Thanksgiving 5K
5K | Kids Fun Run
Benefiting the Rotary Club of Branford and the Soundview Family YMCA
Event proceeds help the Rotary Club of Branford provide food for the hungry this holiday season
5K Course
The flat 5K begins and finishes at Walsh Intermediate School. The course is flat & fast traveling through Branford’s scenic Route 146 and Pine Orchard Golf Course.
NEW this year! 2 Mile Walk Option
Designed for all ages and abilities, this fun and casual walk is the perfect way for the whole family to be part of the event and kick off Thanksgiving day together!
Enjoy the Party!
The event features a pre- and post-race party! Before you begin your Thanksgiving Day meal, enjoy kids activities, music, and grab & go food!
Sponsorship Opportunities
With your help, we can raise thousands of dollars to help the Branford Rotary Club provide food for the hungry. To learn more about becoming a sponsor contact John Bysiewicz at (203) 481-5933 or john@jbsports.com
Rotary Club of Branford
The Rotary Club of Branford is a group of professionals and community leaders who volunteer their time and effort to improve live in Branford, across the shoreline, and around the world.
Your entry into the 2025 Thanksgiving 5K and Fun Run supports:
The Rotary Club of Branford's annual Nelson Bernabucci Veteran's Luncheon, where we feed and honor nearly 100 military veterans, many of them from the VA's Eastern Blind Rehabilitation Center.
The Rotary Club of Branford's Senior Holiday Dinner, where we cook and serve a full holiday meal for nearly 200 seniors, many of whom don't have families with whom to share the holidays.
The Branford Food Pantry, which provides meals for an average of 204 families (about 500 people) per month.
Orchard House Adult Medical Day Center, a Branford non-profit that assists those with Alzheimer's and their families.
Branford Counseling and Community Services, which provides an incredible array of social services for residents in need.
“Liberty Bank and its Rotary partners have raised money in the weeks before Thanksgiving. For every dollar donated, Liberty’s charitable foundation adds 25 cents. Funds are deposited into each Rotary Club’s account at Liberty, and are donated by each club to a nonprofit or municipal agency providing Thanksgiving food to local residents. All funds are donated within the communities where they are raised.” - Liberty Bank representative.
November 26, 2026 | Thanksgiving
Walsh Intermediate School
185 Damascus Road, Branford, CT 06405
*Event limited to 2,000 participants!
Schedule
7:30am: On Site Registration & Packet Pick-Up Open!
9:00am: Kids Fun Run Start
9:10am: 5K Start
9:12am: 2 Mile Walk Start
9:30am: Post-Race Party Begins!
10:10am: Awards ceremony
Early Packet Pick-Up - Marathon Sports!
Location: Marathon Sports Branford - 1088 Main St. Branford, CT 06405
Tuesday, November 24: 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Wednesday, November 25: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Event Proceeds
Run in support of those in need this Thanksgiving. All event proceeds help the Branford Rotary Club provide food for the hungry during the holiday season.
Parking
Parking at Walsh Intermediate School is limited to 300 spots, so carpooling to the event is encouraged. Additionally, we urge participants to park in the Meadow Wood Road/Sunset Hill area and follow the yellow signs to bypass traffic and reach your Thanksgiving destination more quickly.
Awards
First male & female finishers. Top 3 non-binary finishers.
Top 3 male & female finishers in each age category:
12 & Under, 13-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, & 80+.
All Kids Fun Runners receive finisher ribbons.
Past Results
The Y is a charitable, not-for-profit community organization that welcomes everyone! The Y is more than a building, it’s the people – people from all backgrounds who come together to improve their lives, nurture their families, and help their neighbors. People like you! Together, we make everyone feel like they belong. We care about you and your wellness journey. At the Y, we have a program or class for everyone because staying healthy and connected to your community now, is more important than ever.
Event Sponsors
