About the Third Annual Harwich 5K Road Race

We are pleased to announce the 3rd Annual Harwich 5K Road Race. Last year’s race was a great success as we hosted over 700 participants with many new runners and walkers and many from our own town of Harwich. Thanks to our wonderful sponsors and attendees we were able to donate almost $10,000 to purchase new fitness equipment, and team sports uniforms to the Harwich Elementary School, Harwich Middle School, Harwich High School, and money towards The Harwich Community Center Youth Fitness Programs and a new playground for the Children’s Center in Harwich. We are ready for this year’s race and eager to raise even more money.

The race is brought to you under the guidance of the Friends of Harwich Youth and all proceeds will go towards Youth Fitness Related Programs for the town of Harwich. Friends of Harwich Youth is a non-profit 501 c3 charitable organization whose mission continues to be in the raising and providing funds for many youth programs in Harwich. Financial Sponsorship participations are from as little to $100 up to $1,000.

This race has now been certified by US Track and Field and will start and finish at the School House/Harwich Chamber of Commerce in downtown Harwich Port with a fun celebration party and award ceremony at Ember Coal Fired Pizza and Wings.

The Harwich 5K Road Race is a commitment from our town to keep our kids moving! All age groups are welcome to participate-- to walk or run and enjoy the course.

Our Short Story about Our Race
Once upon a time—matter of fact-about 7 years ago--- there was a small group of local Harwich Moms who decided to get in shape. They formed a work out group at 5:30 AM before their kids went to school with a promise to get fit. This group took advantage of the Cape Cod Fresh air and enjoyed outdoor workouts (weights and all). They started their workouts by walking through the Harwich neighborhoods (even in the bitter cold). The walks became faster and faster and until they started to run. The short runs extended to a few mailboxes and then telephone poles. Slowly they worked their way up to doing their first 5K. Soon after that they did more 5ks and even 10ks and more. That brings us to the formation of the Harwich 5K Road Race. The previous McCourt 5K was one of the first official races that this group ran. A couple of these ladies were standing in the starting line and heard the announcement that the McCourt race was being retired from the area. Being very sadden over this news…this group –who are moms and passionate about fitness and kids...were encouraged to take the race over. One thing led to another and a new race was formed -- the Harwich 5K was born with a mission to bring families together to enjoy fitness outside and donate the proceeds to kids’ fitness programs in the town. We were excited that the Friends of Harwich Youth had the same belief as us and took on the official hosting of the event. Fundraising was done the old fashion way--door to door, lots of phone calls, meetings and letters etc. Inexpensive sponsorships were offered to encourage local businesses to get involved. Last year there are over 40+ sponsors...We even had businesses sponsoring water stations and supermarkets donating water/fruit for the finish line. We had all of the Harwich schools involved (students and faculty) to help us promote the event and then joined to participate in the race. We had a guest dj announcer, a photographer ,a personal trainer for pre stretch. Trophies were donated, supplies were donated...the whole town came together to help-- not just with money, but with items we needed for the race and their time. We learned about the magic of Facebook to help spread the word about our grass roots efforts. We had very young kids 6+ years old here do the entire 5K--no special kiddie race for them.. They get to do a real race with grown ups...so they too can earn their medals. It's been a long journey-- but lots of fun and a great learning experience. We have met wonderful people who all believe in our kids and getting them outside and fit. Thanks to all of you for helping us spread the word and being part of the race!