Central Vermont Runners (CVR) and the Vermont Senior Games Association (VSGA) present the 47th Annual Northfield 5k and One-mile kids' race on Saturday, September 5, in downtown Northfield. This exciting community event for young and old kicks off Northfield's Labor Day weekend festivities.

The Northfield 5k is endorsed by the New England 65-Plus Runners Club, an organization of active senior athletes from all areas of New England and beyond. 

Please note: New start time for 2026 Kids One Mile Race! 

Race Day Schedule:

  8:45 a.m. - Kids One Mile Race (ages 6 - 11)

  9:15 a.m.  Opening Ceremony - National Anthem

  9:30 a.m. - 5k Race (ages 10 and up)

10:30 a.m. - Awards Ceremony for 5k Race & Kids One-Mile Race

Race day bib number pickup:

• Depot Square, Northfield, near the stage
• Kids One Mile bib number pickup: 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
• 5K Race bib number pickup: 8:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.

The 5k Race begins in front of the Northfield Savings Bank on Rt. 12. Mile markers will be posted along the 5k course. A water station will be located at the midpoint of the 5K course. Course maps will be available.

The Kids One Mile race begins on Rt. 12 near the Northfield Post Office, continues up the hill, and loops back to the finish line at Depot Square via South Street, Central Street, and Wall Street. 

Please note that strollers, headphones, and dogs are not allowed in the races. Minors under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign the waiver for the minor. The awards ceremony follows the 5k race.

Directions/Parking/Portalets:

From Interstate 89 take Exit 5 to VT Rt.64 west toward Northfield. Turn right on Rt.12 north. Proceed past Norwich University toward downtown.

On-street parking is available along the right side of Main St. (Route 12) as you head down the hill. Port-a-lets will be set up on the west side of Depot Square.

Online registration is encouraged!

Registration fees/dates:5k Race (ages 10 and up)

$20 - Until August 25*$25 - August 26 - September 3*$30 - Race day

* $5 online registration discount (automatically applied at checkout) for ages 65+ and ages 10-19 in the 5k run/walk.

One Mile Kids' Race (ages 6-11)

  $5 - Until August 25$10 - August 26 - September 3$15 - Race day

Prizes:

One Mile Kids Race: Medals for all finishers. Prizes for top three female, male, and nonbinary finishers in two age groups: Ages 6 to 8 and Ages 9 to 11

CVR Age Group Awards:  For the 5k race, CVR will award a prize to the fastest male, female, and nonbinary finisher in five-year age groups: 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89, and 90+. For the 1-mile kids' run, prizes go to the top three male, female, and nonbinary participants in age groups 6-8 and 9-11.

Vermont Senior Games medals: VSGA will award gold, silver, and bronze medals, respectively, to the top three male, female, and nonbinary finishers over age 50 (five-year age groups) in the 5k race.

Beneficiaries:

Race proceeds support Central Vermont Runners and the Vermont Senior Games Association

Additional Beneficiary: 

Please consider making an additional $2 (or larger) contribution to support CVR's Youth Running Program mini-grants, which provide vital support for middle and high school cross country, track and field, and elementary school youth running programs in Central Vermont and the Northeast Kingdom. Thank you!

Northfield 5k & Kids One Mile Race Director: Tim Noonan