About

Coolidge 5K and 1-Mile Walk

 

Will you choose to run? Join us on Saturday, October 1st, 2022, in scenic Plymouth Notch for the 4th Annual Coolidge 5K! Non-runners are invited to participate in the “I Do Not Choose to Run” 1-Mile Walk, which takes place immediately after the race.

Runners will explore the delightful grounds and surrounding areas of the historic Coolidge homestead. Except for roughly the first and last 50 meters, which are over grass, the new course is almost entirely on road (pavement and packed dirt). The course features gently rolling hills and begins and ends at the same place. The event will be professionally timed. T-shirts are guaranteed for those who pre-register by September 14th; thereafter, t-shirts are available while supplies last. The first 10 individuals to register for ONLY the 1-Mile Walk will receive “I Do Not Choose to Run” buttons.

Runners and non-runners alike are invited to take part in the “I Do Not Choose to Run” 1-Mile Walk, so named for Coolidge’s famous and characteristically concise declaration about his intention not to seek re-election for president in 1928. The walk, which begins after the 5K race, will also cover key sights around the historic grounds.

After the race, stick around as we award prizes for top finishers ($100 cash prizes for top male finisher and top female finisher) as well as prizes for each age group.

The run and the walk are part of a fun, family-friendly day at the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site. Come and partake in the run, the walk, or both events! Also taking place at the site on Saturday is the Plymouth Notch Antique Apple Fest, which features activities for the entire family: cider pressing, vintage apple tastings, wagon rides, historic farm & craft demonstrations, cheese making, and more! Finally, at 1pm in the Union Christian Church will be a screening of “Vermont Is A State I Love,” a 45-minute film that tells the story of the 1927 floods that inspired President Coolidge to deliver his most beloved speech. Coolidge reenactor Tracy Messer will be available afterwards to entertain questions from the audience.

Details at a Glance

 

The Coolidge Foundation would like to thank Race Sponsors Tim and Tracie Chinaris for their continued support of this event and of the Foundation’s educational programs.

The Coolidge Foundation thanks the Woodstock Farmers Market for their donation of bananas for the post-race snack table!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I register on the day of the race? Registering in advance is preferred, but yes, race-day registration is also available if you just want to show up and register on the spot. Please arrive at least a half hour before the race in order to ensure plenty of time to get you registered and to give you a bib. Paying by cash or check is quickest; we can also accept credit cards if that’s all you have on you.
  • Will my GPS watch work out there? Yes, your GPS watch should work. In fact, you will probably get a signal quite quickly. Your phone, however, may not get cellular service, so be aware of that. There is Wi-Fi for when you are inside or close to the visitors’ center.
  • Are there any hills? Over the years we have modified the course to make it flatter and faster, however there are still two substantial uphill climbs that will test your persistence. The first and last 100 meters are flat and grassy.
  • Is this course stroller-friendly? The course is somewhat stroller-friendly if you have a jogging stroller, but not stroller-friendly if you have a regular stroller. The course features multiple surface types, including grass, pavement, and dirt/gravel. For safety, we ask that runners with strollers begin at the back of the pack and only move up after about the first mile when runners have spread out.
  • Is there a water stop? No, there are no water stops on the course this year, however we do have water and Moxie at the finish.
  • Are there restrooms onsite? Yes, please use the restrooms in the lower part of the Wilder Barn, which is located next to welcome center. There are no porta-potties along the course.
  • Can I run with my pet? Are pets allowed at the historic site? Yes, you may run with your pet, provided that your pet is on a leash. We prefer that you start at the back of the group and then make your way past slower runners out on the course after the group starts to spread out. At the historic site, pets are permitted on the grounds if on a leash. Pets are not permitted in the buildings except for Service Dogs. Of course, please pick up after your pet.

If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, contact race chairman Jared Rhoads (jrhoads@coolidgefoundation.org).

Businesses and organizations: would you like to be part of this special event? We have many exciting Sponsorship Opportunities for you!

Course Records

  • Male course record: Kyle Morrison (2019) 18:11
  • Female course record: Sara Vannah (2019) 22:00

Past Results and Photos

(When comparing times, note that we have changed the course several times over the years.)

 

Pre-Race Registration

To register online, use the form below. To register on race day, please arrive no later than 9:30 AM and go straight to the registration table. To expedite the payment process, please bring cash or check made payable to the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation.

As of Sep 30, pre-race online registration is now closed. From this point on, if you would like to register, please come to the registration tent before the race! Thanks!