Fall Fest: Run & Walk for the Esplanade

Celebrate autumn along the Charles River at the Fall Fest: 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 in one of Boston's most treasured public spaces. Whether you're racing the professionally timed 5K or enjoying our 1.5 mile community walk, 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. Fiedler Field is next to the Night Shift Beer Garden across the lagoon from the DCR 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

Route maps coming soon!

REGISTRATION AND TICKETS

Run Pre-Event Registration: $35 (closes Saturday, October 24th at MIDNIGHT)

Run Day-of Registration: $50

Walk Registration: $35

Paws & Pumpkins Parade: $15 suggested donation

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

ALL Registrants will receive a chipped bib for professional timing, race results, and will be eligible for individual and team prizes, virtual prize bag, and a pre-event packet.

TRAINING

NEW this year! Train for the 5K with us in the park! Every Wednesday at 7am from September 16 - October 21, join us for our FREE beginner 5K training program. Led by local run coach Trish Moran, this group will offer camaraderie, training tips, and a structured run each week for 6 weeks leading up to the Esplanade's Fall Fest 5K. We'll gather at the statue of Arthur Fiedler, near Night Shift on the Esplanade. Feel free to bring your friends - all are welcome!

Learn more and sign up here: River Fit Fall 2026: Beginner 5K Training Group

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
• Best individual costume
• Highest fundraising amount by an individual
• Team Awards!
  • Awards will be distributed for largest team, best team costume, and highest fundraising amount by a team!

WALK AWARD CATEGORIES

• Best individual costume
• Highest fundraising amount by an individual
• Team Awards!
  • Awards will be distributed for largest team, best team costume, and highest fundraising amount by a team!

PAWS & PUMPKINS AWARD CATEGORIES

• Most creative costume
• Scariest costume
• Funniest costume
• Best dog/owner duo costume

BIB PICKUP

Pre-event pickup details coming soon!

On-site pickup: You may 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 & FUNDRAISING

You can start or join a team for the Run and Walk during registration. You can also start or join a team fundraiser during registration. This year, teams in both the Run and Walk are eligible for awards, including largest team, best team costume, and highest fundraising amount by a team! Run/Walk teams are not necessarily tied to Fundraising teams; you will need to set up/join a Team during each step of the registration process if you would like to be eligible for all categories of prizes. If you have any questions, please contact programs@esplanade.org.

SPONSORSHIP & TABLING

Interested in seeing your company as a sponsor? Want to share about your 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 this event, please email volunteer@esplanade.org

DOGS AND STROLLERS POLICY (Run & Walk)

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 

THIS EVENT SUPPORTS

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