14th Annual Vicki Soto 5K

General Information

Early Bib Pick Up

When:
Sunday 10/26 12am - 4pm
Monday 10/27 NO PICKUP
Tuesday 10/28 3pm - 6pm
Wednesday 10/29 3pm - 6pm
Thursday 10/30 3pm - 6pm
Friday 10/31 NO PICKUP

Where:

24230 Main St

Unit 9

Stratford, CT

Before You Arrive

• Please arrive 45–60 minutes before the start of the race to allow plenty of time for traffic, parking, security screening, and the walk to the start area.
• Parking is included with your race registration and is available in the lots across from the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater.
• Restrooms are available throughout the venue, including on the lower concourse.
• Locker rooms and shower facilities are not available. Please arrive dressed and ready to participate.
• The course runs along the Long Island Sound, so weather conditions can change quickly. We recommend dressing in layers.

Race Day Schedule

Road Closures

Road closures will begin at approximately 9:00 AM. Please plan your travel accordingly.

Course Safety

To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone:

• Pets are not permitted on the race course.
• Bicycles, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades, and other wheeled devices are not permitted on the course (except approved mobility devices).
• Please remain on the official race course at all times. Do not cut across sidewalks, lawns, or private property, as this creates safety hazards and may damage personal property.
• Participants with strollers and those planning to walk should line up toward the back of the starting area.

Community Food Drive – Help Stuff the Bus!

One of the many ways we honor Vicki's legacy is by giving back to our community.

This year, we're partnering with the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA to Stuff the Bus in support of the CCC YMCA Food Pantries.

We invite all participants to bring non-perishable food donations to Bib Pickup or on Race Day to help provide food to our neighbors in need.

Suggested donations include:

• Canned vegetables and fruit
• Canned soups and pasta
• Peanut butter
• Cereal
• Rice and pasta
• Shelf-stable meals
• Other non-perishable food items

Every donation, big or small, helps make a difference.

Security Information

The safety of our participants, volunteers, and spectators is our highest priority.

• Security will be provided by G-Force Security and the Bridgeport Police Department throughout the event.
• All bags are subject to inspection.
• Please leave unnecessary backpacks, coolers, large containers, and bundled items at home. Unattended items in restricted areas may be removed for safety reasons.
• If you see something unusual or concerning, notify a race volunteer, security officer, or police officer immediately.

If you see something, say something.

Flamingo Spirit

One of the most beloved traditions of the Vicki Soto 5K is seeing participants dressed as flamingos in honor of Vicki's love of them.

Costumes are encouraged and help make the event fun, memorable, and uniquely Vicki.

If you choose to wear a costume or carry a sign or prop, please ensure it does not interfere with other participants or create a safety hazard.

Raffle Information

Basket Raffle

Don't miss the #VickiSoto5K Basket Raffle!

With 100+ incredible prizes, there's something for everyone. All raffle ticket sales help support the mission of the Vicki Soto Memorial Foundation.

Walkers Welcome

Walkers are an important part of the Vicki Soto 5K and are always welcome.

Please line up near the back of the starting area before the race begins.

Walkers pay the same registration fee as runners because they receive the same race support, including road closures, police and medical services, restrooms, race amenities, and event operations. Most importantly, every registration helps support the mission of the Vicki Soto Memorial Foundation.

Weather Policy

The Vicki Soto 5K is a rain-or-shine event.

If weather or other circumstances require a delay, updates will be shared by race officials and announced over the public address system throughout the start/finish area.

Virtual 5K

• Registration opens August 1 and closes October 1 at 11:59 PM.
• Registration fee: $40
• All registrations are non-refundable.
• Race shirts will be mailed to the address provided during registration during the week leading up to race day.
• We've proudly shipped race shirts to participants all over the world!
• Virtual registrations cannot be changed to in-person registrations after October 1.
• Share your race photos with us using @TeamVickiSoto on social media.

Parking

• Parking is included with your race registration.
• General parking is available in the lots across from the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater.
• Accessible parking is available on-site. Please display your handicap placard upon arrival, and parking attendants will direct you to the designated area.
• Unauthorized vehicles remaining on-site after the event may be towed at the owner's expense.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Registration

Can I register on race day?

