If you love a good local race, Coastal Delaware has plenty of 5Ks that make it easy to get outside, stay active, and support the community. 

These upcoming races, ranging from beachside runs to meaningful charity events, are ideal for runners, walkers, and anyone looking for a fun reason to get moving.

3rd Rusty Rudder 5k

The Rusty Rudder 5K brings classic Dewey Beach race energy with a course starting from one of the town’s most recognizable spots. 

This race benefits the Dewey Beach Patrol and Rotary Club #41, making it a fun way to get outside while supporting local organizations. 

Runners and walkers can expect tech shirts, giveaway items, chip timing through R2R Timing, and a big post-race party with food and beer for participants 21 and over. 

Awards will be given to top finishers, masters, age group winners, and walkers, so there is plenty of motivation to push for a strong finish. 

Parking is limited at the Rusty Rudder lot for a fee, with free parking available at meters and side streets before enforcement begins. 

• Date: Saturday, July 11th
• Time: 7:30am
• Start location: 113 Dickinson Street, Dewey Beach

Image: Race Roster

Run Happy 5k

Run Happy 5K is a feel-good Lewes race with a community focus and a scenic course that crosses from Black Oak to the Georgetown-Lewes Trail. 

Hosted at Schell Brothers at Black Oak, this event benefits the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware, with proceeds going toward an important local cause. 

The first 250 people to register will receive a free event t-shirt, and there will be an after party breakfast to keep the morning going after the finish line. 

Awards will be presented to top overall finishers, masters, age group winners, and walkers, with chip timing provided by R2R Timing using the MYLAPS BibTag Timing System. 

Registration is handled online, except for participants paying by cash or check, and Black Oak buyers can use a promotional discount code. 

• Date: Saturday, August 8th
• Time: 7:30am 
• Start location: Schell Brothers at Black Oak Drive, Lewes

Image: Race Roster

4th Community Matters Foundation 5K

The Community Matters Foundation 5K in Dewey Beach is a race with a powerful story behind it. 

Held in memory of David Ashby, this event supports Dave’s Dewey Dash and In a Heart Beat, helping raise awareness about irregular heartbeat risks, sudden cardiac arrest, and the importance of AED access and hands only CPR education. 

Past race proceeds have already helped donate 19 AED machines to local businesses, including a 24/7 AED tower on the bay side boardwalk area in Dewey. 

The race begins at North Beach Restaurant and includes gender specific tee shirts, giveaway items, chip timing, and a post race party with food and beer for those 21 and over. 

Awards will recognize top finishers, masters, age group winners, and walkers. 

Parking is limited at Northbeach, with free parking available at meters and side streets before enforcement begins. 

• Date: Saturday, August 8th
• Time: 7:30am
• Start location: 125 McKinley St. (on the bay), Dewey Beach

Believe In Tomorrow 5K

The Believe In Tomorrow 5K offers one of the most scenic race settings in the area, taking runners and walkers across the Indian River Inlet Bridge with beautiful Bethany Beach views along the way. 

The race starts from Big Chill Beach Club, where participants can stick around afterward for a post race party with food, games, raffles, awards, and more. 

Proceeds benefit critically ill children and families in Believe In Tomorrow’s beach respite program, giving this event a meaningful purpose beyond the finish line. 

Participants will receive a race t-shirt and bib at check-in, and virtual participation is available for those who want to support the cause from home. 

Parking is available in the Delaware State Park lot for a fee, dogs are not allowed in the state park, and children 3 and under can participate in strollers for free without registration.

• Date: Thursday, August 20th
• Time: 6pm
• Start location: 27099 Coastal Highway, Bethany Beach

Image: Believe in Tomorrow Children's Foundation

Keep following our blog for more local events, community happenings, and fun ways to enjoy life in Coastal Delaware.

Have any questions about our blog(s), the Coastal Delaware real estate market, or local life in our beautiful beach towns? Do you think there is something we should write about? Did you see an event coming up that we should know about? Shoot us an email at [email protected] or give us a call at (302) 212-0074. We would love to hear from you!