BarnArts Race Around the Lake

The BarnArts Race Around the Lake, scheduled for Sunday, May 17, 2026, invites runners and walkers to experience the stunning natural beauty of Barnard, VT. Starting and finishing at Silver Lake State Park, this event offers a choice between a 5K Run/Walk and a challenging 10K Run, with both courses winding along scenic town roads, dirt paths, and invigorating single-track wooded trails, providing intermittent views of Silver Lake. The 10K course is famously tough, featuring a steep climb up Tower Road after runners exit the woods, ensuring a memorable test of endurance. Typical race day conditions in mid-May bring comfortable highs around 72°F and lows around 45°F, with a modest 15% chance of precipitation, creating ideal running weather.

Participants can expect a well-supported race experience; the 5K course provides one water station, while the 10K course offers two additional water stops to keep runners hydrated. After crossing the finish line, the festivities continue with a delightful post-race Chef's Table lunch, live music along the picturesque lakefront, and an awards ceremony. This event, now in its 13th year, is more than just a race; it's a cherished community tradition that signals the "opening bell to summer" for Barnard and Silver Lake.

What truly sets the BarnArts Race Around the Lake apart is its mission: all proceeds directly support BarnArts Youth Programming, including scholarships for the Summer Youth Theater, arts-in-schools initiatives, and a free youth choir. By participating, you contribute to enriching the lives of local children through the arts, making your miles even more meaningful. Whether you're chasing a personal best on the competitive 10K course, which has been part of the Upper Valley Running Club series, or enjoying a leisurely 5K walk, this race promises an engaging atmosphere and a chance to support a vital community cause.