3 events in New Bern, North Carolina

The Boots and Blooms 5K is a race in honor and memory of ALL of the babies gone too soon. The Boots and Blooms Foundation was created in loving memory of our daughter, Lilly, and our son, Andy, to help other bereaved families who experience the devastating loss of a child.

Our 5K will be held annually on the first Saturday in October to kick off Pregnancy and Infant loss awareness month. This year’s race will be 10/3/2026. We will also have a virtual 5K option open 10/1/26-10/5/26. This is a walk or run event!

Since our daughter Lilly was stillborn on May 14, 2018 we have made it our mission to help other bereaved families. We lost our son Andy on February 17, 2023 and unfortunately have been through this nightmare twice now and know how important it is to be able to make memories with your baby. With the help of our family and friends, as well as the proceeds from our previous fundraising events, we have been able to help hundreds of bereaved families create memories with their babies during the brief time they physically have to spend with them.

Proceeds from this 5K will go towards helping other bereaved families that have to endure the unimaginable and to help them make memories with their baby while they can. We would love for you to join us to remember and honor all of the babies that should still physically be here with us.

Check out our foundation’s website or Facebook page for more info on what we’ve done to help other bereaved families.

www.bootsandbloomsfoundation.org

Giveaway

You will receive an awesome t-shirt for participating in our 5K but be sure to register by September 5th to guarantee a t-shirt as T-shirt order will be placed the first week of September.

Awards

Medals will be awarded to the top 3 male and female overall finishers as well as the top male and female finishers in each age group:

0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 and older

We can’t wait to show off this year’s medals!

Course Description

The Boots and Blooms 5K will take place at the beautiful Martin Marietta Park in New Bern, NC. The race will utilize the Dragonfly trail and other adjacent trails to have a total distance of 5K. This is an improved gravel trail with minimal elevation changes. Come run, walk, or push a jogging stroller with us! (Umbrella strollers would be ideal on the trail). Enjoy the scenic views while supporting a great cause. There will be one water station along the course and light refreshments following the race.

Join us and experience the new Trail to Tryon Holiday Half on our new date of December 5. Our new date offers a great run experience coupled with all the holiday beauty New Bern has to offer. Pick your distance between a half Marathon, 10K, or 5K. Strategically placed on the calendar to be your final run/walk of the year, make it a weekend and celebrate with us.

Please note, this is a road event as the name "Trail to Tryon" is just a reference to the history of New Bern as Tryon Palace was colonial North Carolina’s first official center of government. The courses will take you through New Bern’s charming downtown district, iconic waterfront parks, and beautiful residential neighborhoods. The start and finish is located on the south side the the beautiful Tryon Palace next to the Trent River. The post-race ceremony in the Bates Commons will include vendors and a festive feel to celebrate with friends and family. All finishers will receive medals and age group awards distributed in all three event distances.

All three race distances use the same start and finish location making it easy for family and friends to enjoy together. Plan to stay the night or weekend and take in the holiday festivities and eclectic food and music scenes New Bern offers.

Plan to finish your race season with a stop in New Bern for the Holiday Half, 10K and 5K on December 5.