Event Information
About the Event
Join The Big E for a special race day that kicks off the Fair season! Run or walk the 5K Road Race or compete with a friend in the fun Big 5K Scramble—a course with Big E-themed challenges around every corner. This family-friendly event also includes a Kids Fun Run for ages 10 and under. Cash prizes will be awarded to top finishers in both the Road Race and Scramble. The event wraps with a Storrowton Tavern Patio Party that includes giveaways and an awards ceremony.
Can't make it? Run or walk the Virtual Race at your own pace from any location you choose—on the road, on the trail, or on the treadmill! Be among the first 300 people to register and submit your time before September 3rd, and we will mail you a special swag bag for participating.
Do the race solo, sign up with a team or run for a cause! Register now to be in The Fun 300— the first 300 people to register will receive a swag bag with a t-shirt, single-day admission ticket to Fair, patio party drink ticket and more. The first 100 kids registered will also receive a swag bag.
Dress in your Big E best as team and solo runners have an opportunity to win The Big E Spirit Award! All proceeds from the race benefit youth agriculture and education activities at the Eastern States Exposition.
As part of Hunger Awareness Month, we invite you to help us address food insecurity in our community by donating non-perishable food items to “Stuff the Van” for West Springfield’s Parish Cupboard. Our goal is to fill the Parish Cupboard’s delivery van with healthy food for people in this region. Bring your donations to the race and receive free Giant Slide tickets for your visit to The Big E!
The Big 5K Road Race
Compete in a 5K through the fairgrounds on a USAFT certified course. Open to runners and walkers. Cash prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place male and female finishers. Medals will be awarded to the first place male and female finishers in each age division. Start Time: 6:45pm
The Big 5K Scramble
Add some fair flair to the 5K by participating in the Scramble! There is a new Big E-themed challenge every lap - to be announced closer to the event. Cash prizes will be awarded to the first place male and female finisher. Start Time: 6:45pm
Kids Fun Run
Dash down the Avenue of States with our mascot Chick-E, the quick chick! Swag Bags available to the first 100 signups. The Fun Run is open to all children ages 10 and under. Registration is free with the donation of a canned good. Start Time: 6:30pm
Virtual Race
Run or walk the Virtual Race at your own pace from any location you choose--on the road, on the trail, or on the treadmill!
Course & Awards
The Big 5K is a USATF certified course that takes participants through the Exposition's 175-acre grounds during Fair set up. The awards ceremony will take place 30 minutes after the race. Race Day prizes for the top male and female finishers are as follows:
- The Big 5K Road Race First Place: $300
- The Big 5K Road Race Second Place: $200
- The Big 5K Road Race Third Place: $100
- The Big 5K Scramble First Place: $300
Medals for The Big 5K Road Race will be given in each age division for the first place male and female winner. Divisions are Under 18, 19 - 29, 30 - 39, 40 - 49, 50 - 59, 60 - 69, and 70 +.
Participants in The Big 5K Road Race and 5K Scramble are eligible to win the Best Team Award and The Big E Spirit Award.
Packet Pick-Up & Directions
Pick up packets on Race Day from 12pm - 6pm at the Eastern States Exposition's Transportation Center, located inside Gate 1. Use 1761 Memorial Avenue as your GPS destination address.
Race Registration Costs
Before December 31 at 11:59pm: Road Race $25 / Scramble $35
After January 1, 2021: Virtual Race $20 / Road Race $30 / Scramble $40
Walk up/Day of Registration: Road Race $35 / Scramble $45
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