Be Happy Road Race

Join Team Be Happy & Lindsay's Legacy Foundation for the 8th Annual running of the Be Happy Road Race. We're so excited to announce we're moving to Ellington, CT!!!!

To date we have raised and donated over $125,000 to The Lindsay's Legacy Foundation Fund to support clinical trial research. All donations made support Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center’s mission to pursue the latest advances in cancer research. With your help we hope to continue to support these programs. One hundred percent (100%) of participant registration fees are donated to this research which enables innovative cancer treatments and therapies to be made available as impactful as possible to patients at Smilow Cancer Hospital who have been given a devastating diagnosis.

We have exciting new Ellington courses!

Our 1K fun runners will run on a private gravel path within the farm property. Race starts at 7:30

Both the 5K &10K, start and finish on the beautiful Dunn & Foster Farm. The 5K and 10K races split at the intersection of Middle and Abbott Roads, the 5K will make its way around the historic Ellington farm land and lush Ellington Ridge golf course before turning back onto Abbott Road and downhill to the finish. The 10K will extend north up Abbott Road turning west and winding through more of the gorgeous open landscape before turning back onto Middle Road and completing the same turns around the golf course as the 5K. 

Both courses have minor rolling hills and one climb, Standish Rd - also known as the "Standish Up" Strava segment. This little segment is 0.5 miles long and has an elevation gain of 81ft...reach the top of the Strava leader board and you're in for an extra prize!!!

Course maps can be found on the race home page, they are subject to change at the discretion of the town of Ellington and local police for safety. Races start at 8:00am

We are excited to announce that prize money continues in 2026!!! We will be awarding sponsor provided cash money to the top 3 overall male and female finishers for the in-person 5K and the 10K. (Female 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Male 1st, 2nd, 3rd) You can only participate in one event.

These races will be chip timed with cash prizes awarded to first, second, and third male and female overall winners. Divisional awards will also be given to the male and female winners of each division of both races (Age divisions up to 1-14,15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+), no double dipping. 

You can also register for one of 3 virtual events! Run a 5K - 3.12 miles, a 10K  - 6.24 miles, or our Race for Hope Challenge, which includes a 5K, 10K, and 1/2 marathon or 22.46 miles. All virtual events begin on August 26, 2025, you can run your miles at home on a treadmill or out in the streets of your choice then use the provided link to upload your results. (Those participating in our virtual events will have their race packets mailed to them after registration closes on race day.)

All participants who register by Friday August 14th, will have their bibs mailed to them. Please make sure your mailing address is correct in your event registration. Email the race if you need to make an adjustment. All other race bibs will be available for pickup on Saturday, August 29th, from 9-11:00 am at the race location or on race day at the start location beginning at 6:30am. 

FINAL RACE INSTRUCTIONS

 
Mass Start!!! The 5K and 10K races will begin promptly together at 8am. If you have someone participating in the kids fun run, this will begin on the farm at 7:30 am.

Parking: All parking will be at the race location. 78 Abbott Road Ellington, CT 06029

**Please lock your cars and protect your valuables.  Lindsay’s Legacy Foundation, is  not responsible for any liability or theft.

Course Maps: Our course maps are available on runsignup under course info.  The course maps will also be on display on race day.

Roads will be closed to through traffic, but open to local traffic. Volunteers will be out on the course monitoring traffic but please be alert. 

Results: Race timing is being provided by iRUNCT Race Timing. We will be awarding our top finisher’s prizes and top division finisher’s prizes throughout the race. Visit the awards tent to see if you’ve won!

Bathrooms: Porto-lets will be available just beyond the start line. 

Water Stations: Water stations will be available along the course. 

Finish Line: Upon finishing you will be given your very well deserved race medal, swag bag, t-shirt, water,  and post race foods!

Race Day Schedule:

Sunday August, 30th:

6:30 am Race Village Opens
7:30 am pre-race guided warm up with The Yoga Shop East & Kids 1K starts
8:00 am 5K & 10K start