LAFAYETTE, CALIFORNIA – Lafayette’s annual Res Run for Education returns Sunday, October 18, bringing runners and walkers downtown to raise money for local schools. Families can choose a timed 5K, a hilly 10K that circles the Lafayette Reservoir, or an untimed two-mile fun run and walk.
The 5K starts at 8 a.m., followed by the 10K at 8:15 a.m. and the two-mile event at 8:45 a.m. All three start on Mt. Diablo Boulevard between Oak Hill and Moraga roads. The Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and the City of Lafayette sponsor the event.
There is an extra reason for Lafayette School District families to sign up soon: September 30 is the deadline for an early school competition. In a press release sent to Bay Area Telegraph, the Chamber said the district school with the most registrations by that date will receive an additional $500. It also plans $500 awards for the school with the most registrations by race day and the school with the biggest increase over last year.
The fundraiser has a substantial track record. The Chamber says the 2025 Res Run generated $37,611 in checks for local schools. This year’s event will again include a Healthy Lifestyles Fair on Lafayette Circle, scheduled from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m., with activities and information from community organizations.
Participants who prefer to set their own schedule can enter the virtual, 2.7-mile Reservoir Challenge from October 10 through 17. It can be completed at the reservoir or elsewhere. The event’s 2026 shirt design was created by Robby Houghton, a resident of Sunflower Hill, the organization developing a residential community in Lafayette for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The 5K course does not allow dogs or strollers; leashed dogs and strollers are permitted in the 10K and two-mile events. Registration, course information and current prices are available on the Res Run registration page. Drivers heading downtown on race morning should check for updated road closure information before leaving.
