Local support fuels another festive, fun, family-friendly race day
NORWICH, Conn. —December 6, 2025. Nearly 400 people of all ages and running abilities gathered at Kellys STEAM Magnet Middle School on Saturday to participate in the annual, festive, fun and family friendly, Reliance Health Winterfest 5K race amid the city of Norwich Winterfest celebrations.
Dozens of young runners, cheered on by Santa, Snow Miser, and a joyful Polar Bear, kicked off the Winterfest race with the free Fit-Kids-Fun-Run at 9:30 a.m. Young runners then sipped hot cocoa provided by Reliance Health as 353 5k runners set off on the hilly, scenic, Mohegan Park course surrounded by Holiday music and were welcomed back through the finish line by exuberant commentary by the Hartford Marathon Foundation announcer who cheerfully declared this race of the happiest he had been to.
“Being part of the 5K isn’t just about the miles,” Heather-Renae Paul, Winterfest 5K Committee Chair for Reliance Health, said. “It’s about the smiles, the laughter, the memories and the chance to celebrate the incredible spirit of Norwich and our community coming together during Winterfest.”
The 399 individuals who registered for the race this year marked the biggest turnout since 2017 and brought in 332 individuals from cities other than Norwich, further spreading awareness for the city’s Winterfest celebrations.
The Reliance Health Winterfest 5K has anchored Norwich holiday events for more than a decade. The city’s Winterfest celebrations begin Friday night with First Friday events across downtown galleries, continue Saturday with the Reliance Health and Hartford Marathon Foundation 5K and conclude with the Norwich Winterfest Light Parade through the historic downtown.
Reliance Health extends its thanks to everyone who ran, volunteered, sponsored, or contributed to the event. Supporters include the Hartford Marathon Foundation, Sign Professionals for updating the race-day sign and Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck, which donated a portion of its proceeds back to Reliance Health.
“Partnering with Reliance Health on the annual Norwich Winterfest 5K is meaningful to the Hartford Marathon Foundation and showcases the incredible community spirit in Norwich,” Josh Miller, President of the Hartford Marathon Foundation, said. “It is a wonderful way to begin the holiday season by supporting their great work.”
Alayna Bigalbal of Colchester finished as the top female runner with a time of 20:49. Brayden Dunn of Coventry finished as the top male runner with a time of 18:03. Complete race results are available on the Hartford Marathon Foundation website.
Reliance Health, Inc. is an award-winning nonprofit providing mental health support to more than 1,000 community members each year across Eastern Connecticut. The organization believes stronger communities are built on mental wellness and helps individuals build life skills, find and maintain stable housing, and pursue educational, social and employment goals.
