UPTON — Runners, walkers, families, and community supporters are invited to lace up their sneakers later this month as the Tri-County Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Hot to Trot 5K on Saturday, July 25, at the Upton VFW, 15 Milford Street.
The annual race serves as one of the Chamber’s signature fundraising events, helping support its year-round efforts to promote local businesses and strengthen the regional business community. During a recent interview on MyFM’s The Ride Home, Sherri Hannon, Director of Programs and Services for the Tri-County Chamber of Commerce, said the event has become a summertime tradition that welcomes participants of all ages and abilities.
“This is one of our big events of the year that helps fund the Chamber,” Hannon said. “It helps us stay active in the community while also giving our local businesses an opportunity to connect with residents.”
Registration opens at 7:00 a.m., with the race beginning promptly at 8:00 a.m. Participants can register online in advance for $30, while day-of registration will be available for $35, though those who wait until race day are not guaranteed an event T-shirt or goodie bag. Every registered participant will receive breakfast following the race, courtesy of McDonald’s and Honey Dew.
The mostly flat, family-friendly course is designed for everyone—from competitive runners chasing a personal record to casual walkers simply looking to enjoy a summer morning outdoors. Hannon noted that past participants have ranged from children as young as 11 or 12 to runners in their 80s, with families, strollers, and even dogs regularly joining the festivities.
Each participant will receive a moisture-wicking performance T-shirt or tank top while supplies last, and awards will be presented to the top three overall male and female finishers, along with the top three finishers in multiple age divisions ranging from 14 and under through 80-plus.
Beyond the race itself, the event offers a community celebration featuring sponsor and vendor booths, spectators cheering runners along the course, music, breakfast, and an awards ceremony. Hannon said roughly 200 spectators attend each year, creating an energetic atmosphere that extends well beyond the finish line.
“We have people who come back year after year,” Hannon said. “They come for the run, stay for breakfast, stay for the awards, and it’s just a fun community event.”
Online registration closes on Friday, July 24, though race-day registration will remain available beginning at 7:00 a.m. Organizers encourage participants to register early to guarantee their preferred T-shirt size.
Parking will be available at both the Upton VFW and the nearby Rose Garden, making it easy for runners and spectators alike to take part in one of the area’s premier summer road races.
