The Esplanade 5K Run & Walk takes place on October 25, 2026, in Boston, Massachusetts, at Fiedler Field. This 5K event starts at 9:00 AM and welcomes both runners and walkers. The entry fee is $35.00. Located along Boston's famous Esplanade park system, the race offers a central urban setting for endurance athletes traveling to compete in the fall racing season.
From the Race Organizer
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 25—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. Please keep in mind: This is a shared-use, public pathway. 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 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 Saturday, October 25th at 12:00pm 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 PICKUP EARLY Bib Pickup Thursday, October 22nd Time : 10:00am - 3:00pm Location : Esplanade Association office ( 575 Boylston Street, Suite 4R, Boston, MA 02116 ) Friday, October 23rd Time : 12:00pm - 6:00pm Location : Marathon Sports in Back Bay ( 671 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116 ) All registrants who pick-up their bib at Marathon Sports can take advantage of a 20% discount on purchases (certain exclusions apply) 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 pavili
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for October 25.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Boston, MA.
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
When is Esplanade 5K Run & Walk 2026 — Boston, MA?
Esplanade 5K Run & Walk 2026 — Boston, MA takes place on October 25, 2026. The race is held in Boston, Massachusetts.
Where is Esplanade 5K Run & Walk 2026 — Boston, MA held?
Esplanade 5K Run & Walk 2026 — Boston, MA is held at Fiedler Field in Boston, Massachusetts.
Where can I find hotels near Esplanade 5K Run & Walk 2026 — Boston, MA?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Boston. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
