CLA Blue Back Mitten Run 5K
This festive 3.1-mile road race and walk winds through decorated residential neighborhoods and past holiday shop windows. Participants receive a holiday-inspired beanie and gather for a post-race celebration featuring cookies, hot chocolate, fresh fruit, and grab-and-go snacks. The event also features dash options for young kids and an awards ceremony near the gazebo.
What to Expect
Festive 5K road race winding through decorated West Hartford neighborhoods.
Event Details
Duration
Course limit: 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Blue Back Square
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Hartford Marathon Foundation
Food & Drink
Post-race refreshments include holiday cookies, hot chocolate, fresh fruit, and grab-and-go snacks.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with kids and holiday-season runners
Vibe
Festive and community-minded
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Parking: There's street parking and garage parking around West Hartford.
- Accessibility: Para athletes have their own award division. The single-loop course mixes flat stretches and rolling hills.
- Pets: Dogs are not allowed on the course; service dogs must be identified.
Tips & Advice
- Register by Sunday, November 29 and your bib comes in the mail race week, so you don't have to wait in the race-day pickup line.
- Download your Check-in Pass to your phone before you get in line on race day to speed up bib pickup.
- Bring a credit card or Apple Pay for race-day registration and merchandise, because no cash is taken for either.
- Leave your bag in the car, because there's no baggage check on race day.
- Pack a new winter hat, pair of gloves or mittens to donate, because they're being collected for neighbors in need.
Special Events & Promotions
- New in 2026: the free HMF Milestone membership, which gets you a personalized bib if you register by Sunday, November 8, plus a free gift if you have a December birthday.
- Sleigh the Ks challenge: add the Norwich Winterfest 5K and the virtual 12Ks of Christmas to earn extra swag and a Sleigh the Ks ornament.
- Event sweatshirts and adult and youth tees cost extra; buy them during registration or at the HMF Merchandise Tent on race day.
- Bring new winter hats, gloves and mittens to donate to neighbors in need; cash and checks go to the Town That Cares Fund.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a race for young kids?
Yes. HMF FitKids offers a half-mile or 1-mile dash to Blue Back Square for kids ages 2 to 11. You must be at least 5 on race day to enter the 5K, and finishers under 12 get a finisher medal at the results area.
Can I walk the course?
Walkers are welcome. The course limit is 1 hour and 20 minutes, which works out to about 27 minutes per mile.
What's at the post-race party?
Holiday cookies and hot chocolate from Stop & Shop, fresh fruit, and grab-and-go snacks from Uncle Crumbles and Lesser Evil, all at the Blue Back Square Gazebo on Isham Road. The award ceremony is held there too.
How do I get my bib?
Register by Sunday, November 29 and your bib is mailed to you race week. Otherwise, pick it up on race day at the Town Hall Parking Lot. Someone else can pick up your packet if they bring a copy of your signed waiver/permission slip.
Can I bring a stroller?
Yes, baby joggers and strollers are allowed as long as you follow HMF's stroller policy.
More Christmas Events Near West Hartford
More Christmas Events near West Hartford
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.