Be a Part of the Tiny Footprints 5K

Runner Information

Race Timing

The 5K race is timed using chip timing. The chip is located in the race bib # given to each participant at packet pickup. The race bib # must be worn for an official finish time to be registered for a participant. Finish times and places will be displayed at the finish area and posted online. 

Start Position in the Group

The start of the race is safer and more enjoyable when runners are positioned appropriately within the group. At the starting line, seed yourself according to how fast (or leisurely) you plan to run each mile. If run quicker than a 10 minute pace seed yourself towards the front of the starting area.  If you are walking or run slower than a 10 minute mile pace, seed yourself toward the back of the starting group.

Runners with Strollers

People with strollers must gather in the stroller corral prior to the race start. Volunteers will direct the runners with strollers to the rear of the run group at the designated time.

Dogs Are Not Allowed

We love our furry friends, however, dogs are not allowed to accompany a runner in the race. This is for the safety of each dog as well as the participants and spectators. 

Mile Markers and Water Stations

Each mile on the course will be clearly marked. There will be two water stations--the first just about the one and half mile mark, and the second at the finish line and includes light snacks. 

Finisher Medals

After the race, awards will be presented to the top male and female overall finishers(male and female) in each of the following age groups: Under 18, 19-49, 50+.

Please check the race results after you finish the race. If you are in the top three of your age group, be prepared to get your award as soon as your name is called. Awards can be picked up at Sneakerama during the month of October if you miss when your name is called at the awards ceremony. No awards will be mailed to recipients.  

Brew Garden

Local breweries will be pouring starting at 11:15 AM. Cash and credit cards accepted. Proper ID required. 

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Race Day Schedule

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM: Check-In/Packet Pickup

PLEASE TAKE NOTE: Packet pick up closes at 9:00 AM on race day because the Remembrance Ceremony for the babies begins at 9:00 AM. Plan accordingly. 5K Participants pick up race day number, timing chip and tech shirt; Kids Fun Run participants pick up race day number. You may pick up for family and friends but let them know ahead of time to avoid any confusion. Team captains are strongly encouraged to pick up the packets for their team members at one of the packet pickup events prior to race day.

THERE IS NO REGISTERING FOR THE RACE AT ANY PACKET PICKUP INCLUDING RACE DAY. 

9:00 AM: Remembrance Ceremony

Details to come...

9:30 AM: Kids Fun Run START (at outdoor track)

9:50 AM: Runners Queue in Staging Area

10:00 AM: 5K Race START

11:00 AM Start serving lunch (pizzas will be served from local restaurant)

11:30 Awards and Sponsor Thank You's

At the awards ceremony

• Top team fundraisers
• Raffle items
• Top two finishers (male and female) in each of the following age groups: Under 18, 19-49 and 50+ (It is age as of event day). 

1:00 PM: Event Ends

Venue Setup and Parking

 

Parking

Worcester State University has many parking options. The most convenient parking areas for the 5k are the Chandler Street Lot, and the May Street Lot.  

Bathrooms

Bathrooms will be near the finish line where several porta potties will be available. 

Campus Map

The Course

The single loop 5K course starts and finishes in front of the Sullivan Academic Center at Worcester State University. The route is paved and mostly flat, with two gentle inclines, making it ideal for an early season PR. 

The clockwise route is not closed to traffic, however the traffic is very light and the course is monitored by police and volunteers. There are two water stations one about half way through the 5k and a second water station with light snacks is located at the finish line. 



 

The Reason for the Tiny Footprints for Life

A Parents' Promise to Their Three Tiny Sons 

Tyrus, Dante, and Daniel Vescio were born on April 8, 2005, and died shortly afterwards. Despite being surrounded by the best medical care, these three babies had entered this world before their bodies were ready to live outside the womb. That day, Don and Elaine Vescio promised each son that he would never be forgotten, and that his parents would help other babies live long, healthy lives. 

The genesis for the TDD was at Tyrus, Dante, and Daniel's funeral when Elaine, looked around and saw and felt so much grief. That feeling prompted her to (totally unplanned) tell the people that had gathered, "Don and I do not want our sons remembered only in sadness and in grief. They are blessings, and we are going to remember them and love them every single day". 

The first TDD Triathlon took place in Douglas, MA in 2009. Each year, hundreds of triathletes raced at that event, remembering Tyrus, Dante, and Daniel  while raising funds for the UMass Memorial NICU.

In 2017, the Vescio Family met with the UMass Memorial NICU and explained that it was time to expand the mission of the TDD to make it more inclusive. The event was changed to a 5K and kids run with a focus on remembering all the babies who have left the world too soon. 

Now in 2022, we have rebranded the event to Tiny Footprints For Life, as we want to recognize all the tiny footprints that have left a lasting imprint on our hearts whether they came home from the NICU or not.  That is what the TFFL 5k and TDD Kids Fun Run are about--gathering together to celebrate and remember while doing something enjoyable--running or walking. 

TDD Kids Fun Run

Kids embrace the pure joy of running. That's why the Tiny Footprints For life 5K includes a FREE Kids Fun Run for children ages 12 and under. The fun run takes place on the campus of WSU. It is one lap for kids (1/4 mile); kids have the option of running an additional lap if they choose. 



Online registration for the kids fun run opens at 8:00 am on  June 27th, 2022 and closes at midnight on Sept 15, 2022. THERE IS NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION FOR THE KIDS FUN RUN.