Red's Race for a Better Community

Red's Race for a Better Community Reds Race was conceived in 1981 as Red's Shoe Barn 5 Mile Road Race, organized and sponsored by Red's Shoe Barn. Don’t miss the fun!

The 43rd Annual Red's Race “Race for a Better Community” 2026 is a 5 mile road race and introducing a 5K race course, open to anyone interested in either running or walking in this annual event. Since its inception over 40 years ago, Reds Race has grown to become one of Dover's most anticipated, prestigious and historic road races, and a hugely successful annual charity fundraiser that strengthens

the community by raising money for six local non-profits who provide important services to many of Strafford County's most vulnerable residents. For many serious local runners, Reds Race marks the unofficial start of the Seacoast racing season, long considered one of the best and most competitive local road races and often utilized as a final 'training run' in preparation for the annual Boston Marathon. Reds Road Race's popularity grew through the 80's, 90's and early 2000's, and participation soared, peaking at over 1,000 runners and walkers. So too did the logistical challenges of organizing and conducting the race. After 25 years of organizing and sponsoring the race, Red's Shoe Barn General Manager Dave Whitehouse reimagined the event as a vehicle to raise money for community organizations, and passed the baton to several local non-profit organizations in Strafford County to plan and execute the race. With the help of the Rochester Runners, a new vision for the race emerged, its focus and ultimate purpose evolving into a charitable fundraiser that enriches the community by raising money to help local non-profits fund important community support services. In 2007 the race was rechristened Reds Race for a Better Community and event organizers were expanded to include seven local non-profit beneficiaries. The race start time was changed from 1pm to 10am, and what has become an increasingly popular untimed 2.4 mile walking route was added to the existing timed 5 mile run to make the event more accessible to a broader range of participants. In 2014, Reds Race became one of the first of 11 races in what is now the very popular Dover Race Series. Today, Reds Race participants include serious runners, recreational joggers and walkers, individuals, groups, families and community members of all ages and abilities. Over the past 10 years event participation has increased by more than 100%. Reds Race for a Better Community offers a challenging and beautiful course that brings the community together for a great cause and a good time. It’s a wonderful opportunity to get outside, shake off winter and celebrate Spring. Reds Road Race 2022 benefits these local non-profits who help organize the race and provide volunteers to help conduct the race:

Community Action Partnership of Strafford County

Seymour Osman Community Center

Woodman Park Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO)

04/13/2025

Thank you to all the sponsors, runners, walkers, and volunteers! Events like this wouldn’t be possible without each and every one of you.

Results are live and can be found below!

04/13/2025
RACE DAY IS HERE! 🏃🏽‍♀️ ❄️ Here are a few pre-race reminders to help you better plan for Reds Race.🚗 Parking is located...
04/12/2025

RACE DAY IS HERE! 🏃🏽‍♀️ ❄️

Here are a few pre-race reminders to help you better plan for Reds Race.

🚗 Parking is located at:
- McConnell Community Center
- The Dover parking garage with an entrance behind the Dover Police Station off of Chestnut St.
- Henry Law parking lot, next to the indoor pool. (Please note, you can park there till 8am then the road is closed off for the race. You’ll be able to leave this lot when the race is finished)
- Limited, metered street parking is available.

🏃🏽‍♂️ Bib Pick Up:
- Dover City Hall, second floor, from 7:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Those who registered by March 15th will also receive your t-shirt when you pick your bib up. Please remember that there is no swapping of shirt sizes.

🔑 Key Box:
There will be a box at registration in City Hall for those who wish to put their keys in it before the race. The key box will be located at the medical tent at Henry Law Park for you to retrieve your keys.

🚽 Bathrooms:
- Men's and women's bathrooms are located on the first and second floor of City Hall. Typically, at some point, we re-designate the 2nd floor men’s bathroom for women to facilitate the longer lines.
- Port-o-Potties in the parking lot by the Dover Indoor Pool

🗺️ Route Maps:
- Maps of the courses for both the 5 mile race and the 2.25 mile walk can be found here:

For A Better Community! April 12, 2025

Two days away! There is still time to register to walk, run, or even sign up to volunteer!
04/10/2025

Two days away! There is still time to register to walk, run, or even sign up to volunteer!

