
5TH Annual
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.
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:
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
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.
Host City
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
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
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From Endurance Grid
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.
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.
Coming Up
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Christina's House Annual 5K Run or 1 Mile Walk
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Plan your trip
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 SpringfieldFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
5th Annual Mentoring Matters 5K powered by Best Fitness
Aug 8, 2026