Join us for the 10th annual Dream Big 5K! Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just getting started, the Dream Big 5K: Run, Walk, Roll is a race for everyone—of all ages and abilities! This exciting charity event benefits EDD Adaptive Sports programs for individuals with disabilities in our community.

Run. Walk. Roll. 

The USATF-certified 5K kicks off at Essex Middle School and winds through local neighborhoods. The course is designed to be wheelchair and stroller-friendly, offering a fast, out-and-back route that’s perfect for participants of all speeds!

💥 Your Race, Your Way! 💥

This is a hybrid event with both in-person and virtual race options. Choose your distance and division—whether you’re participating in the general, adaptive standing or adaptive sitting category, there's a place for you!

The Dream Big 5K is more than just a race—it's a celebration of community, inclusion, and impact!

Together, we’re aiming to raise $13,000 to fund life-changing adaptive sports programs. So grab your family, friends, or co-workers, create a team, and get ready for some friendly competition and amazing prizes.

Let's Dream Big together.  

Visit our SmugMug page for 2025 race photos.

#DreamBigVT

The health and safety of the athletes, the production team, our volunteers, and everyone in attendance is our first priority. We will follow all local health guidance and advisories. We ask that all runners review and agree to the following Code of Conduct in order to participate in person in the Dream BIg 5K/1K event. 

Conditions of Participation:

• Do not enter the premises if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, are waiting for test results, or have COVID-19 symptoms such as cough, fever, shortness of breath or other symptoms as established by the CDC
• Adhere to the Vermont Department of Health guidelines for quarantine and isolation
• Adhere to all federal, state and local regulations, recommendations and mandates regarding COVID-19

Specific Race Requirements:

• I attest that I have not knowingly been in contact with a COVID-19 positive individual within the past 14 days
• I have not had a positive COVID-19 test in the past 14 days
• I am not currently exhibiting an elevated temperature or other COVID-19 symptoms
• I agree to follow the directions of race organizers at all times throughout the duration of the event
• I understand that failure to comply with these rules may lead to disqualification and/or removal from the event and there will be no refunds if my participation is not allowed
• I agree to both the conditions of Participation and Specific Race Requirements 

Show your support for athletes with disability and sponsor the Dream Big 5K. The Dream Big 5K is an inclusive race with general and adaptive division. Your sponsorship will improve the lives of children and adults with disabilities by helping to fund EDD Adaptive Sports programs.

Title ($2,000)
Name/logo on race advertisements
Top logo placement on race T-shirts
Name/logo & link on Dream Big 5K & EDD Adaptive Sports websites
 
Gold ($1,000)  
Name/logo on race advertisements
Prominent logo placement on race T-shirts
Name/logo & link on Dream Big 5K & EDD Adaptive Sports websites
 
Silver ($750)
Logo placement on race T-shirts
Name/logo & link on Dream Big 5K & EDD Adaptive Sports websites
 
Bronze ($500) & Friend ($250)
Name on race T-shirts
Name/logo & link on Dream Big 5K & EDD Adaptive Sports websites
 
Supporting (In-kind donation of media, goods or services)
Some or all of the above may apply, based on value of donation

Dream Big 5K Runners Guide - everything you need to know about race day!  

Click here to read the guide. 

How do I create a fundraising team for the Dream Big 5K? 

• You can create or join a fundraising team during registration.  When you get to the Donation page, click the "Become a Fundraiser" button.
• Under Become a Fundraiser, fill in your name for Your Individual Fundraiser Name and then navigate down to Team Fundraiser.
• Under Team Fundraiser, select to Join an existing team or Create a Team Fundraiser.
• At this point, you can make a donation to your fundraiser or just click Continue.
• Once you have completed your registration, you will receive an email with a link to your Fundraiser.
• You can also find your fundraiser on your RunSignUp profile. Navigate to Dream Big 5K (either by clicking “Manage Registration” or by scrolling down to Fundraising on your Profile page) and clicking “Edit Fundraiser.”

What is a hybrid race?  
A hybrid race combines both an in-person race and a virtual race to allow you to choose what works best for you. The virtual race is one that you complete on your own time and at a place you choose. You can even run 5K on your treadmill at home, walk a neighborhood trail or favorite 5K course. The in-person race in Essex, VT is professionally timed and a fun community event.  
Virtual race dates:  Complete your 5K anytime between May 3 and May 17, 2026.  
Virtual race completion is based on the honor system. Submit your time and photos at runsignup.com/dreambig5krunwalkroll so we know you completed the race.
Live race date: May 3, 2026, 10am at Essex Middle School. 

How do I register for the hybrid Dream Big 5K?
Use the sign up button at the top of the page to register. Choose the virtual or live race option; select appropriate division and distance. After registering, you may transfer from the virtual to live race, or vice versa, before 5/1/26. 

How do I get my bib & swag for the Virtual Dream Big 5K?
T-shirts, medals and SWAG are mailed in mid-April. Virtual race participants need to pay for shipping in order to receive their medal, T-shirt and SWAG. Please be sure to add this option during your registration. Virtual participants can download and print a race bib from their RunSignUp profile by clicking the "View Pre-Race Bib" link under their Upcoming Events.

What if I am not interested in doing either race option?
We understand that a 5K or 1K might not work for everyone.  If you’d like to still be connected to this great event, you can make a donation to a Dream Big fundraiser or directly to EDD Adaptive Sports, a 501(c)3 charitable organization.  You can also set up a fundraiser!

How can I help?

• Volunteer.  We need 40 volunteers to help on race day (and leading up to it). Sign up through the volunteer tab or contact us with questions. 
• Spread the word!  Invite your friends to join you for the Dream Big 5K or participate virtually. 
• Use #DreamBigVT when you post and share.
• Join our Facebook Group “Dream Big 5K Run, Walk, Roll.” Connect with other Dream Big participants, share messages of encouragement and photos of your run.
• Leave a message of encouragement for EDD athletes on our Facebook page. 
• Show your pride with some EDD gear. Purchase a race tee shirt or visit our online gear store for more choices. 

Please contact Gretchen if you have more questions: events@eddfund or 802-399-4366