The Petit Family Foundation
5K Road Race
2020 EVENT CANCELED
The 2020 Petit Family Road Race has been cancelled due to COVID-19. There will be a virtual road race held in its place.
July 19, 2020
History of The Petit Family 5k Road Race
The 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 Kid’s Fun Run of about one-quarter mile, in which all children who run receive a medal for their participation.
On behalf of the Petit Family 5k Road race, the Petit Family Foundation has awarded over $3.5 million in grants to programs and projects all over Connecticut, as well as the American Northeast and all across the United States.
Grants include:
- Channel 3 Kids Camp
- Childrens’ Museum Inc.
- Goodwin College Nursing
- Interval House
- SMART START STEM INTERNATIONAL
- Emerge Inc.
- Domestic Violence Crisis 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
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.
Community Voices
Registration & Fees
See details below regarding fees and timing.
2020 EVENT CANCELED
The 2020 Petit Family Road Race has been cancelled due to COVID-19. There will be a virtual road race held in its place.
5K Road Race:
Entry fee is $30.00 up until July 17th, and $35.00 on race day.
Fitness Walk (1.3 mi):
Entry fee is $30.00 up until noon on July 17th, and $35.00 on race day.
Kids’ Fun Run (Under 8 years old):
No registration required.
The PDF registration form that participants can download and mail in should have the following information printed:
Make checks payable to:
Petit Family Foundation
Registration payment can be mailed to:
Petit Family Foundation
PO Box 310 Plainville,
CT. 06062
The Course / Directions
Registration, Kid’s Fun Run, Fitness Walk & 5K Road Race will begin at
47 Robert Holcomb Way, Plainville, CT 06062
Event Photos
