Fall Fest 5K: Run & Walk for the Esplanade

Celebrate autumn along the Charles River at the Fall Fest 5K: Run & Walk for the Esplanade!

Join the Esplanade Association on Sunday, October 25 for a morning of fitness, community, and fall fun while supporting the Esplanade Association's mission to revitalize, enhance, sustain, and build community inone of Boston's most treasured public spaces. Whether you're racing the professionally timed 5K or enjoying our 1.5 mile community walk at a more relaxed pace, there's a place for everyone. The walk welcomes participants of all ages and abilities - including families, dog lovers, and anyone looking to enjoy the beautiful fall scenery on the Esplanade's shared-use public pathways.

The fun doesn't stop at the finish line! Stick around for Fall Fest, featuring family-friendly activities, local community partners, food, music, giveaways, seasonal fun, and new this year: the Paws & Pumpkins Parade, where four-legged friends can join in the celebration and partake in a festive costume contest!Whether you're running, walking, cheering on participants, or simply enjoying the festivities, you'll be helping support the Esplanade Association's free programs, events, and year-round care of Boston's iconic waterfront park.

Registration is limited, so gather your friends, family, coworkers, and even your pup(s) and join us for a memorable day!

EVENT DETAILS

Location: Charles River Esplanade, Fiedler Field

***Please Note: This is a different location in the park than in previous event years. It is next to the Night Shift Beer Garden across the lagoon from the Hatch Memorial Shell***

Event Times (subject to change):

• 8:00am - 5K Registration open, vendor fair begins
• 9:00am - 5K Run begins, rain or shine!
• 9:40am - 5K Run awards
• 9:45am - Paws & Pumpkins Parade meets; costume awards at 10:30am
• 10:15am - 1.5 Mile Walk begins
• 11:00am - Team Walk awards
• 12:30pm - Fall Fest concludes

REGISTRATION AND TICKETS

Pre-Event Registration (closes Saturday, October 24th at 12:00pm EST)

 We highly recommend securing your spot sooner rather than later as this event tends to sell out!

• $35.00: Run Registration
  • Participants in the run will receive a chipped bib for professional timing, race results, and will be eligible for individual and team prizes
• $35.00: Walk Registration
  • Participants in the walk will receive a bib (not chipped for time) and will be eligible for individual and team prizes

Day-of Registration

• $45.00: Day-of Registration (both Run & Walk)
  • Only available if not sold out!

ALL Registrants Will Receive

• Virtual Prize Bag (shared post event via email)

• Pre-Event Packet with information, sent out virtually

5K RUN AWARD CATEGORIES

• 1st Place Overall in Male/Female/Non-binary

• 10 & Under Male/Female

• 11-14 Male/Female

• 15-19 Male/Female

• 20-29 Male/Female

• 30-39 Male/Female

• 40-49 Male/Female

• 50-59 Male/Female

• 60-69 Male/Female

• 70-79 Male/Female

• 80+ Male/Female

NEW this year: Team Awards! Awards will be distributed for largest team, best team costume, and highest fundraising amount by a team!

BIB PICKUP

EARLY Bib Pickup 

• Thursday, October 22nd 

  • Time: 10:00am - 3:00pm

  • Location: Esplanade Association office (575 Boylston Street, Suite 4R, Boston, MA 02116)

• Friday, October 23rd

  • Time: 12:00pm - 6:00pm

  • Location: Marathon Sports in Back Bay (671 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116)

  • All registrants who pick-up their bib at Marathon Sports can take advantage of a 20% discount on purchases (certain exclusions apply)

Day Of Pickup

• You may also pick up your bib starting at 8am day-of at the Registration Tent. Please arrive early to ensure you have time pick up your bib before the race begins!

TEAM REGISTRATION

Registering a team can be done online during the registration process. If you have any questions, please contact programs@esplanade.org

SPONSORSHIP & TABLING

Interested in seeing your company as a supporter or are you hoping to share about your company/organization by setting up a table or booth? Learn more about event sponsorship opportunities and tabling by contacting programs@esplanade.org  

VOLUNTEER

If you are interested in volunteering at the 5K, please email Molly Ryan at mryan@esplanade.org

DOGS AND STROLLERS POLICY

We welcome families, walkers, and furry friends—but safety comes first!

Strollers and leashed dogs are permitted to participate during the Walk only. Of course, dogs are welcome to join us for the Paws & Pumpkins Parade, too! For the safety of all participants, dogs and strollers are not permitted in the 5K Run.

