East Farms Spring Ahead 5k & 1M Fun Run

Welcome to the HTC Quarter Marathon.

The quarter marathon distance is rare for weekend races. The Hartford Track Club Quarter Marathon will be held at the West Hartford Reservoir #4 on a well-marked paved course winding through the park. Runners run two 3.275 mile loops to complete the 6.55 mile quarter marathon distance. Awards will be given to the top three runners in each age group category. This race is great training for those major spring events or just fun to try a unique distance. There is a limit of 150 runners.

NOTE---DAY OF REGISTRATION: If the 150 maximum has not been reached by 4/11/2026, we will allow race day registration. Cost will be $40.00.

Race registration includes:

• Entry into the 2026 race.

• Post-race treats.

• Professional chip timing

• Awards for the top 3 overall male, female in five(5) year age groups.

• Note-processing fee is included the registration fee.

The Celebrate! West Hartford FUNd RUNS are the most family-friendly fitness runs in the Greater Hartford region. Featuring a non-competitive Kids' K dash and a 5K race, these events have something for ages 3-83+. Held in conjunction with the Town's two-day outdoor festival, it's a great opportunity for individuals or whole families to enjoy a healthy activity together while supporting West Hartford families in need. A portion of proceeds is donated to the The Town That Cares and the Leisure Services Scholarship Fund which helps children from low-income families attend swimming lessons, camps during school vacations and other life-enhancing programs throughout the year.

• The morning starts with a non-competitive Kids' K around Blue Back Square for kids up to 10 years old with medals for all finishers.

• The 5K course takes runners north through historic West Hartford Center and includes a long stretch on the scenic paved Trout Brook Trail before finishing in Blue Back Square. This course is USATF certified (#CT24001JHP).

• After the race, join us for the Awards Ceremony and Refueling Reception at Town Hall (50 South Main Street) in the Festival Dining Tent.

• Known for giving great rewards, prizes are awarded to the first, second, and third place 5K finishers in the male and female divisions in ten age categories: 10 and under; 11-14; 15-18; 19-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70-79; 80+.

• The overall first place male and female finishers as well as to the first place male and female from West Hartford (one per winner) receive prizes valued at at least $100. The first place male, female and over 65 finishers also get trophies.

• All 5K participants can enter a drawing for raffle great prizes valued at $25+.

• 5K (only) participants who register by May 22 are guaranteed a race T-shirt.

Please join us for our 6th Annual A.W. Stanley Park 5K to benefit Special Olympics Connecticut! Each year the event has more and more runners. This year, medals will be given to the top 3 finishers in various age groups for in person participants.

The race is a scenic and enjoyable route with some rolling hills. It begins and ends at the same location! The race is contained within the park with the exception of a brief leg on the sidewalk along Stanley Street to accommodate more runners safely! A T-shirt is included with registration for in person participants, sizes from youth small all the way to adult xl. Bathrooms will be available on site.

New this year! Virtual options! Can't make the event but want to raise money for an awesome organization? Choose a virtual race and upload your results!

Come check out the awesome vendors we will have as well! If you are interested in be coming a sponsor or vendor for the race, please reach out to Matthew.Butkiewicz@newbritainct.gov or David.Mcdermott@newbritainct.gov for information.

Race Start Time:

• 9:00 AM 5K Timed Run (timing by IRUNCT)

• 9:15 AM 1 Mile untimed Walk

Cost: $30 for individual 5K run/ 1 Mile Walk registrations.

As always, there will be free parking in and around the park. Stay tuned for information on important dates and times!

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.