5th Annual Mentoring Matters 5K powered by Best Fitness logo

5TH Annual

5th Annual Mentoring Matters 5K powered by Best Fitness

5th Annual Mentoring Matters 5K powered by Best Fitness is a running race on August 8, 2026 in Springfield, MA, with an entry fee of $40.

Date
August 8, 2026 (16 days to go)
Price
$40
Sport
Running
Register →

From the Organizer

The Mentoring Matters 5K run/walk hosted by the Follow My Steps nonprofit organization aims to raise awareness for the need for mentorship in under-resourced communities. Follow My Steps is a Springfield Massachusetts-based non-profit organization offering Youth Mentoring, Career & Skill Development, and Financial Resources.

YOUTH DISCOUNT APPLIED AT CHECKOUT!!!

This year, we are excited to announce the 5th annual Mentoring Matters 5K will be held at Forest Park. 

Note: Registration takes place at the Monkey House.

Park in Cyr Arena Parking lot.

Runners and walkers can register as teams or individuals – and have the option to fundraise as a team.
Tee Shirt included in registration (limited availability)

ABOUT FOLLOW MY STEPS

DID YOU KNOW?

Young Adults Who Were At-Risk for Falling Off Track but Had a Mentor Are:

  • 55% more likely to enroll in college
  • 130% more likely to hold leadership positions.
  • 78% more likely to volunteer regularly
  • 90% are interested in becoming a mentor

Our organization is headed by strong professional who are dedicated to elevating under-resourced students and their families. We understand that there is a disproportionate representation of minorities in key decision-making positions in all facets of leadership in the current time. We aim to close that gap by providing deserving students with the opportunity for financial, mental, and professional education. By offering mentorships to scholarship recipients, we aim to grow a network of like-minded individuals who will continuously give back to their communities and others alike.

VIRTUAL 5K OPTION: #MentoringMatters5K

#MentoringMatters5K is a virtual, non-competitive race by Follow My Steps that allows participants to choose their preferred distance and activity, such as running, walking, or dancing. It can be completed at any time from now until August 8th, and participants are encouraged to share post-challenge photos with the hashtag #MentoringMatters5K. The $40 registration fee serves as a donation to support resources for youth empowerment, including providing school supplies, financial aid for college-bound students, and hosting skill development workshops. Participants are encouraged to track their activity time and distance using a smartphone or smartwatch

Events

5th Annual Mentoring Matters 5K powered by Best Fitness$40

Weather

Typical Conditions

It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.

Typical High

84°

Typical Low

61°

Chance of Rain

42%

Based on US Climate Normals data from Westfield Barnes Muni Ap, 9 mi from the venue.

Sunrise 5:50 AMSunset 8:00 PMDaylight 14h 10m

Host City

About Springfield, MA

Population

154,751

as of 2023

City Elevation

193 ft

Nearest Airport

BDL

Bradley International Airport · 14 mi

Time Zone

Eastern Time

From Endurance Grid

A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.

Race Location

Your Next Start Line

What Are You
Waiting For?

Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at 5th Annual Mentoring Matters 5K powered by Best Fitness, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.

16

Days to train

Race
5th Annual Mentoring Matters 5K powered by Best Fitness
Date
August 8, 2026

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From Endurance Grid

About This Sport

Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it’s the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.

With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.

Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.

Read the Guide

Running

From 5K to marathon, running races are an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.

Plan your trip

Make it a Racecation

Coming from out of town? There's more to Springfield than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.

Plan your trip to Springfield
Lodging
Flights
Rental Car
Activities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the 5th Annual Mentoring Matters 5K powered by Best Fitness?+
5th Annual Mentoring Matters 5K powered by Best Fitness is a running race held in Springfield, Massachusetts on August 8, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
When and where is the 5th Annual Mentoring Matters 5K powered by Best Fitness?+
Saturday, August 8, 2026 in Springfield, Massachusetts at Forest Park(Monkey House). Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
How do I register for the 5th Annual Mentoring Matters 5K powered by Best Fitness?+
Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.

5th Annual Mentoring Matters 5K powered by Best Fitness

Aug 8, 2026

Register →