Yes! Race day registration will be available beginning at 8:00 AM, provided the event has not reached capacity.

Can I transfer my registration to another person?

No. Race registrations are non-transferable.

Are registrations refundable?

No. All race registrations and donations are non-refundable.

Can I switch from the Virtual 5K to the in-person race?

Virtual registrations cannot be changed to in-person registrations after October 1.

Basket Raffle

How do I purchase basket raffle tickets?

Basket raffle tickets are available online only. Simply scan the QR code displayed at the event or visit vickisotobasketraffle.com to purchase your entries.

How much are raffle tickets?

Raffle tickets are $1 per entry.

When does the basket raffle close?

Online ticket sales close on the morning of the Vicki Soto 5K. Be sure to purchase your entries before sales end.

How many prizes are available?

This year's basket raffle features more than 100 amazing prizes, with something for everyone!

How will I know if I win?

Winners will receive an email notification from Eventgroove during the 5K.

Do I need to be present to win?

Yes. Winners must be present at the event to claim their prize.

Community Food Drive

What is the Stuff the Bus food drive?

Each year, the Vicki Soto 5K partners with the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA to collect non-perishable food items for the CCC YMCA Food Pantries. This community-wide food drive helps support local families experiencing food insecurity.

Where can I bring my donation?

Non-perishable food donations can be dropped off at:

• Bib Pickup
• Race Day

What items are most needed?

Examples of helpful donations include:

• Canned vegetables and fruit
• Canned soups
• Peanut butter
• Cereal
• Pasta and rice
• Shelf-stable meals
• Other unopened, non-perishable food items.

Race Day

What time should I arrive?

We recommend arriving 45–60 minutes before the race begins to allow time for parking, security screening, and walking to the start area.

Where do I park?

Parking is included with your race registration and is available in the lots across from the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater.

Is there a bag check?

No. Bag check, lockers, and shower facilities are not available. Please leave valuables at home or secure them in your vehicle.

Where are the restrooms?

Restrooms are located throughout the venue, including on the lower concourse.

Course Information

Can I walk instead of run?

Absolutely! Walkers are encouraged to participate. Please line up toward the back of the starting area before the race begins.

Are strollers allowed?

Yes. Strollers are welcome. For everyone's safety, participants with strollers should line up toward the back of the starting area.

Are pets allowed?

No. Pets are not permitted on the race course.

Can I use a bicycle, scooter, skateboard, or rollerblades?

No. Wheeled devices are not permitted on the course, with the exception of approved mobility devices.

Is the course wheelchair accessible?

Participants using wheelchairs or other approved mobility devices are welcome. If you have questions or need accommodations, please contact us before race day.

Event Information

What happens if it rains?

The Vicki Soto 5K is a rain-or-shine event. If severe weather or other circumstances require a delay, updates will be announced by race officials.

Is there a time limit to complete the course?

There is no official time limit; however, participants should be aware that roads will reopen according to the event schedule.

Can I dress up?

Yes! Costumes are encouraged, especially flamingo-themed attire in honor of Vicki's love of flamingos. Please ensure costumes and props do not create a safety hazard or interfere with other participants.

Virtual 5K

When will I receive my race shirt?

Race shirts will be mailed to the address provided during registration during the week leading up to race day.

Can I complete my virtual race anywhere?

Yes! You can complete your Virtual 5K wherever you choose and on your own schedule.

How do I share my virtual race?

We'd love to see your photos! Share them on social media and tag @TeamVickiSoto.

Supporting the Foundation

Where does my registration fee go?

Your participation helps support the mission of the Vicki Soto Memorial Foundation, including:

• Scholarships for future educators
• Literacy initiatives and classroom libraries
• Teacher and classroom support
• Community partnerships and acts of kindness

I can't attend. How else can I help?

There are many ways to support the Foundation:

• Make a donation
• Become a sponsor
• Volunteer
• Form a fundraising team
• Share the event with friends and family

Contact Us

I still have questions. Who can I contact?

If you have additional questions before race day, please contact us:

Email: info@vickisotomemorial.com (update if needed)

We're happy to help and look forward to seeing you on race day!