The 28th Annual Get Fit In May is a cornerstone community fundraiser scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Exeter, New Hampshire. Organized by the Exeter Elementary PTO, the event features a 5K road race, a fitness walk, and two specialized fun runs for children. Proceeds are directly funneled into the Lincoln Street and Main Street Elementary schools to support vital educational enrichment, including classroom technology, field trip transportation, and playground equipment.
| Activity | Date | Time / Location |
|---|---|---|
| Bib Pickup & Registration | Fri, May 15, 2026 | 3:15 PM – 4:00 PM (LSS Gym) |
| Race Day Registration Opens | Sat, May 16, 2026 | 7:00 AM (Lincoln Street School) |
| Kids Fun Run Warm-ups | Sat, May 16, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 8:15 AM |
| 1/2 Mile Fun Run (K-2) | Sat, May 16, 2026 | 8:30 AM EDT |
| 1 Mile Fun Run (Grades 3-5) | Sat, May 16, 2026 | 8:45 AM EDT |
| 5K Run/Walk Start | Sat, May 16, 2026 | 9:30 AM EDT |
The 5K course is a professionally timed road race starting and finishing at the Lincoln Street Elementary School. The event emphasizes school-wide engagement through its Team Competition, where the student grade with the highest registration volume wins a special prize. For senior participants, the race is endorsed by the New England 65 Plus Runners Club, which provides specialized recognition for athletes in older age brackets.
Awards include cash prizes for the top overall male, female, and non-binary finishers. Additionally, medals are awarded to the top runners in five-year age increments, extending up to the 90+ category. To guarantee a commemorative race t-shirt, participants must complete their registration by mid-April. On-site registration is available during bib pickup sessions via cash, check, Venmo, or PayPal.
The mission of the Exeter Elementary PTO is to bridge funding gaps for school initiatives. Recent data shows that state-level adequacy funding in New Hampshire for 2026-2027 is projected to reach approximately $7,132 per pupil, a 30% increase over the last decade. However, local PTO fundraising remains critical for enrichment programs. In the Exeter area, which reports a median family income of approximately $154,271, the PTO provides financial sponsorship for children whose families may face economic difficulty to ensure universal participation in fitness events.
Regional health data for 2026 indicates that approximately 20.5% of children in New Hampshire meet the federal guidelines of 60 minutes of daily physical activity. Community events like "Get Fit In May" target these fitness goals while addressing educational needs. In the Exeter population, which is roughly 87% White, 5% Asian, and 3% Hispanic, the school district continues to utilize PTO funds to support diverse student needs, including a record $49.9 million state-wide investment in special education services for the current cycle.
For more information on volunteering or sponsorship opportunities, interested parties can contact the race director at [email protected]. The event maintains a rain-or-shine policy and encourages all local families to participate in the morning warm-ups led by the physical education staff.
May 16, 2026
Distance — 5km
Type — Running
09:30
$34.60
May 16, 2026
Distance — 1mi
Type — Running
09:30
$13.30
May 16, 2026
Distance — 1mi
Type — Running
09:30
$13.30
May 16, 2026
Distance — 5km
Type — Running
09:30
$29.28
May 16, 2026
Distance — 5km
Type — Running
09:30
$34.60
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Exeter.
Learn more about the host city, Exeter.
Exeter is a town in the Seacoast region of New Hampshire.
Read more launchExplore other exciting events happening in this same region.
location_on Amesbury, Massachusetts, US
calendar_today May 09, 2026
location_on Newington, New Hampshire, US
calendar_today May 16, 2026
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