Esplanade 5K Run & Walk

The Esplanade Association (EA) invites YOU to enjoy a new season and new pace to support the same great cause! Rather than spring, we scheduled the annual 5K on Sunday, October 26—with hopes that a free parking day in the City of Boston amid fall foliage is a great opportunity to costume up and celebrate fitness and community in the park before Halloween!

Building on the successful history of our beloved 5K Race, we are also introducing a dedicated Walk in succession to the annual Run. This staggered option will allow more individuals (including dog walkers, strollers and rollers!) to participate at their own pace and comfort level, while keeping pathway safety in mind as to not overcrowd the course.

There will be plenty to enjoy for 5K participants and fans alike, including fall-themed activities for the entire family, free samples from vendors, food, music, and for those 21+, access to the Night Shift Beer Garden, and more. 

Spots will fill up quickly, so don't miss out on the fun and sign up today!

EVENT DETAILS

Location: Charles River Esplanade, Fiedler Field

***Please Note: This is a different location in the park than in previous event years. It is next to the Night Shift Beer Garden across the lagoon from the Hatch Memorial Shell***

Event Times:

• 5K Run begins at 9:00am (rain or shine!) with Awards immediately following

• 5K Walk begins at 11:00am

• Vendor Fair begins at 8:00am along with the Registration Table and will continue through the event

REGISTRATION AND TICKETS

Pre-Event Registration (closes Thursday, October 23rd at 9:00pm EST)

 We highly recommend securing your spot sooner rather than later as this event tends to sell out!

• $35.00: Run Registration
  • Esplanade 5K Runners will receive a chipped bib for timing and race results + prizes
• $30.00: Walk Registration
  • Esplanade 5K Walkers will receive a bib (not chipped for time)

Day-of Registration

• $45.00: Day-of Registration (both Run & Walk)
  • Only available if not sold out

REGISTRATION INCLUDES

5K Run ONLY 

• One custom bib with timing chip and official race results

• A chance at prizes for top runners across various age and gender brackets

5K Walk ONLY

• One custom bib (no timing chip)

ALL Registrants Will Receive

• Virtual Prize Bag (shared post event via email)

• Pre-Event Packet with information, sent out virtually

• One 18 oz customized eco-friendly commemorative cup! These are made from 100% recycled material and reusable. Learn more.

5K RUN CATEGORIES

• 1st Place Overall in Male/Female/Non-binary

• 10 & Under Male/Female

• 11-14 Male/Female

• 15-19 Male/Female

• 20-29 Male/Female

• 30-39 Male/Female

• 40-49 Male/Female

• 50-59 Male/Female

• 60-69 Male/Female

• 70-79 Male/Female

• 80+  Male/Female

BIB & PACKET PICKUP

Early Bib Pickup 

• There will be options to pick up your bib prior to race day. Stay tuned for details.

Day Of Pickup

• You may also pick up your bib starting at 8am day-of at the Registration Tent. Lines can be long so we recommend getting there on the early side or picking up early

TEAM REGISTRATION

Registering a team can be done online during the registration process. If you have any questions, please contact programs@esplanade.org

SPONSORSHIP & TABLING

Interested in seeing your company as a supporter or are you hoping to share about your company/organization by setting up a table or booth? Learn more about event sponsorship opportunities and tabling by contacting programs@esplanade.org  

VOLUNTEER

If you are interested in volunteering at the 5K, please email Molly Ryan at mryan@esplanade.org

DOGS AND STROLLERS POLICY

We welcome families, walkers, and furry friends—but safety comes first!

Strollers and leashed dogs are permitted during the 5K Walk only. For the safety of all participants, they are not allowed in the 5K Run.

If you plan to bring a stroller or dog for the Walk, please review the following guidelines:

• Start at the back of the Walk to ensure a smooth and safe experience for all.

• Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

• Please ensure your dog is well-behaved, up to date on vaccinations, and comfortable in crowds.

• Be prepared to clean up after your dog—waste bags are required.

