Sterling Down and Dirty 5k
Stratford, United States • 12 Sep 2026
Sterling Down & Dirty 5K
The Sterling Down & Dirty is an annual, family friendly 5K obstacle race held at Stratford Short Beach in September. The course runs across sand and includes more than 18 obstacles where participants may run, walk, skip, or dance their way through sections that can become sweaty, sandy, dirty, and wet.
Proceeds support the Sterling Community Center and members of its Resource Connection Program. The event reports an impact of approximately $250,000 raised toward programs, services, and financial aid, and typically draws over 300 participants, families, and children each year.
Participants can fundraise individually or as part of a team. Team categories include General Teams, Sterling Spirit Teams, School Teams, and Corporate Teams. Awards recognize the Most Team Spirit and the Most Funds Raised. Fundraising milestones earn participant rewards and individual totals may also count toward a team total.
Volunteers serve in roles such as Obstacle Facilitator and Course Guide to support race operations. Sponsorship options are offered at multiple levels, with benefits that can include complimentary runner registrations, discounts on additional registrations, onsite branding, logo placement on event materials, and opportunities to include promotional items in participant swag.
Images and social media templates are provided for fundraising promotion and event outreach. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.