Cinco De Mayo 2026 returns to St. John's in early May — this edition takes place on May 3, 2026 in the Quidi Vidi neighbourhood and is organized by NL Events. The community-friendly 5K brings a seasonal, festive feel to one of the city's most scenic pockets and has become a regular spring run for local clubs and weekend racers.

The event is a single-distance 5K Run/Walk with a morning start (10:00 a.m. NDT). Race kit pick-up is held the day before: Saturday, May 2 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at St. John's Running Room (#9 Rowan Street). The field is capped to keep the event compact and easy to manage, so runners are encouraged to arrive early to collect bibs and warm up along the lake.

What sets Cinco De Mayo apart is its approachable, social atmosphere and a handful of concrete perks. The 5K loops Quidi Vidi Lake, finishing with a post-race beverage — participants receive a free beer or non-alcoholic drink at Jack Astor's. The race also supports Beagle Paws Rescue, giving local runners a direct way to fundraise for a community animal charity. Sponsors include Running Room and Jack Astor's, which keeps the event rooted in local business support.

Registration opens in stages (early-bird and regular windows) and the event enforces a hard cap of 450 entrants; regular registration runs through April 30. Runners planning to take part should register well before the cap fills and note the Saturday bib pick-up window to avoid race-morning lines.

- **Looped lake course:** 5K route circles Quidi Vidi Lake for consistent sightlines and spectator access
- **Post-race beverage included:** finishers get a free beer or non-alcoholic drink at Jack Astor's
- **Charity partner:** proceeds support Beagle Paws Rescue (event fundraising already shows community support)
- **Limited field:** race is capped at 450 entrants to keep the event compact and community-focused
- **Local bib pick-up:** packet pick-up Saturday May 2, 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. at St. John's Running Room (#9 Rowan Street)