✔️ Mark your calendars! The race will be held this year on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
This fun community event is open to everyone who would like to race through the beautiful streets of Cayuga Heights on a spring day. Funds raised will support the CHES PTA and the many PTA-sponsored programs, activities, and events.
Registration
Online registration opens in mid-March!
Paper registration forms will also be sent home in students’ backpacks in early April. CHES PTA is committed to making this event accessible to all participants, and full scholarships are available again this year.
Race Details
Race Day: Sunday, May 3, 2026
Location: Cayuga Heights Elementary School (110 E. Upland Rd., Ithaca, NY)
There are two courses. Both are open to all:
Fun Run @ 9:00 a.m. - A shorter, non-timed run designed for children in grades K-3 remains entirely on school grounds.
5K @ 9:30 a.m. - See the race course here. This is a USA Track and Field (USATF) sanctioned event. Thank you to Finger Lakes Runners Club for sharing their expertise and equipment for race timing and registration.
Registration Fees
Pre-registration (through May 2): $15 per participant; $30 per family (2 or more participants). The price will be adjusted to reflect the family registration price when a third runner is added.
Day-of registration (May 3): $20 per participant; $40 per family. Race day registration opens at 8 a.m. and ends at 8:30 a.m.
To request a full scholarship, use coupon code CHES5K2026 during online payment or specify “X” on the paper registration form. For those able to support the event, additional donations will contribute toward the scholarship of other participants.
Got Questions? Contact: Heather Wells, Registration Manager - hknauss@gmail.com
T-shirts (Featuring Student Designs)
◀️Last Year’s Design!
Shirts are available in Youth XS-XL, Ladies XS-4XL, and Men XS-4XL.
T-shirts may be purchased for $15 each or with a scholarship (order on time to guarantee your size).
5K and Fun Run participants can order a shirt as part of race registration.
Non-runners: Shirts will be available via the PTA website.
Race Day: Limited sizes will be available, while supplies last.
Volunteers Needed
It takes a village to make the CHES 5K and Fun Run happen! We are seeking planning committee members as well as race day volunteers. Sign up using the following Google form to view available roles and indicate your area of interest.
Contact: Amara Gerarden, Volunteer Manager - amaraferebee@gmail.com
Race Contact
Mark Wells, Race Director - chespta5k@gmail.com
We will have more information available as we get closer. For regular updates, check here or sign up for the CHES PTA listserv.