Costumes, a Coastal Run, and a Good Cause Come Together in Groton
At a Glance
What: CFA 5K Run & Walk for Mental Health
When: Saturday, October 31, 2026, 10 a.m.–noon
Location: Eastern Point Beach, 1 Beach Pond Road, Groton, CT
Admission: $45 regular registration; free for children 6 and under
Activities: Timed 5K run, untimed 1.5-mile walk, children’s fun run, costume contests, food trucks, vendors, and family activities
Age: All ages welcome
Costumes: Encouraged, with contests for adults, children, pets, and groups
Pets: Leashed dogs welcome
Strollers: Welcome
Organizer: Child & Family Agency (CFA)
Beneficiary: Children’s mental health programs and School-Based Health Centers
Registration: Click the Event Ticketing link at the bottom of this page
Event Description
CFA 5K Run & Walk for Mental Health brings a little Halloween spirit to Eastern Point Beach in Groton on Saturday, October 31, with a morning of running, walking, costumes, and family fun. Hosted by Child & Family Agency, the event invites participants of all ages to enjoy the waterfront while raising money to help local children and families access mental health services.
The event begins at 10 a.m. and offers several ways to participate. Serious runners can take on a timed 5K, while families and casual walkers can choose a shorter, untimed 1.5-mile route. Children ages 6 and under will also have their own fun run later in the morning.
Costumes are encouraged, so runners may find themselves sharing the course with superheroes, witches, and other Halloween characters.
A Halloween Morning for the Whole Family
The fun extends beyond the finish line.
At 11 a.m., the event shifts into Halloween celebration mode with costume contests for adults, children, pets, and groups. Families are welcome to bring their dogs on leashes, and strollers are permitted.
Food trucks, vendors, and family-friendly activities will also be part of the morning, giving participants a reason to stick around after completing their run or walk.
The children’s fun run begins at 11:30 a.m., offering younger participants a chance to join the excitement.
With its coastal setting and mix of activities, the event offers an active alternative to the usual Halloween festivities.
Running and Walking for Children’s Mental Health
Behind the costumes and celebration is an important local cause.
Child & Family Agency provides mental health, medical, and other essential services to more than 10,000 children and families each year.
Money raised through the CFA 5K will support children’s mental health programs and School-Based Health Centers, which bring medical and behavioral healthcare directly to students and families.
In a recent year, approximately 3,700 students made 22,000 visits to CFA’s School-Based Health Centers. More than 11,000 of those visits involved behavioral health services.
The organization hopes the event will bring the community together while helping more children receive the care they need.
Choose Your Pace and Join the Fun
Participants don’t have to be experienced runners to take part.
The timed 5K offers a traditional race experience, while the 1.5-mile walk gives families and friends an opportunity to participate at a more relaxed pace.
Those who would rather cheer from the sidelines can enjoy the Halloween atmosphere, costume contests, and activities at Eastern Point Beach.
Regular registration is $45, while children ages 6 and under can participate for free. The earlier $35 registration rate ended October 16.
The event runs from 10 a.m. until noon, making it an easy way to start Halloween before the afternoon and evening celebrations begin.
Schedule
10 a.m.: Timed 5K run and untimed 1.5-mile walk begin
11 a.m.: Costume contests for adults, children, pets, and groups
11:30 a.m.: Children’s fun run
Noon: Scheduled conclusion
Featured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people, location, or activities shown.