Run for Unity is a running race on August 15, 2026 in New London, CT.
From the Organizer
Welcome to the Blue Bag Foundation’s Run for Unity 2026!
Join us for a powerful day of movement, culture, and community advocacy at the New London High School Sports Complex. The Unity Run is more than just a race—it is a community-wide gathering dedicated to raising awareness and driving systemic change through the Blue Bag Youth Empowerment and Safety Act (BYESA).
Whether you are a competitive runner, a casual walker, a volunteer, or a passionate community supporter, there is a place for you on the field. Bring your energy, your team spirit, and your commitment to making a lasting difference!
Special Community Drive: Sneakers Only!
We are hosting a critical youth footwear drive directly at the event to support local youth.
What to bring: Brand new or gently used athletic sneakers.
What NOT to bring: Please, no boots, dress shoes, or heels. We are strictly collecting athletic footwear to ensure our youth have the support they need for their daily lives.
Event Schedule (Saturday, August 15, 2026)
8:30 AM – Gates Open & On-Site Registration
9:45 AM – Kids Three-Legged Fun Run
10:00 AM – Official Unity Run & Community Walk Begins
11:30 AM – Cultural Showcase (Featuring an HBCU & Divine Nine Stroll-Off Showcase) & Team Spirit Competitions
Race Day Highlights
Live Entertainment: Professional audio production and a live DJ to keep our energy high throughout the day.
Community Plaza: Explore our Health & Wellness Vendor Plaza and the Community Empowerment Zone.
Team Awards: Form a team with your friends, family, or colleagues and compete for the "Team Spirit" and "Best Dressed Team" awards!
Get Involved
Lace up your sneakers and register today to move together for community and change!
For information on vendor spaces, sponsorships, or volunteer opportunities, please visit www.BlueBagFoundation.org.
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
79°
Typical Low
64°
Chance of Rain
32%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Groton New London Ap, 4 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
27,199
as of 2023
City 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
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Run for Unity, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Enter your email and we'll send more your way.
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
64th Annual Ocean Beach/John & Jessie Kelley Half Marathon
1 mile away
MAD 5K
1 mile away
Mohegan Striders 4-Miler at Sneekers
3 miles away
Groton City Brew Run
3 miles away
Plan your trip
Coming from out of town? There's more to New London 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 New LondonFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Run for Unity
Aug 15, 2026