Congratulations to all of our 2025 participants!
Men’s winner: Michael Watson, 17:03
Women’s winner: Kimberly Fitzgerald, 22:58
Team Winner: Notch North
Clam Cup Winner: Mrs. Dwyer’s class with 100% participation!
The 16th Happy as a Clam 5k Race, Walk and Fun Dashes is Friday, September 12, 2025! Sponsored by the Friends of Essex Elementary, this event is open to anyone who wants to support a community school and all the wonderful enrichment programs the students hope to enjoy throughout the year. The 5K route meanders through the beautiful back roads of Essex. The Kids' Fun Dashes are always a hit, with even the littlest ones smiling from start to finish. Come out, lace up, and pound the pavement for the students of EES. It's sure to be another fun race this year!
When:
Friday September 12th, 2025
5:00 PM Walkers Start
5:30 PM Kids' Fun Dashes Start
6:00 PM 5K Race Start
Where:
Essex Elementary School, 12 Story St, Essex, MA
Who:
Runners and walkers of all ages!
Since 2022: TEAMS! Create a team of family, friends, or co-workers and receive a registration discount, along with the ability to motivate each other through the training process. There will be a special Team Prize as well!
Registration is open!
Advance online registration through our Race Roster link is HIGHLY encouraged and will be $38.53 until Friday, 8/29/25.
Registration fee increases to $43.85 on Saturday, 8/30/25.
Online registration closes at 4 pm on Wednesday 9/10/25.
After 4 pm on 9/10/25, registration fee increases to $45 and can only be done at the in person at packet-pickup or at the event starting at 4 pm 9/14/24.
Registration is required for all walkers, runners, and Fun Dash participants. Registration for Kids' Fun Dashes is always FREE.
Shirts:
Our coveted, limited-edition Happy as a Clam Official Long Sleeve Technical Shirt is guaranteed to every runner and walker who registers by midnight on 8/24/25! What will the design be this year? Stay tuned!
Additional Happy as a Clam Merchandise will be available for purchase online during registration, and via our online store (link above!)
Prizes:
First place female and male 5k race finishers: $100 gift card
First place team (top 3 times count): $200 gift card!
Packet Pickup:
Thursday, 9/11/25 from 12p-1pm and 4-6pm - Town Hall 3 Martin Street, Essex, MA or at the event beginning at 4:30 pm on 9/12/25.
Safety:
Safety is our first priority. Please be cautious when driving and parking in the area of the race and the school. Runners and walkers should be aware that the roads remain open during the race and should be vigilant about their surroundings. Headphones are discouraged. Strollers ARE permitted but again aware that the roads will remain open. We will follow all MA state and local guidelines regarding COVID, but highly encourage COVID vaccination for all participants who are eligible.
Parking:
Parking is in school lots at Essex Elementary (12 Story Street, Essex, MA 02919) and on side streets in the surrounding area. Additional parking can be found behind Essex Town Hall at 24 Martin Street, a 0.5 mile walk to the start line. Arrive early!
Parking map can be found HERE.
Restrooms:
Restrooms will be available inside Essex Elementary School Gymnasium.
Free Kids' Fun Dash Info:
Registration for Fun Dashes for 2024 is through the Race Roster link above, similar to the registration process for the 5k Walk and Race. Registration will also be available at the event.
Tot Trot : Little ones under age 5 can get in on the action with a 20 yard dash on the soccer field
Kindergarten to 2nd Grade : Students in K - 2nd grades will participate in a quarter mile dash (once around EES—distance is approximate)
Third Grade to Fifth Grade: Students in 3rd - 5th grades will participate in a half mile dash (twice around EES—distance is approximate)
THE CLAM CUP : While all children are welcome to participate in the Happy as a Clam Fun Dashes, students of EES will be competing for the CLAM CUP! The class with the greatest percentage of students participating in the dashes or 5K race will be awarded the Clam Cup trophy to keep in their classroom for the school year!
2025: Mrs. Dwyer’s class with 100% participation!
2024: Ms. Russo’s class with 100% participation!
2023: Ms. Kasmarcik’s class with 90% participation!
2022: A tie between Ms. Porciello’s class and Ms. Jordan’s class!
2021 Clam Cup: Ms. Curcuru’s class with 72% participation!
2019 Clam Cup: Mr. Burnett’s class with 83% participation!
Course Info:
The Happy as a Clam 5K Walk and Race begins and ends at Essex Elementary School and weaves along the picturesque streets of Essex. The roads will remain open during the race.
Click HERE to view the race course
Past Results and Photos:
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