5th Annual Mentoring Matters 5K
- Date
- August 8, 2026
- Distance
- 5th Annual Mentoring Matters 5K · 5th Annual Mentoring Matters Virtual 5k
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
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, 8 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Springfield, MA
Population
154,751
as of 2023
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, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
61
Days to train
- Race
- 5th Annual Mentoring Matters 5K
- Date
- August 8, 2026
Coming Up
More Running races near Springfield, MA
46th Annual Springfield JCC Father's Day Road Race
Less than a mile away
48th Annual Springfield's Big Fourth 5K!
5K
Less than a mile away
Holy Cannoli 5K & 2 Mile
5K
Less than a mile away
Springfield Puerto Rican Parade Pa’lante 5K Run/Walk
5K
Less than a mile away
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.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the 5th Annual Mentoring Matters 5K?
- 5th Annual Mentoring Matters 5K 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?
- Saturday, August 8, 2026 in Springfield, Massachusetts at Forest Park(Monkey House), Springfield, MA. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the 5th Annual Mentoring Matters 5K?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
5th Annual Mentoring Matters 5K
Aug 8, 2026