FARMINGTON, CT — Hundreds of runners and walkers are expected at the Farmington Polo Grounds this weekend as a growing charity race returns to raise at least $10,000 for the Farmington Food Pantry.
The third annual Big Sky 5K and Kids 1-Mile Dash will take place Sunday, Oct. 4, at the Farmington Polo Grounds, 152 Town Farm Road.
The Kids 1-Mile Dash begins at 8:15 a.m., followed by the 5K at 9 a.m.
Organizers said the event has grown substantially since Big Sky Fitness launched it in 2024.
The inaugural race attracted more than 200 runners and raised $1,500 for the Farmington Food Pantry.
Participation reached the event's 300-runner capacity in 2025, when the race raised $8,030.88.
The Town of Farmington has approved an expanded capacity of 400 participants for this year's event, according to organizers.
"We're incredibly proud of how much this event has grown in just a few years, and we're excited to see how far we can take it this year," Big Sky Fitness Master Trainer Jeremy Beebe said. "More importantly, this race gives our Big Sky community an opportunity to come together, get active, and support an organization that is making a real difference for local families."
Beebe said organizers hope to raise $10,000 or more and have 400 runners at the starting line.
According to the event announcement, the Farmington Food Pantry currently serves about 284 families, representing 512 people, and has experienced annual increases in demand of about 10% to 20% in recent years.
The pantry is entirely volunteer-run and receives no state or federal funding, organizers said. Donations help it purchase fresh produce, milk, eggs, meat, and other food.
"Monetary donations allow us to purchase the fresh and healthy food our neighbors need," Kristen Skulte of the Farmington Food Pantry said. "We really rely on the generosity of our community, and every donation makes a direct impact."
This year's event will also introduce the Kids 1-Mile Dash.
Organizers said the children's race was added after seeing the enthusiasm of younger participants in last year's 5K.
"We saw how excited the kids were to be part of the 5K last year, and we wanted to give them an event of their own," Beebe said.
Big Sky Fitness' partnership with the pantry began after owner Joe Millet asked the team to develop a charity 5K combining physical activity with support for a local organization.
Big Sky client Kyla Zimmerman suggested the Farmington Food Pantry as the beneficiary.
Big Sky Fitness was founded in 2001 with its first gym in Newington.
For more information and to sign up, click on this link.
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