Boots and Blooms 5K
- Date
- September 30 – October 4, 2026
- Distance
- 5K · Virtual 5K
From the Organizer
The Boots and Blooms 5K is a race in honor and memory of ALL of the babies gone too soon. The Boots and Blooms Foundation was created in loving memory of our daughter, Lilly, and our son, Andy, to help other bereaved families who experience the devastating loss of a child.
Our 5K will be held annually on the first Saturday in October to kick off Pregnancy and Infant loss awareness month. This year’s race will be 10/3/2026. We will also have a virtual 5K option open 10/1/26-10/5/26. This is a walk or run event!
Since our daughter Lilly was stillborn on May 14, 2018 we have made it our mission to help other bereaved families. We lost our son Andy on February 17, 2023 and unfortunately have been through this nightmare twice now and know how important it is to be able to make memories with your baby. With the help of our family and friends, as well as the proceeds from our previous fundraising events, we have been able to help hundreds of bereaved families create memories with their babies during the brief time they physically have to spend with them.
Proceeds from this 5K will go towards helping other bereaved families that have to endure the unimaginable and to help them make memories with their baby while they can. We would love for you to join us to remember and honor all of the babies that should still physically be here with us.
Check out our foundation’s website or Facebook page for more info on what we’ve done to help other bereaved families.
www.bootsandbloomsfoundation.org
Giveaway
You will receive an awesome t-shirt for participating in our 5K but be sure to register by September 5th to guarantee a t-shirt as T-shirt order will be placed the first week of September.
Awards
Medals will be awarded to the top 3 male and female overall finishers as well as the top male and female finishers in each age group:
0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 and older
We can’t wait to show off this year’s medals!
Course Description
The Boots and Blooms 5K will take place at the beautiful Martin Marietta Park in New Bern, NC. The race will utilize the Dragonfly trail and other adjacent trails to have a total distance of 5K. This is an improved gravel trail with minimal elevation changes. Come run, walk, or push a jogging stroller with us! (Umbrella strollers would be ideal on the trail). Enjoy the scenic views while supporting a great cause. There will be one water station along the course and light refreshments following the race.
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
80°
Typical Low
61°
Chance of Rain
34%
Based on US Climate Normals data from New Bern Craven Co Ap, 3 mi from the venue.
Host City
About New Bern, NC
Population
31,563
as of 2023
Elevation
13 ft
Nearest Airport
EWN
Coastal Carolina Regional Airport · 3 mi
Major Hub
RDU
Raleigh-Durham International Airport · 111 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 Boots and Blooms 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
114
Days to train
- Race
- Boots and Blooms 5K
- Date
- September 30 – October 4, 2026
Coming Up
More Running races near New Bern, NC
Coastal Center for Hope & Healing's Run for Shelter
Less than a mile away
Epiphany Cross Country #1
Less than a mile away
Middle School 3K Cross Country Race @ Fightertown XC (Register on NC Milesplit)
17 miles away
Epiphany Cross Country #2
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 Boots and Blooms 5K?
- Boots and Blooms 5K is a running race held in New Bern, North Carolina on September 30, 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 Boots and Blooms 5K?
- Wednesday, September 30, 2026 in New Bern, North Carolina at 700 South Glenburnie Road, New Bern, NC. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Boots and Blooms 5K?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Boots and Blooms 5K
Sep 30, 2026