environment for participants, organizers will cancel the event with no refunds issued.

Waterman Eco-Challenge & Summer Safe Ocean State 5K/10K

SATURDAY, JULY 18, 2026

Founded in 2011, the Waterman Eco-Challenge & Summer Safe Ocean State 5K/10K is an annual multisport festival supporting charities focused on drowning prevention, cancer support, cardiac health, and coastal sustainability. The event features running, swimming, and paddleboard races.

Watch 2024 Highlight Video

Events:

• 5K Run or Walk

• 10K Run

• 400 Meter Kids Swim

• 1 Mile or 5K Swim

• 3 Mile or 6 Mile Paddle

• Eco-Challenger (5K Run + 1 Mile Swim + 3 Mile Paddle)

• Ultimate Challenger (10K Run, 5K Mile Swim, 6 Mile Paddle)

Ocean Swim:

New England's only open-water swim meet dual sanctioned by USA Swimming and U.S. Masters Swimming. This meet offers three race distances, individual and cumulative time relay competitions, a team points competition, and non-wetsuit (awards eligible) and wetsuit (no awards) divisions.

• Open Water Meet Announcement - click to view

• Details & sanction requirements

• Shareable link: https://bit.ly/wec-owmeetannouncement26

• Coach Attestion Form - click to view

• Required for all swimmers age 12 & under

• Individual Event Age Groups:

• 5K Swim: 11-12, 13-14, 15-17, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+

• 1-Mile Swim: 9-12, 13-14, 15-17, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+

• 400-Meter Swim: 12 & under

• Relay Age Groups (sum of the 3 swimmers’ ages):

• 5K swim: 33-51, 52-117, 118-179, 180+

• 1-mile swim: 27-51, 52-117, 118-179, 180+

• 400-meter swim: 36 & under

Key Dates:

• February - Early Registration Opens

• April 15 - Early Registration Discount Ends

• April 16 - Full Price Registration Begins

Tentative Schedule:

• 6:30 AM - Parking Lot & 5K/10K Run Check-In Open

• 7:00 AM - Swim & Paddle Check-In Opens

• 7:00 AM - Run/Walk Entries Close

• 7:15 AM - Run/Walk Races Start

• 8:00 AM - Swim Individual Race Entries Close

• 8:30 AM - Swim Check-In & Relay Entries Closes

• 8:40 AM - Mandatory Swimmer Briefing

• 9:00 AM - Swim Races Start

• 11:00 AM - Paddle Race Entries Closes

• 11:30 AM - Paddle Races Start 11:30am

• 11:45 AM - Swim Awards Ceremony

• 3:00 PM - Public Event Area Closes

Parking:

Regular state beach parking rates apply. Season passes will be honored. Rhode Island resident day parking $7. Non-resident day parking $14. Senior resident $3.50. Senior non-resident $7. Parking rates are set by the State of Rhode Island and subject to change.