Gaspee Days 5k Road Race

The Gaspee Days 5k Road Race, scheduled for Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Cranston, Rhode Island, offers runners a vibrant and historic 3.1-mile experience. As the oldest race in Rhode Island, first held in 1966, it's a cherished tradition that kicks off the annual Gaspee Days Parade, celebrating "The Gaspee Affair" and Rhode Island's revolutionary history. This event attracts over 2,000 enthusiastic runners, creating an energetic atmosphere with a pre-assembled cheering crowd lining the course.

The meticulously calibrated 5K course is generally flat and fast, running along the iconic red, white, and blue road stripe of Narragansett Parkway. Starting at Broad Street at Chiswick Road, runners head south into Warwick before turning back at General Hawkins Drive to finish just past the Parade reviewing stand at Rhodes Place. While specific details on aid stations are limited, runners in the past have noted a need for more water stations, especially around the 2-mile mark. Typical race day conditions in mid-June feature pleasant highs around 76°F and lows around 58°F, with a low 15% chance of precipitation, providing ideal running weather.

Beyond the race itself, participants enjoy complimentary refreshments after crossing the finish line, including a beer for those 21 and older. The race has a strict one-hour cut-off time due to the immediate start of the parade, and early registration is highly recommended as the event is capped at 2,000 participants with no race day registrations. All proceeds from the Gaspee Days 5k benefit the Gaspee Days Parade, making your participation a contribution to a beloved community tradition. Runners have praised the event for its great atmosphere and organization, though some have suggested improvements in swag and water station placement.