2026 Chase the Butterfly Family 5K Road Race and Kids Fun Run

The 2026 Chase the Butterfly Family 5K Road Race and Kids Fun Run is a community-driven athletic event held in Ipswich, Massachusetts. Scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, the race is hosted at the campus of New England Biolabs. This event serves as a dual fundraiser for the Ipswich Family YMCA and the CureCMT4J Foundation, a local nonprofit dedicated to finding a cure for a rare and aggressive neurological disease. As of April 3, 2026, the event has raised $546.35 toward its $10,000 goal, with 71 participants currently registered.

The course is designed to be inclusive, accommodating runners, walkers, strollers, and well-behaved dogs. Professional timing is provided by Bay State Race Services, with a pre- and post-race party featuring live music from the Tri-Town Rock Band and Bottles and Cans.

Ipswich is a historic coastal town in Essex County with a population of approximately 13,785 residents. Known for its agricultural roots and the famous Crane Beach, the town has a high median household income of approximately $115,000. Demographically, Ipswich is predominantly White (92.4%), with Hispanic or Latino (2.8%), Asian (1.7%), and Black or African American (0.9%) populations representing the remainder of the community. The town maintains a strong "small-town" feel with a median age of 48.4 years, reflecting a stable, family-oriented environment.

The local culture is deeply intertwined with philanthropy and community service, centered largely around the Ipswich Family YMCA. The CureCMT4J Foundation was founded in Ipswich to support Talia Duff, a local resident, turning a personal medical crisis into a town-wide mission for a cure. This race acts as a primary vehicle for community bonds, bringing together local businesses like True North Ale Company and New England Biolabs to support medical research and financial assistance for YMCA programs. For the residents of the North Shore, the "Butterfly" theme symbolizes transformation and hope for those living with rare diseases.

Participants can engage with the mission through tiered fundraising levels named after the life cycle of a butterfly, from Chrysalis to Flight. The event provides a robust social experience, including a Beefie Boys food truck and a celebratory atmosphere at the finish line. Beyond the physical race, the social impact is felt through the YMCA’s ability to provide subsidized childcare and swim safety lessons to families in need within the Ipswich and Cape Ann regions.

By race day on May 2nd, the collaboration between the YMCA and CureCMT4J will have mobilized hundreds of local heroes. The funds raised translate directly into life-saving missions, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent community members from accessing essential developmental and health services. This race is a testament to Ipswich's collective strength, proving that a single town can lead the way in finding a cure for rare diseases while supporting the daily needs of its neighbors.