Boots and Blooms 5K takes place at 700 South Glenburnie Road in New Bern, North Carolina on October 1, 2026. The single 5K distance starts at 9:00 AM with entry fees between $30 and $35. If you can't make it to the in-person event, the race offers a virtual participation option, allowing you to complete the 5K on your own schedule and submit your time remotely. This setup works well for athletes traveling to the area for the race or those with schedule conflicts who still want to participate.
From the Race Organizer
The Boots and Blooms 5K is a race in honor and memory of ALL of the babies gone too soon. The Boots and Blooms Foundation was created in loving memory of our daughter, Lilly, and our son, Andy, to help other bereaved families who experience the devastating loss of a child. Our 5K will be held annually on the first Saturday in October to kick off Pregnancy and Infant loss awareness month. This year’s race will be 10/3/2026. We will also have a virtual 5K option open 10/1/26-10/5/26. This is a walk or run event! Since our daughter Lilly was stillborn on May 14, 2018 we have made it our mission to help other bereaved families. We lost our son Andy on February 17, 2023 and unfortunately have been through this nightmare twice now and know how important it is to be able to make memories with your baby. With the help of our family and friends, as well as the proceeds from our previous fundraising events, we have been able to help hundreds of bereaved families create memories with their babies during the brief time they physically have to spend with them. Proceeds from this 5K will go towards helping other bereaved families that have to endure the unimaginable and to help them make memories with their baby while they can. We would love for you to join us to remember and honor all of the babies that should still physically be here with us. Check out our foundation’s website or Facebook page for more info on what we’ve done to help other bereaved families. www.bootsandbloomsfoundation.org Giveaway You will receive an awesome t-shirt for participating in our 5K but be sure to register by September 5th to guarantee a t-shirt as T-shirt order will be placed the first week of September. Awards Medals will be awarded to the top 3 male and female overall finishers as well as the top male and female finishers in each age group: 0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 and older We can’t wait to show off this year’s medals! Course Description The Boots and Blooms 5K will take place at the beautiful Martin Marietta Park in New Bern, NC. The race will utilize the Dragonfly trail and other adjacent trails to have a total distance of 5K. This is an improved gravel trail with minimal elevation changes. Come run, walk, or push a jogging stroller with us! (Umbrella strollers would be ideal on the trail). Enjoy the scenic views while supporting a great cause. There will be one water station along the course and light refreshments following the race.
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in New Bern, NC. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
RaceHotelFinder earns a small commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Results are sorted by distance from the race venue.
Race weekend dates pre-loaded on Booking.com. RaceHotelFinder may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for October 1.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to New Bern, NC.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
Boots and Blooms 5K 2026 — New Bern, NC takes place on October 1, 2026. The race is held in New Bern, North Carolina.
Where is Boots and Blooms 5K 2026 — New Bern, NC held?
Boots and Blooms 5K 2026 — New Bern, NC is held at 700 South Glenburnie Road in New Bern, North Carolina.
Where can I find hotels near Boots and Blooms 5K 2026 — New Bern, NC?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in New Bern. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
