From the Organizer
Register now for the Military Appreciation Day 5K!
Join the 4th Annual MAD 5K - An Epic Race for a Great Cause!
Get ready for an incredible running experience that combines breathtaking scenery, community spirit, and meaningful support for our military heroes! Our scenic route offers stunning water views and a relatively flat course that will challenge and inspire runners of all levels.
Race Day Highlights:
- First 100 Participants: Receive an exclusive participation medal as you cross the finish line!
- Awards: First place medals for male and female runners in every age group
- Special Discounts: Veteran and active-duty military personnel enjoy exclusive pricing
Race Details:
- Start Time: 9:00 am
- Free Parking at Ocean Beach Park
- Recommended Arrival: 30-60 minutes before start time
100% of net proceeds directly support the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) - Run with purpose, run with pride!
Join us for an extraordinary Military Appreciation Day at Ocean Beach Park! Not just a 5K race, but a full day of celebration honoring our military heroes.
Active-duty military, Veterans, and their family members are invited to enjoy this incredible event FREE OF CHARGE (Military ID or DD214 required at entry).
After conquering the Military Appreciation Day 5K, immerse yourself in a day of excitement! Explore our vibrant boardwalk filled with local vendors passionately supporting our military community. Explore the military booths for those stories of dedication and pride!
https://nlmiltaryappday.org
The day concludes in a moving ceremony at 3:00pm on the boardwalk stage, where we'll honor active-duty service members with special action awards and recognize Connecticut Veterans who will receive the CT War-Time Medal.
Don't miss this incredible opportunity to celebrate our military heroes at Ocean Beach Park – recently named one of the top 25 parks in the country by Travel and Leisure!
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
79°
Typical Low
64°
Chance of Rain
32%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Groton New London Ap, 3 mi from the venue.
Host City
About New London, CT
Population
27,199
as of 2023
Elevation
30 ft
Nearest Airport
WST
Westerly State Airport · 16 mi
Major Hub
PVD
Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport · 44 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 MAD 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
More Running races near New London, CT
L+M Summer Stride 5K & 10K
10K · 5K
Less than a mile away
5K Training Program for the Battle of Stonington
5K
7 miles away
64th Annual Ocean Beach/John & Jessie Kelley Half Marathon
Half Marathon
Less than a mile away
Mohegan Striders 4-Miler at Sneekers
3 miles 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 MAD 5K?
- MAD 5K is a running race held in New London, Connecticut on August 15, 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 MAD 5K?
- Saturday, August 15, 2026 in New London, Connecticut at Ocean Beach Park, New London, CT. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the MAD 5K?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
MAD 5K
Aug 15, 2026