First race in three-part “5K for Good Series” benefiting local nonprofits
Reliant Foundation today announced the return of its annual “Reliant Foundation 5K,” taking place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 9:30 AM at Shore Park in Worcester, Mass. This year’s certified, chip-timed race around scenic Indian Lake is once again presented by Amazon, and brings together runners, walkers, families, and friends to raise funds for Reliant Foundation’s Community Grants Program, empowering local non-profits to provide critical mental health and behavioral health resources throughout our region.
“As we look forward to another exciting year of the Reliant Foundation 5k, we are deeply grateful for the ongoing support of our incredible participants, sponsors, and partners at the YMCA Greendale Family Branch and Bancroft School,” said Kelsa Zereski, Reliant Foundation President. “We’ve seen some wonderful momentum with our event over the last few years, and we’re proud of the community impact made possible by the support we receive.”
The event features awards for top finishers by age group and team category, as well as entertainment including local radio personalities, music, refreshments, raffles, and kids’ activities.
The race also marks the kickoff of the “5K for Good Series,” a collaboration with Abby’s House and Veterans Inc. The schedule for the entire series is as follows:
- Reliant Foundation 5K — Saturday, October 3, Shore Park, Worcester
- Abby’s House Hybrid 5K Run/Walk — Saturday, October 17, West Boylston High School, West Boylston
- Veterans Inc. Run4Veterans 5K— Sunday, November 8, Polar Park, Worcester
Participants who complete all three races will earn special series swag and prizes.
Runners interested in participating in the Reliant Foundation 5K can register at ReliantFoundation.org, while those interested in registering for the entire series can do so at linktr.ee/5kforgood. Runners may also register as walk-ins for the Reliant Foundation 5K on the afternoon before the race at Sneakerama in Worcester or on the morning of the event beginning at 8:30am in Shore Park.
For more information about the “Reliant Foundation 5K” and the “5K for Good Series,” visit ReliantFoundation.org.
About The Reliant Foundation
Established in 1988, Reliant Foundation is an independent public charity whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of individuals of all ages in the Central and MetroWest regions of Massachusetts. As a 501(c)3 charity, the Foundation offers grants to non-profit organizations within its service area for the purpose of supporting programs that battle critical community health issues like substance use disorder, and children’s mental health. Our charity partners work with thousands of individuals in our community to provide life-saving recovery coaching, mental health and behavioral health services, and impactful education and initiatives to reduce the stigma around these issues. For more information, please visit www.reliantfoundation.org
