Registration Is Now Open!
About the Great Island 5K
The Great Island 5K starts and finishes in the spectacular Great Island Common. It runs through the historic streets of New Castle, New Hampshire and along the banks of the Piscataqua River and Atlantic Ocean. We are a family friendly race with 3 fun runs and a playground for the kids. Our food, hospitality and raffle are legendary!
Charitable Mission
We are a 5K 501c3 non-profit organization with 100% of our proceeds going to charitable causes in the Seacoast and beyond. In 31 years, we have awarded close to $400,000 to charity. Among our many contributions, each year we award the Janet Parkinson and Thomas W. Quinn memorial scholarships to deserving college bound high school seniors totaling $4,000. We also provide significant yearly support to the Portsmouth High Track and Cross Country Booster organization as well as support to the MHT Elementary School skating program and track team.
Why The Great Island 5K?
Beautiful Course
Starts and finishes at the the mouth of the Piscataqua River and winds through historic New Castle.
Family Friendly
3 kids fun runs and strollers welcome. Enjoy our great playground.
For A Cause
100% of our proceeds go to charity!
Wonderful Volunteers
Lots of support for the local community to help with everything from parking to the kids fun runs.
Fantastic Food
An extensive selection of homemade back goods and soups, fruit yogurts etc.
Extensive Awards
Cash to the top 3 Open and Age Graded Master finishers. Certificates or merchandise to the top 3 in 14 age groups including 5 year increments for age 60 through 90.
Huge Raffle
Legendary raffle free to all 5K participants.
Encouraging Older Athletes to Participate
Endorsed by the New England 65-Plus Runners Club
Photo Gallery
See photos from the 2024 Great Island 5K in our photo album!
Race Info
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Where is the race?
Both the registration center and the start of the race are at the Great Island Common in New Castle, NH. The start and finish are less than 200 meters from the registration center. The Great Island Common is located at 301 Wentworth Road (Route 1B), New Castle, NH 03854.
To see a map of the course, click here.
- What does the race cost?
The on-line entry fee for the race is $40.00 plus a processing fee. The day before and day of in-person entry fee is $45.00. The cost for online entry into the fun run is $10.00 (plus a processing fee) and the entry fee the day before and day of is also $10.00. -
When is pre-race and race day registration and number pick-up?
5K runners may register or pick up their numbers and hats (if already registered) at the following days/times:
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On the Saturday before the race from 5:30 — 6:30 PM at the Great Island Common Recreation Building.
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On race day from 8:15 – 9:45 AM at the Great Island Common Recreation Building.
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For those looking to register in person, we accept cash, check, or Venmo.
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Am I guaranteed a hat?
The first 600 entrants will receive a hat.
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Are walkers welcome?
Walking is a great way to take in the beauty of our course. We encourage those interested in walking to join the fun!
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Are strollers allowed?
The GI5K course is scenic but has many corners. In addition, we have over 1000 runners and walkers. For these reasons, we allow only non-competitive strollers. People with strollers are asked to start at the back of the pack and be considerate of the walkers and runners around them. Please come with your child or children but take your time and soak up the full GI5K experience.
- Can I get a refund?
Sorry, refunds are not available for the Great Island 5K. For more information, contact the race at GreatIsland5k2025@gmail.com.