If you plan to participate in the walk with a dog or stroller, please review the following guidelines:

• Start at the back of the Walk to ensure a smooth and safe experience for all.

• Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

• Please ensure your dog is well-behaved, up to date on vaccinations, and comfortable in crowds.

• Be prepared to clean up after your dog—waste bags are required.

These policies help ensure a safe and enjoyable event for everyone on the Esplanade.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: ACCESSIBILITY

We are committed to making the event as accessible and inclusive as possible. Here’s what to know about navigating the event space:

• Entrances
  • The Frances Appleton Pedestrian Bridge at Charles Circle is the most accessible entry point to the park. There are two at-grade entrances to the park on either end of the park. One near the Museum of Science and Boston Police Barracks and the near the BU sailing pavilion.
• Interior Footbridges
  • There are footbridges inside of the park that will be used as part of the race route that are constructed with cobblestone, creating an uneven surface. See example view of bridges. Please let us know if you anticipate this impacting your ability to participate.
• Rideshare Drop-Off
  • If you’re looking to access the park via the Frances Appleton Footbridge, we recommend using 170 Charles Street (The Whitney Hotel) as your rideshare drop-off location.
• Terrain
  • The Esplanade has over five miles of paved pathways. Although they vary in width and smoothness, they are largely welcoming to all park visitors. 
• Restrooms
  • There will be accessible gender-neutral portable restrooms on site.
• Noise Level
  • Expect occasional loud moments during the event, including music, speaker announcements, and cheering. These may affect guests who are sensitive to sound or rely on auditory cues for navigation. We encourage bringing noise-reducing gear if helpful.

For additional accessibility questions or requests, please contact info@esplanade.org 

EVENT FAQ

What is the difference between the Run and the Walk?

• The 5K Run is a timed event with separate start times and awards. The 5K Run is also family-friendly and we encourage all to participate that wish to do a more “competitive” (including competing against yourself) and fast-paced event. The Walk is untimed, family-friendly, and open to all—strollers and leashed dogs are welcome in the Walk only. The Walk is shorter, at 1.5 miles.

Why did you change the format to include a "Walk" this year?

• In an effort to be as inclusive as possible, and with the growing number of people interested, the decision was made to offer 2 distinct options. Pathway safety was also considered in this decision as the pathways can be narrow at times and crowded with both event participants and the general-use public. This update will mitigate overcrowding on the pathways, provide a space for all ability levels, and an option for everyone to come out and enjoy the event, all while ensuring a safe event.

Can I walk in the 5K Run? 

• YES- walking is allowed in the 5K Run, but we ask that slower participants to start in the back (last wave). Please note: strollers and dogs are not permitted in the Run.

Will restrooms be available on site?

• YES- we will have portable restrooms available, including ADA Portable Restrooms, on site at Fiedler Field.

Are there awards or prizes?

• We will have awards/prizes for top finishers in their categories (see race categories) for the 5K Run. Participants in the 5K Run will be provided a chipped bib for timing.  This year, Team Awards will be delivered for the walk!

Will there be t-shirts?

• NO- in an effort to reduce textile waste and continue to work towards a more sustainable and climate-friendly event, we will not be offering t-shirts. HOWEVER we will be offering a free, recycled and recyclable commemorative customized cup to registrants!

Is there same-day registration?

• YES- You may register the day of the event however we highly recommend pre-registration as historically this race has sold out. Registration will open at 8:00am. Please note that we can not guarantee a customized race bib if you register day-of and the cost of registration will be $45.00 for BOTH the Run and Walk.

What if it rains?

• The event is rain or shine! In cases of extreme weather, we’ll notify participants of any delays or cancellations via email, social media, and on our website.

Can I get a refund if I am no longer able to make it?

• Registrations are non-refundable, though you are able to transfer your registration. Please contact programs@esplanade.org if you have any questions. Your registration fee supports the Esplanade Association’s ability to care for the park, sustain it’s natural beauty, and provide free public programming for all!

I am interested in volunteering, how do I sign up to volunteer?

• ABSOLUTELY! We would love to have you as a volunteer. Please contact volunteers@esplanade.org if you would like more information.

Is there parking on the Esplanade?

• NO- There is not parking inside of the park. You can park in nearby garages or take advantage of the free metered street parking in Boston on Sundays.

THIS EVENT SUPPORTS

Proceeds from this the 5K support EA's work to revitalize the Esplanade's greenspace, improve infrastructure and build community through free educational, cultural, and recreational programs for all. Our sole mission is to make our beloved riverfront state park more vibrant and vital to our shared health, connection and joy! Thanks for contributing as a friend of the Esplanade!