CLA Blue Back Mitten Run

CLA Blue Back Mitten Run is a family 5K held in West Hartford, Connecticut, on December 6, 2026, with the start at 10:30 a.m. Runners and walkers of every age and level go through decorated neighborhoods and get holiday cookies at the finish. Children aged 2 to 11 have their own race, with a choice between an 800-meter sprint and a mile, and entrants can also join the Sleigh the Ks challenge, which links other festive races for extra rewards.

Because walkers are as welcome as runners, this works well as a group outing: nobody has to worry about being last. If you want a time, the flat rhythm of neighborhood streets rewards steady pacing, so pick a target pace you can hold for all 3.1 miles instead of going out hard. Two runs a week through November, with one slightly faster session, is plenty of preparation.