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 help provide essential programs, educational enrichment, community events, classroom resources, and after-school support.
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.
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.
All ages and experience levels are welcome!
Registration
Online registration opens on March 15!
A flyer with QR code will be sent home in students’ backpacks by early April. CHES PTA is committed to making this event accessible to all participants, and full scholarships are available again this year.
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. For those able to support the event, additional donations will contribute toward the scholarship of other participants.
Paper registration forms will be available at the CHES Main Office.
Got Questions? Contact: Heather Wells, Registration Manager - hknauss@gmail.com
T-shirts (Featuring Student Designs)
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 for purchase on the PTA website.
Race Day: Limited sizes will be available, while supplies last.
Last year’s design (2025)
Title Sponsor
Platinum Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
• Cayuga Health •
Silver Sponsors
In Kind Donations
• Wegmans• Cornell Dairy • Gimme! Coffee • Instant Replay Sports •
• Maxie’s Supper Club • Rasa Spa and Waterfront Grill • Sciencenter•
• Papa Johns Pizza • Sumo • Chipotle • Texas Roadhouse •
• Hangar Theatre • Finger Lakes Gymnastics Center • Celebrating Smiles Orthodontics •
• Northside Wine & Spirits •
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.
Questions? Contact a Volunteer Manager.
Amara Gerarden - amaraferebee@gmail.com
Audrey Saccio - audrey.saccio@gmail.com
Race Contact
Mark Wells, Race Director - chespta5k@gmail.com
For regular updates, check here or sign up for the CHES PTA listserv.
