Race Day Guide

Get Ready For The Sweetest Day Of The Year!

Everything you need to know before arriving at Washington Park — from race times and course details to the Jolly Rancher Kids Fun Run, we've got you covered.

The Sweetest Day Is Almost Here!

Gather your Candy Crew and get ready for an unforgettable day filled with candy, costumes and community.

Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

Race Day Schedule

Here's How Your Day Unfolds

Everything kicks off bright and early, so be sure to arrive with plenty of time before your event starts.

🎟️

8:00 AM

Bib Pickup Opens

Collect your race bib and event shirt before heading to the start area.

🍭

8:40 AM

Kids Fun Run

Our free fun run for children aged 8 & under gets the sweetness started.

🏃

9:00 AM

The 5K Begins

Run, walk, skip or dance your way around Washington Park.

🏆

9:55 AM

Awards Ceremony

Celebrate our fastest finishers and costume contest winners.

🎶

All AM

Sweet Festival

Enjoy the festivities with family, friends and our amazing volunteers.

Choose Your Sweet Adventure

Which Event Will You Join?

🍬

The Great Candy Run 5K

Run, walk or dance your way through Washington Park while enjoying music, an unforgettable atmosphere and the Finish Line Candy Village. Perfect for runners, walkers, families and friends.

✅ Official race bib

✅ Event shirt

✅ Finisher medal

✅ Finish Line Candy Village

✅ Costume contest

✅ Entertainment

🍭

Jolly Rancher Kids Fun Run

Designed especially for children aged 8 and under, this free fun run is all about smiles, laughter and introducing little runners to the joy of race day.

🍬 Two Jolly Ranchers

🏅 A memorable experience

😊 Plenty of encouragement

❤️ The Jolly Rancher Challenge

Learn About The Jolly Rancher

Course Map

Your Sweet Route Through Washington Park

Follow our scenic 5K course around beautiful Washington Park while enjoying sweet surprises along the way.

The Great Candy Run 5K course map through Washington Park, Denver

Course Highlights

🍬Beautiful Washington Park scenery

🍬Mostly flat & family-friendly

🍬Clearly marked course

🍬Water station(s)

🍬Fun along the route

Before You Arrive

Helpful Information

💻

Online Registration

Registration remains open online until 8:55 AM on race day.

📦

Advance Packet Pickup

Advance packet pickup details are TBD.

👶

Bringing Children

Children in strollers do not need to register. All 5K participants must be registered and wear their bib.

🐶

Dogs Welcome

Friendly dogs on leashes are welcome. Please be respectful of fellow participants.

🌎

Virtual Participation

Can't join in person? Complete your 5K anywhere and we'll send your package after the event.

🅿️

Parking & Arrival

Arrive early to find parking around Washington Park and settle in before your event start.

🏁

Race Results

Race Results will be posted online during the event.

Awards & Costume Contest

Celebrate Your Sweet Success

🏆

Awards

We'll recognize our Overall Male & Female Winners, plus the Top 3 Male & Female finishers in each age group:

12 & Under 13–19 20–29 30–39 40–49 50–59 60–69 70–79 80–89 90+

Race results will be published online following the event.

🎭

Costume Contest

Candy-themed costumes are highly encouraged! Our judges will be roaming throughout the event looking for the sweetest, funniest and most creative outfits. So grab your Candy Crew and get dressed up!

Sweet Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register on race day?+

Yes! Online registration remains open until 8:55 AM on race day.

Where do I collect my bib?+

Bib pickup opens at 8:00 AM at Washington Park on race day. Advance packet pickup details are TBD.

Can my child ride in a stroller?+

Yes. Children in strollers do not need to register.

Can I bring my dog?+

Yes. Friendly dogs on leashes are welcome.

Will there be water?+

Yes. There will be one water station along the course.

Where is the start line?+

Will be located in the southeast section of Washington Park (map here).

Do I receive a finisher medal?+

Yes! Every registered participant who completes the course receives a finisher medal.

Can I participate virtually?+

YES! If you registered as a virtual participant, your materials will be mailed to you within a few days of the event. If you registered to attend in-person but you would like to switch to virtual, please contact michelle@thegreatcandyrun.com.

What does it mean to participate virtually?+

Great question! When you participate virtually – you can choose the time and place to complete your 5K. It's so flexible you can even cover the distance over multiple days or run, walk, bike, crawl, skateboard… – it's YOUR choice!

What if I've already registered and my plans change or I get sick, can I get a refund?+

This is a charity event with a no refund, no deferrals policy. Funds support the Fetal Health Foundation. You are welcome to contact info@halsports.net at least 48 hours prior to the race start to request a transfer, if you have someone to transfer your registration to. Or you can request to switch to virtual and have your materials mailed to you.

Still have questions?+

Please contact michelle@thegreatcandyrun.com.

We'll See You At The Start Line!

Gather your Candy Crew and get ready for a morning filled with candy, costumes, community and unforgettable memories.

Charity Spotlight

Every Step Makes A Difference

Every registration helps support the Fetal Health Foundation and families experiencing a fetal syndrome diagnosis. Want to make an even bigger impact?

Donate Learn More