Race Spotlight: Gaspee Days 5k Foot Race
The Details
Date: Saturday, June 14th, 2025
Start Time: 9:30 AM
Distance: 5k
Venue: Scottish Rite Masonic Center
Address: 2052 Broad St, Cranston, RI US 02905
Organizer: Gaspee Days Committee
Website: https://runsignup.com/Race/RI/Cranston/GaspeeDays5k
The History
The Gaspee Days 5k Foot Race is the oldest race in Rhode Island, having first been held back in 1966. It is part of the annual Gaspee Days celebration that commemorates ‘The Gaspee Affair’, a significant event in the lead-up to the American Revolution during which Rhode Island colonists burned the British Royal Navy ship the HMS Gaspee. The race is open to both runners and walkers and typical draws over 2,000 participants each year.
The Course
The out-and-back course starts on Broad Street at Chiswick Road in Cranston and then heads South on the Narragansett Parkway’s famed red, white, and blue road stripe. It loops around just past Salter Grove State Park in Warwick and then again follows the Narragansett Parkway back through Pawtuxet Village before finishing on Rhodes Place. The total elevation gain is 122 feet with the largest hill, which is only about 40 feet of gain, coming right at the 2 mile mark. The current course records are held by Martin Fagan (14:10 in 2007) and Amy Rudolph (16:22 in 2003). The course is typically lined with an enthusiastic crowd that has assembled for the parade. However, due to the timing of the parade, the race has a strict cut-off time of one hour.
The Mission
The Gaspee Days Committee is an all volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and sharing Rhode Island’s unheard history as the birthplace of the American Revolution. All proceeds from the race go towards the Gaspee Days Parade, which immediately follows the 5K.
The Swag
Complimentary refreshments are available for all runners after the race. All runners 21+ are able to receive one complimentary beer at the conclusion of their race in the fenced in ‘Refreshments Area’ adjacent to the Scottish Rite Masonic Center. (Please note: Beer will stop being served at 11:00 AM, so be sure to get your included beverage right after completing the race!) The 5K immediately precedes the Gaspee Days Parade, which follows the race into Pawtuxet Village. Runners and their families are encouraged to stay in the area to enjoy a fun-filled morning and afternoon.
The race offers cash prizes to the Top 5 male and female finishers (1st – $500, 2nd – $400, 3rd – $300, 4th – $200, 5th – $100) as well as $50 to the male and female winners of all age groups (12 & under, 13-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, and 80+). Additionally, $100 will be awarded for setting a new course record (male – 14:10, female – 16:22).