Each year on Global Running Day, runners & walkers from across the country join together to run as one. The Big Run is one of our largest and most fun events of the year. The races take place on the Dutchess Rail Trail and are fast and relatively flat. Many PRs have been earned over the years at The Big Run. After the event, we invite you to hang out and Party Like a Runner with us. Enjoy food, refreshments, and other fun activities!  

Similar to prior years, runners can choose from a 5K or 10K distance. The 10K will start at 6:30 pm and the 5K will start at 6:45 pm.  

All registered participants will receive an email on Tuesday, 6/4, with specific instructions on parking and any other pertinent race day details.  PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOUR RUN SIGNUP ACCOUNT IS TIED TO A VALID EMAIL ADDRESS, ONE THAT YOU ACTUALLY CHECK SO THAT YOU DON'T MISS THESE IMPORTANT COMMUNICATIONS.  

Event Details:
Race Date:  Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Race Start Times: The 10K will start at 6:30 pm, and the 5K will start at 6:45 PM. All participants must be done by 8 pm.  

Distances: USATF Certified 5K & 10K courses. Both races will take place on the Dutchess Rail Trail.   

Timing: Chip timing and real-time results printouts.  

Start & end location: Gold's Gym LaGrange, 258 Titusville Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 

Age Group Awards: Those who place overall or in their age group (10-year age groups) will receive a custom handmade prize.   

Swag: All finishers will receive a beautiful Big Run finisher's medal! All those who register before Sunday 5/19 will receive an extremely soft, high-quality unisex t-shirt in their requested size. Those who register after 5/19 will likely receive a shirt but may not get their first choice of size.  

Packet Pickup: Packet pickup will be held at Fleet Feet Poughkeepsie during normal business hours starting on Monday 6/3 and at Gold's Gym on 6/5 from 5 pm - 6:15 pm. Details on packet pickup at the store will be provided via email closer to race day.

Cost: Registration is $25 through Sunday 6/2, and $30 after. The day of registration will be $35.  

Additional Information & FAQs
Is the race dog/stroller friendly? We can accommodate strollers but will be unable to accommodate dogs at this event. Anyone participating with a stroller will start at the back to give the congestion on the trail a chance to thin.  

Is there a minimum age for participation? There is no minimum age for participation. The runs take place entirely on the Dutchess Rail Trail which is safe for participants of all ages and abilities. We ask that parents use their judgment when registering minors to ensure that they can understand instructions for turning around in the appropriate space and have the ability to complete the distance without any assistance. The 10K event does cross a road that is open to traffic.  

Are these events open to walkers? Are there any time limits? All runners or walkers for both the 5K & 10K must be done by 8 pm. Walkers are welcome as long as they can complete the selected distance before 8 pm. Please select your distance accordingly with this 8 pm event end time in mind.    

Can I switch distances?  Yes! Please email info@fleetfeetpoughkeepsie.com if you would like to switch between the 10K and 5K leading up to the Big Run. We must be notified of any event switches before the start of the races, ideally not seconds before the races are about to start. Please try not to switch races (i.e., dropping from the 10K to the 5K) mid-run during the event. This messes with the age group results. You may register a very fast time for the 10K but only ran a 5K and this will knock other participants out of age group prizes. If this does happen, please stop by the results booth as soon as you cross the finish line so that we can adjust the results accordingly and not hand out tons of age group prizes to the wrong people.  

I registered but cannot attend, can my registration be transferred?  Since this is a timed event, bib transfers are not allowed. If you registered but are unable to attend, you will be given the option of picking up your shirt & medal at Fleet Feet Poughkeepsie after the event.   

Will there be beer at the race?  This year, Fleet Feet Corporate has secured Michelob Ultra as the sponsor for this event nationwide. While they are the sponsor, we will not be providing beer at the race due to site restrictions. Don't worry though, as always there will be food, snacks, treats, and fun!