RACE FOR CATHERINE

The 6th annual Race For Catherine fundraiser is here! No matter the age, no matter the place, no matter the speed, this is the “5K for Kindness” for EVERYONE. 

Join us in person on October 11th for a family friendly certified and timed run/walk unlike any other. Cuddle with the adoptable animals, meet the rescued animal ambassadors waiting for you at the finish and indulge with a free breakfast post race on us! And don’t forget about our NEW “Kids For Kindness” Dash for our littlest do-gooders aged 3-9. 

Not local? Not a problem! Virtual friends can join in any time, any place from October 9-11th. Join our worldwide community of walkers and runners by creating a team, exercising with your favorite four-legged friend or just taking some time to build a healthier YOU. And with the RaceJoy app, family and friends can follow, join, or complete from afar. 

Become a sponsor for the sixth annual RACE FOR CATHERINE and move kindness forward, one step at a time! Race sponsors have a variety of opportunities to choose from, reaching local and national audiences. To learn more about becoming a sponsor, email Info@cvhfoundation.org or call 866-620-8640.  Ready to make a payment online click here.

Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation Office at 45 Main Street, Newtown, CT. 06470 on the following dates:

• Friday, October 9th from 12-5pm
• Saturday,  October 10th from 10-3pm

Keating Farms Ave - Live Event Site

Sunday, October 11th from 7:30 - 8:30am at the Bib Pick Up tent (no virtual pickups on this date)

Please note that we highly suggest runners/walkers participating in the LIVE to pick up their racer swag prior to race day. 

LIVE EVENT - WHAT TO EXPECT ON OCTOBER 11

When and where is the event?

The RACE FOR CATHERINE takes place in-person on October 11th at the Fairfield Hills Campus, Keating Farms Ave in Newtown, CT. 
All runners/walkers have a race start time of 9am for the certified and timed 5k loop 
Kids Kindness Dash starts at 8:15am for ages 3 - 5 and 8:20 for ages 6 - 9

How do I get there and where do I park? 

Click here for directions

Please plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to the 9:00 5K race start time to find parking and arrive by 7:50am for Kid’s Dash. Overflow parking is available at the Reed Intermediate School across from the Fairfield Hills Campus. If you plan on picking up your racer swag and bib day of race please note the pick up time is only from 7:30 - 8:30 am.

How much does registration cost?

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL March 1, 2026 - April 30, 2026

• LIVE EVENT: 5K Individual Adult - $40
• LIVE EVENT: 5K Individual Youth (20 and younger) - $25
• LIVE EVENT: Kids Kindness Dash Child (ages 3-9) - $15 (Includes a race bib, finisher medal and breakfast)
• VIRTUAL: Individual Adult - $30
• VIRTUAL: Individual Youth (20 and younger) - $20

 May 1, 2026 - October 11, 2026

• LIVE EVENT: 5K Individual Adult - $45 
• LIVE EVENT: 5K Individual Youth (20 and younger) - $30
• LIVE EVENT: Kids Kindness Dash (ages 3-9) - $20 (Includes a race bib, finisher medal and breakfast)
• VIRTUAL: Individual Adult - $35
• VIRTUAL: Individual Youth (20 and younger) - $25

Is there a Minimum Fundraising Requirement for ADULTS?

There is a $25 minimum fundraising requirement for ADULT registrants, including each adult that is part of a ‘team fundraiser’. There is NO fundraising minimum requirement for youth.

Fundraising minimum must be met by October 12th. If the $25 is not met by October 12th, the credit card used for registration will be charged the difference. For example, if you fundraised $10 by October 12th your credit card is charged $15. Please note that multiple registrations on one credit card will incur minimum donation charges for any adult registration that has not met the minimum.

Does my registration fee apply toward fundraising prizes?

No. Your registration fee does not apply toward fundraising prizes.   

Can I send checks by mail towards my fundraising goal?

Yes, you can mail your checks to: Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation at PO Box 3571, Newtown, CT 06470. Please make checks payable to CVH Foundation and be sure to indicate the fundraiser the checks should be applied to. 

What is included in the registration fee?

• LIVE ADULT/YOUTH PARTICIPANTS: All registered in-person runners/walkers will receive a FREE BREAKFAST post race AND a Race For Catherine racer swag bag which includes a commemorative sports bag, t-shirt, 2026 finisher medal, racer bib, and special surprises!

• LIVE KID’S DASH: All registered children for the Kids Kindness Dash get FREE BREAKFAST, finisher medal & racer bib.  Racer t-shirt (youth medium only) can be added on at registration for a $15 additional fee.

• VIRTUAL PARTICIPANTS: All registered virtual runners/walkers receive Race For Catherine racer swag bag which includes a commemorative sports bag, t-shirt, 2026 finisher medal and racer bib.

When and where do I pick up my RACE FOR CATHERINE racer swag?

LIVE event runners/walkers will be able to pick up racer swag at the Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation Office at 45 Main Street, Newtown, CT. 06470 on the following dates:

• Friday, October 9th from 12-5pm

• Saturday,  October 10th from 10-3pm

Please note that we highly suggest runners/walkers participating in the LIVE to pick up their racer swag prior to race day. Each participant’s bib will be assigned a timer so please do not switch bibs with another participant.  In the event you are not able to pick up prior to the race, you can pick up on race day at the event from 7:30 - 8:30 am.

VIRTUAL runners/walkers who did not have swag mailed to them have the option of picking up their racer swag at one of the sessions listed above only. Virtual racer bags will not be available for pickup on race day.

How does the RaceJoy App work?

