With your participation, we aim to raise $25,000 to support clinical trial research at the Smilow Cancer Center. Smilow focuses on innovative cancer treatments and quality care for patients who have been given a devastating cancer diagnosis.

We are excited to announce that prize money continues in 2024!!! We will be awarding sponsor provided cash money to the top 3 overall male and female finishers for the in-person 5K and the 10K. (Female 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Male 1st, 2nd, 3rd) You can only participate in one event.

All participants that register for 5K/10K will receive our signature 2024 BE HAPPY race t-shirt. All participants who finish the 5K/10K will also get a custom "BE HAPPY" finisher medal after crossing the finish line (kid's fun run runners will get a “fun run” medal after crossing the finish line).

The kid's 1K (open to our fun runners ages 10 and under) will begin at 7:30 a.m. - with fun runners beginning at the Villages entrance and running an action packed 0.6 miles on a (safe) closed loop finishing in front of the Villages Clubhouse. This closed community will be alive with the cheers of supporters and the Official Be Happy Cheer Squad...safely socially distancing...rooting everyone on!

The 5K and 10K races will begin together at 8:00am beginning with a double loop through the vibrant development at the Villages at Poquonock before turning left out onto the scenic streets of this beautiful town. Courses are USATF certified 5K course: CT20007JHP / 10K course: CT20006JHP

These races will be chip timed with cash prizes awarded to first, second, and third male and female overall winners. Divisional awards will also be given to the male and female winners of each division of both races (Age divisions up to 1-14,15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+), no double dipping.

You can also register for one of 3 virtual events! Run a 5K - 3.12 miles, a 10K - 6.24 miles, or our Race for Hope Challenge, which includes a 5K, 10K, and 1/2 marathon or 22.46 miles. All virtual events begin on August 27, 2023, run your miles at home on a treadmill or out in the streets of your choice then use the link to upload your results. (Those participating in our virtual events will have their race packets mailed to them after registration closes on race day.)

All race participants who register before August 16th, 2024 will have their race bibs mailed to them. Those who register after August 16th can pick up their bibs during our packet pickup windows on Saturday 08/24/2024 or on race day prior to start. Race t-shirts will be available at packet-pickup. Please contact the race director with any questions. (When registering for all events please make sure to use the mailing address where you wish to receive your race bib or virtual kit for virtual racers.)

Thank you to all who participated last year, and we hope to see you all again this August to share in the HOPE!!