Blue Back Mitten Run

DEC

6

2026

A community 5K through West Hartford's decorated neighborhoods with a kids run, holiday beanie and cookies, a winter clothing collection, and linked holiday race challenges.

Sun 6 Dec 2026

West Hartford, Connecticut

Website Registration

5 kilometers

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CLA Blue Back Mitten Run

The CLA Blue Back Mitten Run is a seasonal community road race held in West Hartford. The main event is a 3.1-mile road race that winds through decorated neighborhoods and past festive shop windows, finishing in Blue Back Square. The 5K is presented as a family tradition welcoming runners and walkers of various ages and abilities.

Participants in the 5K receive a holiday inspired beanie and post-race holiday cookies in Blue Back Square. In 2025 the race was sold out.

The event includes a youth component, HMF FitKids, with options for a 1/2 mile dash or a 1-mile dash to Blue Back Square for children ages 2 to 11.

The Sleigh the Ks holiday challenge links the CLA Blue Back Mitten Run with other seasonal races. Completing the linked events can earn a long-sleeved shirt, a sweatshirt for the 12Ks of Christmas challenge, and an optional Sleigh the Ks ornament.

A free HMF Milestone membership program introduced in 2026 offers perks such as a custom birthday gift, a personalized bib at select events if registered four weeks in advance, and access to member-only wait lists for sold out events. An optional HMF Milestone+ paid tier adds specialty apparel, extra loyalty rewards, and one Mail My Packet service at premier events.

Collections are taken for new winter hats, gloves, and mittens and cash or checks can support the Town That Cares Fund. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.