These policies help ensure a safe and enjoyable event for everyone on the Esplanade.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: ACCESSIBILITY

We are committed to making the event as accessible and inclusive as possible. Here’s what to know about navigating the event space:

• Entrances
  • The Frances Appleton Pedestrian Bridge at Charles Circle is the most accessible entry point to the park. There are two at-grade entrances to the park on either end of the park. One near the Museum of Science and Boston Police Barracks and the near the BU sailing pavilion.
• Interior Footbridges
  • There are footbridges inside of the park that will be used as part of the race route that are constructed with cobblestone, creating an uneven surface. See example view of bridges. Please let us know if you anticipate this impacting your ability to participate.
• Rideshare Drop-Off
  • If you’re looking to access the park via the Frances Appleton Footbridge, we recommend using 170 Charles Street (The Whitney Hotel) as your rideshare drop-off location.
• Terrain:
  • The Esplanade has over five miles of paved pathways. Although they vary in width and smoothness, they are largely welcoming to all park visitors. 
• Restrooms:
  • There will be accessible gender-neutral portable restrooms on site.
• Noise Level:
  • Expect occasional loud moments during the event, including music, speaker announcements, and cheering. These may affect guests who are sensitive to sound or rely on auditory cues for navigation. We encourage bringing noise-reducing gear if helpful.

For additional accessibility questions or requests, please contact info@esplanade.org 

EVENT FAQ

What is the difference between the Run and the Walk?

• The 5K Run is a timed event with separate start times and awards. The 5K Run is also family-friendly and we encourage all to participate that wish to do a more “competitive” (including competing against yourself) and fast-paced event. The Walk is untimed, family-friendly, and open to all—strollers and leashed dogs are welcome in the Walk only.

Why did you change the format to include a "Walk" this year?

• In an effort to be as inclusive as possible, and with the growing number of people interested, the decision was made to offer 2 distinct options. Pathway safety was also considered in this decision as the pathways can be narrow at times and crowded with both event participants and the general-use public. This update will mitigate overcrowding on the pathways, provide a space for all ability levels, and an option for everyone to come out and enjoy the event, all while ensuring a safe event.

Can I walk in the 5K Run? 

• YES- walking is allowed in the 5K Run, but we ask that slower participants to start in the back (last wave). Please note: strollers and dogs are not permitted in the Run.

Will restrooms be available on site?

• YES- we will have portable restrooms available, including ADA Portable Restrooms, on site at Fiedler Field.

Are there awards or prizes?

• We will have awards/prizes for top finishers in their categories (see race categories) for the 5K Run ONLY. Participants in the 5K Run will be provided a chipped bib for timing.  There are no awards for the 5K Walk.

Will there be t-shirts?

• NO- in an effort to reduce textile waste and continue to work towards a more sustainable and climate-friendly event, we will not be offering t-shirts. HOWEVER we will be offering a free, recycled and recyclable commemorative customized cup to registrants!

Is there same-day registration?

• YES- You may register the day of the event however we highly recommend pre-registration as historically this race has sold out. Registration will open at 8:00am. Please note that we can not guarantee a customized race bib if you register day-of and the cost of registration will be $45.00 for BOTH the Run and Walk.

What if it rains?

• The event is rain or shine! In cases of extreme weather, we’ll notify participants of any delays or cancellations via email, social media, and on our website.

Can I get a refund if I am no longer able to make it?

• Registrations are non-refundable, though you are able to transfer your registration. Please contact programs@esplanade.org if you have any questions. Your registration fee supports the Esplanade Association’s ability to care for the park, sustain it’s natural beauty, and provide free public programming for all!

I am interested in volunteering, how do I sign up to volunteer?

• ABSOLUTELY! We would love to have you as a volunteer. Please contact volunteers@esplanade.org if you would like more information.

Is there parking on the Esplanade?

• NO- There is not parking inside of the park. You can park in nearby garages or take advantage of the free metered street parking in Boston on Sundays.

THIS EVENT SUPPORTS

Proceeds from this the 5K support EA's work to revitalize the Esplanade's greenspace, improve infrastructure and build community through free educational, cultural, and recreational programs for all. Our sole mission is to make our beloved riverfront state park more vibrant and vital to our shared health, connection and joy! Thanks for contributing as a friend of the Esplanade!