All runners/walkers participating in either the LIVE or VIRTUAL event will be using the RaceJoy experience. This app uses the built-in GPS on participant smartphones to not only track our virtual participants remotely but allows friends and family of LIVE runners/walkers to watch from afar. RaceJoy allows VIRTUAL runners to complete their own 5K on their favorite local route while staying connected with other participants in the event via the app. GPS data is transmitted in real-time and converted into timing data in the app. All registered runners/walkers will be emailed instructions to download and use RaceJoy on October 1st. Registrations received after October 1st will receive instruction upon registration.

Are children permitted to participate?

Yes, children are encouraged to participate in the RACE FOR CATHERINE! All YOUTH (20 and under) runners/walkers must be registered and are not required to do any additional fundraising. Children (9 and under) are also invited to register for the Kid’s Dash taking place before the RACE FOR CATHERINE. Children registered who are under 12 must be accompanied by a registered adult.  

May I walk with a stroller?

Yes, you may walk with a SINGLE WIDTH stroller only. Please note, whoever is riding the stroller will NOT need to be registered. Because the course is very narrow, we ask that when you can, you do not use double wide strollers. 

Are pets allowed at the LIVE event?

No. For the safety of all participants, pets* are not allowed to participate in the LIVE event due to a very NARROW course. 

*In accordance with Connecticut State law, service dogs are allowed.  A service dog is an animal who accompanies a person who is blind, deaf, or mobility impaired to help them. 

How long is the course and where does it pass through?

The course is a certified five kilometers, or 3.1 miles and weaves through Newtown’s historic Fairfield Hills Campus. 

Are spectators permitted to watch me run?

Yes, spectators are permitted. Family and friends will also be able to follow the race by downloading the RaceJoy App.

What happens if it rains?

The RACE FOR CATHERINE will take place rain or shine. In the event of cancellation due to severe weather, runners/walkers will be notified. No refunds will be given for cancellation due to severe weather.

Can you bring your bag to the event?

No bags are allowed and all items must be left in your locked vehicle. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Will there be any on-site hand washing stations or First Aid provisions?

Hand sanitizer and hand washing stations will be located near the start line and at Victory Village. There will also be a First Aid kit at the finish area to care for any minor injuries. If you are sick, please stay home and take time to recover. 

Can I register on the day of the event?

Yes, registrations will be taken on the day of the event.  Please note, you must register half hour (by 8:30) prior to start and we will do our best with racer swag, but cannot guarantee shirt sizes and swag. 

Can I fill out my registration by hand instead of online?

No, registration is online only. 

Who can I contact for general information concerning the run?

Please contact Info@CVHfoundation.org or call 866-620-8640

How will I be able to claim my prize(s)?

Post event prizes will be awarded at the race site Victory Village upon completion of the event.

How do virtual participants claim their fundraising prizes?

Prizes for virtual participants will be mailed the week of October 12th.

What is the refund policy?

There are no refunds on registration fees or donations for the RACE FOR CATHERINE event.

Live event held on October 11th is located at the Fairfield Hills Campus, Keating Farm Ave, Newtown, CT

Please arrive 30 minutes early to park in designated parking areas.  No parking on grassy areas.  Additional parking available at Reed Intermediate School across the street.

Six-year-old Catherine Violet Hubbard was kind. A lover of all animals, she always made a point to show them extraordinary compassion, often whispering, “tell all your friends that I am kind”. Animals were her passion and she promised that when she grew up, she would care and protect them all. Tragically, on December 14th, 2012, Catherine’s life ended at Sandy Hook Elementary School – cutting short a young girl’s dream before it could become a reality. To continue her crusade of compassion, the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary is coming to life in Newtown, CT – a place where all creatures will know they are safe and people are kind, just as Catherine would have wanted.

The Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary enriches the lives of all beings by promoting compassion and acceptance. By honoring the bond between animals, humans and the environment, we’re creating a kinder and gentler world for all. 

All proceeds from the RACE FOR CATHERINE support our work in providing direct care to animals, educational initiatives, and environmental stewardship - ensuring animals live safe from harm in homes and native habitats. We have discovered that when humans are caring, learning, or actively helping animals or protecting habitats, they become kinder to all. To learn more about our efforts, please visit our website: CVHFoundation.org

All adult registrants must also raise at least $25 by October 12th. If you do not meet the $25 fundraising requirement prior to October 12, 2026, the remainder of the requirement will be charged to the credit card that you used during registration.

How to Create a Fundraising Team:

Find detailed instructions and tutorial Here

• Navigate to the Race Page.
• Select Register to begin the registration process.
• Enter in all participant information and click Continue
• First you need to create a Fundraiser.
• Select Become a Fundraiser.
• Enter in a name for your new Fundraiser
• Enter in a goal for your new Fundraiser
• Add a message to describe your Fundraiser
• Now you will create the Fundraising Team (Scroll down till you see Team Fundraiser)
• Enter in a name for your Fundraising Team.
• Enter in a goal for your new Fundraising Team.
• Add a message to describe your Fundraising Team
• Now select any donation levels that you would like to donate towards your Fundraiser
• Select who this donation will be on behalf of
• Click Continue
• Complete your registration

Participants will have multiple opportunities to pick up their official Race for Catherine bib number and merchandise at Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St., Newtown, CT.

• Friday, October 9th from 11-5pm

• Saturday,  October 10th from 10-5pm

Please note that we highly suggest runners/walkers participating in the LIVE to pick up their racer swag prior to race day. Each participant’s bib will be assigned a timer so please do not switch bibs with another participant.  In the event you are not able to pick up prior to the race, you can pick up on race day at the event bib pick up tent from 7:30 - 8:30 am.

VIRTUAL runners/walkers who did not have swag mailed to them have the option of picking up their racer swag at our office only, 45 Main St.  No virtual racer bags will be available at the live event.  Virtual racers swag will not be mailed if the shipping fee was not paid or swag was not picked up at designated times.