The annual Gaspee Days 5K foot race will be making its return this June and is expected to host its largest pool of runners ever.

The Gaspee Days 5K is the state’s oldest foot race and has been run since the first year of the parade in 1965. The number of participants has surged in the years following the pandemic, and nearly 2,000 are expected this time around which will be record-setting.

Over the years, the 5K has grown into much more than a race. Instead it is a fun-filled event that is celebrated by people from all over the state. The race precedes the parade and is run in Pawtuxet Village and the Narragansett Parkway.

Gaspee Days Chairperson Erin Flynn heads the 5K event and loves seeing the community gather for the race.

“Both events bring out the community in such a special way. The 5K runs into Pawtuxet Village in front of the large crowd of people gathered ahead of the parade, which follows the runners into the village. Runners and walkers love this race because of its historical significance, the chance to run along the famed Narragansett Parkway, and the energy from the excited crowd,” said Flynn.

Competition is secondary in this event. Participants gather in their finest garb, sometimes looking the part of revolutionists of the 18th century. Some of the runners look to simply beat their personal times, while others put the stop watch in their pocket and take a nice stroll through the course.

“Some participants run to beat a record, some participants dress up in colonial costumes, and some bring out the whole family to walk the 5K. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate our community,” Flynn said.

A new feature of this year’s race will be what happens following the event. There will be post-race refreshments sponsored by Moniker Brewery, serving Gaspee-themed beers from Moniker and Apponaug breweries.

With big numbers expected, Flynn and the Gaspee Days Committee encourage those interested to sign up to reserve their spot.

For 5K questions, contact Jennifer Kious and Erin Flynn at 5K@gaspee.org.To register, visit the race website: https://runsignup.com/Race/RI/Cranston/GaspeeDays5k.