2026 Newington Library 5K Challenge Road Race

  1. 1 race course banner
  2. 2 1-Little Readers Sprint 2 - 3 year old
  3. 3 17-LIttle Readers Sprint 4-5 year old
  4. 4 1-saputo with text
  5. 5 5-Food Prep
  6. 6 7-Let the race begin
  7. 7 1-1st Place Overall
  8. 8 race sign

Newington Library 5K Challenge Road Race
Sunday, May 17, 2026     9:00 a.m.

About the race:

The Newington 5K Challenge Road Race is an annual fundraiser that is presented by the Library Board of Trustees. This is the 29th year of the race with all proceeds of the race benefiting the library and its future growth. The race is a popular community wide event that offers a fun filled morning of exercise and competition. Walkers are welcome! Strollers are allowed on the course. 

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donate to the race here
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Event Records:  

Male - 2023- Michael Bohlke: 14:40 
Female: 2002 - Heather Gardiner: 18:25 

 Registration:

$25 - February 1 thru March 31 (Early Bird)
$30 - April 1 thru online registration closing
$35 - Race Packet Pickup /Race Day
$10 - Children (12 and under)

$10 Little Readers Sprint or fee is waived if parent/escort is registered for the race.

Print entry forms will be available at the library isoon . You will be able to drop off the form at the Lucy Robbins Welles Library, 100 Garfield Street, Newington, CT 06111.

Registration at Packet Pickup & Race Day 

$35 per person
$10 Children (12 and under)

2-Day Packet Pickup

Race packets can be picked up on May 16 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. in the library parking lot and on race day May 17 from 7:30 - 8:45 a.m. near the registration table.

Virtual Participation: $25 per person

Can't make the race but want to support the library, register as a virtual runner/walker during the registration process. Event t-shirt will be available for you to pick up at the Library during the 2 weeks after the race.

Refer a Friend:
Run for free? Find out about our referral program incentives after you click the REGISTER button. 

Gender Categories:

Male
Female
Nonbinary/Genderqueer More..
Prefer Not to Say  More

Divisions & Awards:

This race is timed by Platt Systems and uses the B-Tag timing system (timing chip is attached to the back of the bib). Please wear the race bib on the front of the shirt.

Divisions:

  • Top 3 Overall Male and Female
  • Male Age Group – 10 & under, 11-14, 15-19, and 10-year age groups from 20-80+
  • Female Age Group – 10 & under, 11-14, 15-19, and 10-year age groups from 20-80+
  • Nonbinary/Genderqueer  More..

 Awards:

  • First 200 registrants receive a race performance t-shirt.
  • Top overall male & female runners receive trophy & recognition.
  • 1st & 2nd division winners, male, female & nonbinary/genderqueer receive medal & recognition.
  • All who run/walk are eligible to win race prizes drawings. Must tear off bib # and be present to win.

Little Reader's Sprint

For kids between the ages of 2 and 5 (must be accompanied by an adult).

- The entry fee is $10. 
- Fee is WAIVED for any child whose parent/escort is registered for the race. 
- Parents/escorts who are accompanying the child may also run for free. 
-All children must have a waiver signed by parent/guardian to participate. 
- Waivers are signed during registration process. 
- Register online, at the library or on race day. 
- All Little Readers will receive a finisher's medal and fun swag.

Sponsorship & Donation Opportunities:
Businesses, individuals and organizations can support the race through race sponsorship or raffle prize donations. 

Sponsorship Levels opportunities for 2026

2026 Sponsor Application Form

Race prize donation opportunities for 2026

Sponsor Perks:

  • Pre-race and Post-race stretching
    with a professional fitness trainer.
  • As a thank you to runners and walkers for supporting the library by entering this race, all race participants are entered in the post-race raffle but you must be present to win a raffle prize donated by local businesses. 
  • All participants will receive a 2026 Dining Partner Ticket valid at participating local restaurants. Pick up your dining ticket at Packet Pickup on Saturday or post-race on Sunday at the Food Tent. Click here for more details. 

Race Day Morning Schedule of Events:

7:30 - 8:45  Pre-registration check in & same day registration.

8:45 Pre-race warm-up.

9:00 Race begins.

9:45 Little Readers Sprint

10:00 Race ends.

9:30 -10:30 Refreshments

10:30 Awards & prize drawings

Course:
A fast and flat certified 5K course that runs through a quiet residential neighborhood and finishes at Mill Pond Park.

Race map

Course Support:
Course Markings:

  • White signs with arrows and markings on road indicate direction of course. 
  • All mile points are marked with mile signs at each mile.
  • Race volunteers along course to indicate direction and crossing of intersections.

Course Amenities:

  • Electronic timing 
  • Water tables located at pre/post race and mile 1.5.
  • Bathroom facilities in library.
  • Medical personnel. 
  • Parking available at the Library, Mill Pond and the Town Hall. 

Need to verify your registration or print your confirmation again?
Click here to verify or reprint your race entry 
 
Newington Library 5K Challenge road race map Opens in new window 






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2025 Race Pictures & Video Finishes

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