Run to Remember 5K Road Race & Walk

At a Glance

What: Inaugural Coast Guard Foundation 5K road race and walk honoring fallen Coast Guard members
When: Saturday, October 17, 2026, 7:30–11 a.m.
Location: Fort Trumbull State Park, 90 Walbach Street, New London, CT
5K Start: 9 a.m.
Kids Fun Run: 8:45 a.m., free with registration
Check-In: Opens at 7:30 a.m.
Admission: $40 through October 15; $50 October 16 and race day, plus processing fees
Military/Veteran Discount: $10 off 5K registration
Course: 3.1-mile, flat, out-and-back route along Pequot Avenue overlooking the Thames River
Timing: Chip-timed by SNERRO, LLC
Awards: Overall male and female winners and age-group awards
Family Friendly: Runners, walkers, joggers, and strollers welcome
Beneficiary: Coast Guard Foundation emergency relief and tragedy assistance programs
Registration: Online registration available; advance registration recommended

Event Description

Run to Remember 5K Road Race & Walk brings runners, walkers, military families, and supporters together at Fort Trumbull State Park in New London on Saturday, October 17, for a morning dedicated to honoring members of the United States Coast Guard who lost their lives in service.

Organized in support of the Coast Guard Foundation, the inaugural New London event combines a waterfront road race with a remembrance of the men and women whose service and sacrifice are part of the Coast Guard’s history.

The morning begins with a free Kids Fun Run, followed by a chip-timed 5K that welcomes participants of all abilities. Whether competing for a personal best, walking with family members, or participating in memory of someone who served, entrants share a common purpose: supporting the Coast Guard community.

A Waterfront Course Along the Thames River

The 3.1-mile course begins at Fort Trumbull State Park and follows an out-and-back route along Pequot Avenue, offering views of the Thames River and New London’s waterfront.

Described by organizers as flat and fast, the course is suitable for experienced runners looking for a competitive time as well as recreational joggers and walkers who prefer a more relaxed pace.

Chip timing will be provided by SNERRO, LLC, allowing registered 5K participants to receive an official race time.

Strollers are welcome, making the event accessible to families who want to complete the course together.

The setting is particularly appropriate for an event honoring Coast Guard service. Across the Thames River in New London, the United States Coast Guard Academy has trained generations of officers, while the surrounding waterfront remains closely connected to the service’s maritime mission.

Remembering Those Who Served

The Run to Remember is more than a traditional community road race.

Its central purpose is to honor Coast Guard members who made the ultimate sacrifice while recognizing the families and colleagues who continue to carry their memories.

The Coast Guard’s responsibilities range from search and rescue and maritime law enforcement to environmental protection, port security, and national defense. Its members frequently operate in difficult and dangerous conditions, sometimes risking their own lives to save others.

For Coast Guard families, the loss of a loved one can bring emotional and financial challenges that continue long after the initial tragedy.

The event offers an opportunity for active-duty personnel, veterans, relatives, friends, and members of the public to come together in remembrance while contributing to programs that help Coast Guard families facing hardship.

Supporting the Coast Guard Foundation

Proceeds benefit the Coast Guard Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides support to Coast Guard members and their families.

The Foundation’s work includes emergency assistance, tragedy support, scholarships, education programs, and other resources intended to strengthen the Coast Guard community.

Its tragedy assistance programs help families following the loss of a Coast Guard member, while emergency relief efforts provide assistance during unexpected hardships.

By participating in the Run to Remember, runners and walkers help support these services while demonstrating community appreciation for the Coast Guard’s mission.

The Foundation also offers opportunities for individuals and businesses to sponsor the race or volunteer. Those interested in helping can contact the event organizers.

A Morning for the Whole Family

The event begins at 7:30 a.m. when race-day check-in opens at Fort Trumbull State Park.

At 8:45 a.m., children can participate in the free half-mile Kids Fun Run. Although there is no entry fee, registration is required.

The main 5K begins at 9 a.m.

After the race, participants can gather for refreshments and an awards presentation recognizing the top three male and female finishers overall, along with age-group winners.

Age divisions include 14 and younger, 15–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, and 70 and older.

The event is designed to be welcoming rather than exclusively competitive. Walkers, joggers, and participants who simply want to show their support are encouraged to register.

Fort Trumbull: A Historic Setting for Remembrance

Fort Trumbull State Park occupies a prominent waterfront site overlooking the Thames River and Long Island Sound.

The present fort, completed in the 19th century, reflects New London’s long military and maritime history. Its distinctive granite walls and strategic location have made it one of the city’s most recognizable historic landmarks.

Today, the state park combines preserved military architecture with waterfront walkways, open space, and views of the river.

The location connects the event’s remembrance theme with New London’s longstanding role as a center of American maritime activity.

Registration and Race-Day Information

Registration for the 5K costs $40 through October 15, increasing to $50 on October 16 and race day. Processing fees are additional.

A $10 discount is available for military members and veterans.

The Kids Fun Run is free, but children must be registered.

The first 100 registered 5K participants are eligible to receive a commemorative inaugural Run to Remember New London coin.

Limited-edition Coast Guard Foundation Run to Remember T-shirts are available for $30, with proceeds supporting the Foundation’s assistance programs.

Participants should arrive early enough to check in before their scheduled start time and wear comfortable running or walking shoes appropriate for the weather.

To register for the race, click the Event Ticketing link below.

Featured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people, location, or activities shown.