History of The Petit Family 5k Road Race
The Petit Family 5k Road Race began in early 2008 by two brothers, Robert and Gary Heslin, who were classmates of Dr. William A. Petit, Jr. at Plainville High School, class of 1974. Together the three of them ran cross-country and track & field. In response to Dr. Petit’s request to do good things for others and to carry on the legacy of his wife and daughters, lifelong runners Robert and Gary decided that a USATF-certified 5k, point-to-point course would be the best option they could offer. There is also a 1.3mi Fitness Walk.
On behalf of the Petit Family 5k Road race, the Petit Family Foundation has awarded over $7.5 million in grants to programs and projects all over Connecticut, as well as the American Northeast and all across the United States.
Grants include:
- Fellowship Place
- Family Center, Inc.
- Klingberg Family Centers
- Survivors of Homicide
- Boys & Girls Center of Bristol
- Prudence Crandall
- Hayley Petit Injury Prevention Fellowship at Connecticut Childrens Medical Center
All proceeds will benefit The Petit Family Foundation.
The Petit Family Foundation honors the memories of Jennifer Hawke-Petit, Hayley Elizabeth Petit, and Michaela Rose Petit by continuing the kindness, idealism and activism that defined their lives.
Our Impact
18 Years
Running
$8 Mil. +
In Grants Awarded
Community Voices
“My family went to the first annual, and now the second annual GE 5k to benefit the Petit Family Foundation. I confess that both times I welled up just before the start when Dr. Petit spoke to the runners. The event is quite well organized and well attended by folks from all over. My daughter traveled from Malden, MA to run with me in the race. My wife and some of her friends did the walk. We now consider this a family/friend tradition. It’s a shame that the race is organized due to a horrific tragic event, but if any good comes out of a tragedy, then this one is the best I’ve come across. This race is a must-do if you’re into community togetherness and generally care about people at all.”
Registration & Fees
The entry fee for the 5K Race (3.1 mi) or Fitness Run (1.3 mi) is $30 per person.
Online Registration ends July 18, 2025 at 11:59am EDT
Printed PDF registration forms will not be accepted on race day.
We encourage online registrations but we also provide a printable PDF registration form if you wish to mail in your registration(s) and payment(s) ahead of time. Mail completed forms to:
Petit Family Foundation
PO Box 310
Plainville, CT 06062
Make checks payable to:
Petit Family Foundation
The Course / Directions
Registration, Fitness Walk & 5K Road Race will begin at
47 Robert Holcomb Way, Plainville, CT 06062
Event Photos
