The Good Grief Run & Walk is built around the belief that movement and community can be healing. We gather not to “get over” grief, but to honor our stories, feel connection, and support one another. Whether you’re remembering a loved one, supporting a friend, showing solidarity, or just enjoying community — this is your space.

5K Run & Walk: Open to both competitive runners and casual walkers. The course is a combination of flat and hills, stroller and child-friendly.
2K Walk: This shorter course is open to walkers only; stroller and child-friendly.
Virtual 5: Chart your own course and join us in solidarity!
Ice Cream Participant Only: Come only for the sweets and support a good cause!

This is a whole community event! 

Event Schedule

• Check-in and bib pick-up is from 9:00–9:50am (come early to grab free coffee from Kestrel Coffee – while supplies last!)
  
  
• Parking: Free parking at Veterans Memorial Park. Overflow parking can be found at Faith United Methodist Church.
  
  
• Warm-Up with Manny from Snap Fitness at 9:50am.
  
  The Run & Walk begins at 10:00am from the main pavilion. This course is a loop that follows the South Burlington bike path (pet & stroller/scooter friendly). Water and little snacks for kids will be available along the way.
  
  
• Stick around from 11:00–12:00pm for:
  
  Ben & Jerry’s ice cream truck: All registered participants will receive a free scoop of ice cream. Any non-registered family & friends can purchase ice cream at the truck.
  
  Kid-Friendly Fun: Face painting, Balloon Animals and Yard Games from the Big Blue Trunk.
  
  Live Music from Smokey Newfield Project!
  
  Awards: We have some great prizes for the award categories: fastest overall, fastest female, fastest youth under 12 (male and female), highest fundraiser. Awards announced at 11:15am.
  
  Lunch from Cha Cha Garna: Purchase tostadas at Cha Cha Garna's food tent!

The proceeds from the 5K Run & Walk benefits the vision of Empty Arms Vermont, which is to foster a community of support, compassion and connection as families grieve pregnancy and infant loss.

Participants of all ages and paces are welcome to run or walk in-person, or choose our virtual 5K option. $20 discounted fee for youth; children 10 and under are free! Strollers and leashed pets are welcomed. Race T-shirts are available as a registration add-on before May 8.