Scranton/Wilkes Barre’s best 5K races this summer

Are you a running enthusiast looking for the best 5K races near Scranton/Wilkes Barre to participate in this summer? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the top 5K races happening in the area that are sure to get you moving and grooving. 

By the way, if you missed “The Office” 5K this year, you’re in luck! The famous race will be back next spring. So load up on all the heavy carbs, don’t drink any water, and wear your best office attire to participate.

Maintain the Lane 1-Mile Walk and 5K

June 22, 2024

2 West Olive St, Scranton, PA US 18508

Alright, my fellow pavement pounders and sidewalk striders, let’s rev up our engines and set our sights on the first pit stop of the summer running circuit — the Maintain the Lane 1-Mile Walk and 5K on June 22. This event is the perfect blend of challenge and charm, designed to suit the fleet-footed veterans as much as the enthusiastic novices who might still be figuring out which way their sneakers lace up.

This is a community affair where every step you take is a stride towards helping your fellow Lakawana Valley community by raising money for the local 501(c)(3) organization, Friends of Shady Lane Cemetery. This organization works to maintain a historic space and the peaceful final resting space of many locals’ loved ones, Shady Lane Cemetary, which has been abandoned since 2009.

So, whether you’re in it to set a new personal best, to enjoy a morning jog in a beautiful setting, or simply to be part of something bigger, the Maintain the Lane 1-Mile Walk and 5K on June 22 is your starting block.

Rae of Sunshine 5K

June 29, 2024

210 Rock St, Pittston, PA 18640

Are you ready to inject a bit of brightness into your running routine? Mark your calendars for the Rae of Sunshine 5K on June 29, where every step you take is a stride towards bringing a little more joy into the world. This race was created to honor the memory of young Raeann Rose Merlino and raise funds for the Memorial Scholarship in her name.

The beauty of the Rae of Sunshine 5K extends beyond the physical route in beautiful Hughestown. It’s about bringing the community together for stories of remembrance while raising money to help children as they prepare for college.

As you approach the finish line, you’ll be greeted with a fresh, cold bottle of water. And if you win, you’ll also receive a medal and a cash prize. Not bad, right? Bring your friends, your family, or just your fabulous self, and come be a ray of sunshine in the lives of others. Because if there’s one thing better than running, it’s running for a cause that lights up the world.

Curran Brewing 5K

August 10, 2024

6230 Bloomington Road, Madison Township, PA 18444

Let’s talk about the Curran Brewing 5K on August 10, because who doesn’t love the sound of a cold brew waiting at the finish line? This isn’t your run-of-the-mill (pun intended) 5K; you’re going to get your sneakers muddy! The Curran Brewing 5K takes you on a tour through the grounds of the brewery, around the lake, and along trails in the scenic woods of Madison Township. 

Think of the inaugural Curran Brewing 5K as the ultimate beer run, where your reward for those miles is a perfectly crafted local brew, live music, fan-favorite food trucks, and the warm feeling of giving back to your local fire department.

So, pull on those sneakers, secure your race bib, and keep your eyes on the prize — a delicious, cold brew that’s just a 5K away (and actual prizes for the winners in each age group, too). The Curran Brewing 5K combines the best of both worlds, proving once and for all that yes, you can have your beer and drink it too, especially when there’s a finish line involved. Get ready to run, laugh, and sip your way through one of the most memorable races in the Scranton/ Wilkes Barre area. Cheers to that!

Scranton 4 Ukraine 5K

August 24, 2024

Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, Olive St. Trailhead, Scranton, PA 18510

Ready to lace up those sneakers for a cause that’ll warm your heart faster than your muscles on race day? The Scranton 4 Ukraine 5K on August 24 is where fitness meets philanthropy, turning every drop of sweat into a ripple of hope for those in need. This is your chance to be part of a global movement right from the heart of Scranton.

Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a casual jogger, the Scranton 4 Ukraine 5K welcomes you with open arms and a shared goal: to bring a little light into the lives of those facing unimaginable challenges, such as mothers of young children in Ukraine who are stuck in a warzone with little resources.

Prepare to leave it all on the course — your energy, your sweat, and maybe a tear or two of joy. Because when you run the Scranton 4 Ukraine 5K, you’re chasing the kind of fulfillment that only comes from doing good, one step at a time. Let’s make those steps count. See you at the starting line!

Recovery Fun Run

September 8, 2024

Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, Olive St. Trailhead, Scranton, PA 18510

Wrap up your summer of sprinting and stride-taking with a dash of laid-back charm at the Recovery Fun Run on September 8. This is the event where competitive spirits take the backseat, and your love for running takes the wheel. Set against the picturesque backdrop of scenic trails and tranquil park paths, this fun run is the perfect cooldown to a season spent chasing personal bests and collecting race bibs.

Consider this race your recovery for the season while helping those in recovery. All race proceeds, including entry fees and raffle tickets, will benefit the Geisinger Marworth Therapeutic Activities Fund which helps provide therapeutic recreation programs and facilities to help patients gain sober social skills and aid in their ongoing recovery from drugs and alcohol.

This race, like many others, winds through a beautiful trail and beckons you with prizes and accolades, but let’s not forget the post-run festivities. After you’ve savored the scenic course, stick around for a raffle with amazing prizes donated by locals.

So, whether you’ve been racing all summer or just enjoy a casual walk or jog through the park, the Recovery Fun Run on September 8 is where you’ll want to be. After all, every runner knows the best way to recover is to keep moving forward — and your generous donations can help people in recovery do just that. 

READ MORE: The Scranton Food Guide