Delaware is known for being the second-smallest state in the US. It is also famous for its popular beaches — Rehoboth, Bethany, and Dewey.
Many people like Delaware for being the first state and for having no state sales tax. Runners like it for its variety of running events, especially its 5k races.
We created a list of Delaware races worth the attention of runners with different running experiences.
Thematic
1. Turkey Trot 5K
Every self-respective state has its own Turkey Trot; some states have more than 5 of them.
In Delaware, the annual Turkey Tron 5k race takes place in Bethany Beach. The event has a noble purpose – to support the Special Olympics in Delaware.
The run starts at 9 am. Runners run a beautiful course through the Sea Colony Development. The pre-Registration Fee is $30, and the Race Day Registration Fee is $35.
Of course, there will be a party after the finish!
2. Chocolate 5K
The Chocolate 5K is a very romantic running event dedicated to St. Valentine’s Day. The run is hosted by Delaware Technical Community College and takes place a couple of days after the Day of All Lovers in Dover.
Run or walk a 5k and support the College’s Student Emergency Fund. Registration opens closer to the day of the run. Then you will know the price.
Where is the chocolate? You may ask. There will be a lot of chocolates and tasty food after the race!
3. Race4Warriors 5K & Half-marathon Challenges
Race4Warriors is a running event to honor the men and women who sacrificed for our freedom in the Middle East. It takes place in May on the scenic Delaware coast in Lewes. The organizing committee seeks to bring together the military and civilian communities to build stronger relationships.
The race will cover four picturesque beaches. Competitors will run through a state park and race along the coast, simulating a march across the sands of a Middle Eastern desert.
Here you can run/walk/trail race 13.1m ($75) and 5k ($30) with a 15lb pack.
The event consists of three parts: the race, studying and celebrating with local sellers, and live music.
If you want not only to run but help and communicate with military and civilians from all over the US, don’t miss this event!
4. Race into the New Year 5K
How about ending the year with an exciting and fun race in Rehoboth? It takes place on December 31st and gathers a lot of people each year.
The event is created to help the local charities in the Cape Region. Participation is $25 for adults, and kids run for free.
Leave all problems behind. Run this race and enter the New Year with enthusiasm and positivity!
5k Races in Delaware
5. Bunny Palooza
Like we said at the start, 5k in Delaware is the most common distance. We don’t know why they like running such short distances, but statistics show they are the favorite.
Bunny Palooza takes place in April at the Bethany Beach Boardwalk and gathers about 500 runners each year. You can run 1mi, 5k, and 10k.
The price is from $20 to $30 (depending on the distance) and grows closer to the date.
Participants can enjoy fun and festivities alongside the race, with highlights being music, crafts, and family-oriented games.
6. Running Under the Influence of Coach Brian T. Feeley 5K
Coach Brian T. Feeley was a part of the running community for almost 40 years as a runner and a coach. Beyond completing many local road races, he also completed 30 marathons. That is why the Delaware running community created a race in his name.
The run takes place in September in Newark – the birthplace of the legendary coach. Participation is $25 for adults and $20 for students.
This is a great running event for running enthusiasts and whole families.
7. Ronald McDonald House of DE 5K
This famous race also has a Delaware variant. This 5k run takes place in Wilmington in September.
The Ronald McDonald House of Delaware provides a safe, affordable “home-away-from-home” to families of seriously or chronically ill or injured children being treated at area hospitals and operates 2 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms within pediatric units in hospitals across Delaware.
To participate in the 5k run, you pay $30 if you are an adult and $20 if you are a student. You can also register as a team. The virtual run offers an option to run with your dog for $10.
8. Feathered Friends 5K
This is another running event with a noble purpose. Participating in the event will help local wild birds by giving patients a second chance at Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation center in Newark.
Come to Newark in September, run 5k for $29, and help animals in need.
Early birds get a free T-shirt!
9. Summer’s End 5K
End your summer with a cool running event at Dewey Beach! It takes place at the start of September and gathers many runners from all over the state.
The price is $25 (increases closer to the date). After the run, enjoy a party with good food, tasty drinks, and music for an extra $10.
Don’t miss the race – it will help you end your summer in style!
10. Autumn Arch Winter Warmer 5K
Newark is a leader in 5k running in Delaware. Autumn Arch Winter Warmer takes place in the middle of December. It was created to celebrate the beginning of winter with a hearty run and a cold beer.
You will enjoy a 5k course along Pencader Drive and plenty of rad hangs following the race. The price is from $10 to $40 – depending on the registration date.
This is a fun and warm event – don’t miss it if you like feel-good races. Holiday costumes are encouraged! Post-race beer and snacks are also included!
11. Mariners Bethel 10K/5K Trail Run
This running event is perfect for those who like trail running and are looking for Delaware 10k. Here runners can run 5k or 10k or walk 1.5 mi. There is also a Kids Dash for children.
Mariners Bethel takes place in Lewes in October. The race helps The Mariners Bethel Youth Programs.
The price for participation is from $25 to $40, depending on the race you choose.
There will be a celebration with tasty food after the finish – don’t go home early!
Marathons and Half-Marathons in Delaware
12. Rehoboth Beach Marathon
This running event is very popular and gathers 1000 to 5000 runners each year. It takes place in December in Rehoboth. The race is a Boston Marathon qualifier.
Choose between the Rehoboth half-marathon and marathon. The course is straight and comfortable, kicking off at Rehoboth Avenue and the Grandstand.
The price is $85 for the half-marathon and $100 for the full marathon for early birds. In February, the price goes to $100 for the half-marathon and $115 for the marathon. Check the official website for updates.
The post-race party includes unlimited food (breakfast items, Mac & Cheese, burgers, veggie burgers, fruit, and other assorted items). Each person over the age of 21 will receive 3 beer tickets.
13. Coastal Delaware Running Festival Marathon
If you are looking for a Delaware half-marathon, consider this run in Dewey Beach in April.
Choose from a 5k, a half-marathon, and a marathon. The event is a Boston Marathon qualifier. The price is from $40 to $155, depending on the distance.
Join more than 500 other runners and have a good time after the race with pizza, free beer, and fun activities!
14. The Delaware Marathon
Delaware marathons are all flat and fast courses. This weekend event takes place in April in Wilmington. It is situated at one of the most underrated historical sites in the nation.
The event suits runners of all levels and experience – from new runners to skilled ones, as here you can run a 5k, 10k, half-marathon, or a marathon. The price for participation is from $35 to $110.
And the top finishers will split $8,000 in cash prizes!
There will be a grand celebration after the finish – don’t miss it!
15. Independence Series – Day 1 – DE
If you are a skilled runner, then you are familiar with Independence Series, which takes place all over the US., including in Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.
The series kicks off in Bear, Delaware, at the end of May. Runners can participate in a marathon or half-marathon here. The price starts from $45. Check pricing details and register here.
Of course, there will be a lot of good food and beer after the finish!
By the way, if you were hoping to find something about the Dover marathon in this article, we have to disappoint you – the event has been canceled for an unknown reason, and we don’t know if it will be held in the future.
Wrap Up
The Delaware running community has many running enthusiasts who like participating in races throughout the year. If you want to join them and participate in a good run, choose from our list, register, and prepare to be challenged!
