The goal of this race is to raise funds & awareness of IRIS (Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services) and has been taking place for over a decade. This year they had just over 2,500 participants; it's a great crowd of people. There are definitely some serious/fast runners, but this race is a good fit for someone who runs for fun, rather than time, or just wants to walk a 5K.

Part of the first mile and last mile are running through a park with some enjoyable scenery. The rest of the race is primarily residential/small business in downtown New Haven, which was fine. It is mercifully flat, giving how hilly this part of CT can be. And there were plenty of police & race staff keeping everyone safe & on track.

One aid station around mile 2, but was unprepared for the number of runners- if you wanted a drink, you were probably going to be held up longer than you want.

They seemed to have a decent after party, but again, be prepared to wait for any of the drinks/snacks other than plain 'ol water. When I finished running the line to get into the celebration (and the bathroom!?!?) was so long, we opted not to wait.

This was a smaller race (but seems to get a little bigger every year!)-- held every year on Thanksgiving morning. I walked the race with friends & family, and they held the finish for us even though we went past the cut-off time. Awesome people, great shirts!

It starts/finishes at a church (who sponsor the race), and you can wait inside for the start AND after if you are waiting on other runners.

The course is mainly flat and primarily takes you through residential area. You do spend a quarter of a mile or so at a waterfront, but otherwise not too much to see.