Three Worcester Nonprofits Join Forces for the 2026 “5K for Good” Series

Three Organizations with a Shared Purpose

By-Hank Stolz
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Worcester, MA-Three Worcester-based nonprofit organizations have joined forces for the third consecutive year to present the “5K for Good” series—a sequence of three races supporting housing, mental health, substance use recovery, and services for veterans throughout Worcester County.

The 2026 series includes:

• Reliant Foundation 5K: Saturday, October 3, at Shore Park in Worcester
• Abby’s House 17th Annual Hybrid 5K: Saturday, October 17, at West Boylston Middle/High School
• Veterans Inc. Run for Veterans 5K: Sunday, November 8, at Polar Park in Worcester

Participants who complete all three races will receive a special series medal, along with a T-shirt from each organization.

Three Organizations with a Shared Purpose

Reliant Foundation President Kelsa Zereski explained how the idea for the series began.

“We have one overall vision that aligns. We are all helping people in this community. Why not bring us all together and see if we’re stronger as a series?”

Zereski says the series gives people an opportunity to stay active while supporting neighbors throughout Worcester County.

“I think it gives people the opportunity to keep moving, which is, of course, great for their physical and mental health, and to be supporting those who need it most right here in Worcester County.”

Reliant Foundation provides community grants supporting programs focused on children and families affected by mental health challenges and substance use. Grant recipients include both Abby’s House and Veterans Inc.

Abby’s House Celebrates 50 Years

Abby’s House Executive Director Julie Orozco discussed the organization’s mission as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.

“Our mission is to provide shelter and affordable housing to women, with or without children,” Orozco said, adding that the organization’s work “really emphasizes dignity and is focused on the needs of women.”

The Abby’s House event is a hybrid 5K, allowing participants to take part in person or complete the race on their own.

“Because it’s a hybrid 5K, we offer the option to do a virtual walk or run, as well as participate onsite on October 17,” Orozco explained.

Veterans Inc. Supports Veterans and Their Families

Now in its 35th year of service, Veterans Inc. supports veterans and their families across New England and beyond. Its programs include housing assistance, employment training, substance use recovery, and suicide prevention.

Director Raymond Carville highlighted one of the organization’s groundbreaking programs.

“We’re very proud to have the first in the nation—when it opened eight years ago—long-term recovery program for veterans and their family members who are suffering from co-occurring post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder.”

The 5K for Good Welcomes Every Fitness Level

The races are open to runners and walkers of all experience and ability levels.

“I would say at least half of our race is walkers,” Zereski said. “You’re welcome to bring kids, strollers, dogs. We’re open to all abilities and all levels.”

Participants can register through ReliantFoundation.org. Those who attend the Reliant Foundation 5K and commit to completing the series can use the discount code Reliant2026 to receive $5 off their remaining registrations.

The 5K for Good series awards are sponsored by Sneakerama.