The event includes a 5-mile timed run and a 2.4-mile untimed walking course, held simultaneously as the third event of the 2025 Dover Race Series.

We’re just around the corner from race day, and we need YOUR help to make this year’s Red’s Race for a Better Community ...
04/07/2025

We’re just around the corner from race day, and we need YOUR help to make this year’s Red’s Race for a Better Community a success!

Whether you can help with setup, water stations, cheering on runners, or clean up... every set of hands makes a huge difference.

Grab a friend, bring your energy, and be a part of one of Dover’s most meaningful and fun community events that directly benefits both Woodman Park School PTO and Seymour Osman Community Center!

Interested? Sign up here 👇

Red's Race is running for the 42nd year! Reds Race was conceived in 1981 as Red's Shoe Barn 5 Mile Road Race, organized and sponsored by Red's Shoe Barn. In 2007 the race was rechristened Reds Race for a Better Community and event organizers were expanded to include non-profit beneficiaries. The Red...

HERE WE GO! We are officially one week out from our 42nd Annual Red’s Race for a Better Community.
04/05/2025

HERE WE GO! We are officially one week out from our 42nd Annual Red’s Race for a Better Community.

04/04/2025

Red's Race is running for the 42nd year! Reds Race was conceived in 1981 as Red's Shoe Barn 5 Mile Road Race, organized and sponsored by Red's Shoe Barn. In 2007 the race was rechristened Reds Race for a Better Community and event organizers were expanded to include non-profit beneficiaries. The Red...

Thank you to Stoneface Brewing Co. and Middleton Chiropractic for sponsoring our Water Stops! 🫗
04/04/2025

Thank you to Stoneface Brewing Co. and Middleton Chiropractic for sponsoring our Water Stops! 🫗

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Looking to help leading up to the Red's Race, or even day of? Sign up below 👇
03/22/2025

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Looking to help leading up to the Red's Race, or even day of? Sign up below 👇

Red's Race is running for the 42nd year! Reds Race was conceived in 1981 as Red's Shoe Barn 5 Mile Road Race, organized and sponsored by Red's Shoe Barn. In 2007 the race was rechristened Reds Race for a Better Community and event organizers were expanded to include non-profit beneficiaries. The Red...

Don’t race against time, grab your tickets for Red’s Race today! Join us on April 11th at City Hall, for a fun run that ...
03/21/2025

Don’t race against time, grab your tickets for Red’s Race today! Join us on April 11th at City Hall, for a fun run that makes a difference. This funds directly benefit Seymour Osman Community Center and Woodman Park School PTO

Sign up now and let’s hit the ground running!

Red's Race for a Better Community Dover City Hall, Central Avenue, Dover, NH, USA - RED'S RACE FOR A BETTER COMMUNITYThe 42nd Annual Red's Race… - April 12, 2025

THANK YOU to our Distance level sponsors!Granite Fitness And PerformanceGreat Cove Landscaping, LLCWinichahanat Veterina...
03/20/2025

THANK YOU to our Distance level sponsors!

Granite Fitness And Performance
Great Cove Landscaping, LLC
Winichahanat Veterinary Care
Formax
Martel Plumbing and Heating, Inc. - Dover, NH
Berry Dunn
Burns, Bryant, Cox, Rockefeller & Durkin P.A.

We are so grateful for the support of our sponsors who help make Red’s Race for a Better Community a success! Your generosity allows us to continue making a positive impact, and we couldn't do it without you.

Your commitment to our mission helps us go the distance, thank you for being an essential part of our community!

A Huge THANK YOU is in order to our Marathon level sponsors!Derry Imaging CenterDMC Primary CareSomersworth Physical The...
03/19/2025

A Huge THANK YOU is in order to our Marathon level sponsors!

Derry Imaging Center
DMC Primary Care
Somersworth Physical Therapy
Norman Vetter Foundations

We are incredibly grateful for the generous support of these local companies, who help make Red's Race for a Better Community possible! Your commitment to our mission strengthens our community and allows us to continue making a meaningful impact for Woodman Park School PTO and Seymour Osman Community Center.

Your generosity fuels our race, supports local organizations, and keeps the spirit of giving alive. Thank you for being champions of Red's Race and our community!

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Dover, NH
03820

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