The Sonnenberg Gardens 5k Classic

Everyone,

We are proud to announce a collaboration on a new charitable 5k, The Sonnenberg Gardens 5k Classic, presented by Peacemaker Running Group! This race will be held entirely within the grounds of Sonnenberg Gardens on October 9th, 2026, at 6:00 pm. The goal of this race is to celebrate our community, physical activity, Canandaigua, and especially Sonnenberg Gardens.

This is a non-profit event: all revenue will go towards the logistical costs of the race and Sonnenberg Gardens, with a minimum of 25% of your registration donated to Sonnenberg Gardens. This is an inaugural race, and as such, we hope to use it as a prototype to gauge interest and optimize the course and proceedings for future events. This event is made possible by Sonnenberg Gardens and our organizing partners: Peacemaker Brewing Company and Rio Tomatlan.

Race

The race itself is a 1-mile loop contained entirely within Sonnenberg Gardens. The route will take runners through the gardens and around the mansion. The race will begin promptly at 6:00 pm; runners are encouraged to bring headlamps if they expect to finish after the sun sets at approximately 6:45 pm. The course route will be marked by flags, cones, and chalk. The event will be timed. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 adult males, top 3 adult females, and top 3 finishers under 18 years old, as well as a prize for the overall first-place runner. Parking is available on site. 

Packet Pickup

Packets will be available for pickup at three different times:

Wednesday, October 7th at Peacemaker Brewery from 5-7pm

Thursday, October 8th at Peacemaker Brewery from 6-8pm

Friday, October 9th at Sonnenberg Gardens starting at 5pm.

In each packet will be your bib pins, 2 tickets (one for a post-race drink and one for a post-race burrito), and your bib.

Swag

Participants will receive a set of Bib Pins featuring the Peacemaker Running Group's "Running Hop" logo, one beverage (NA options available), and a post-race snack. Alcoholic beverages will be served by Peacemaker Brewing Company. Post-race snacks will be provided by Rio Tomatlan. Cancellations will not be refunded, and there are no deferments.

About Sonnenberg Gardens

From their website: "Whether strolling through its flower-filled gardens, picnicking under its majestic trees, or touring its magnificent mansion, Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park is a very special place. The 50-acre estate is one of just two public gardens in all of the New York State Parks System. A serene respite just blocks away from downtown Canandaigua, Sonnenberg is a gift to the community from Frederick Ferris and Mary Clark Thompson. This couple of the Gilded Age created Sonnenberg (Sunny Hill in German) as their Victorian summer home. It is now a beautiful summer escape visited by tens of thousands of people each year."

About Peacemaker Running Group

Formed as a social running club whose official motto is "Run, Drink, & Socialize", PRG meets every Tuesday at 6 pm at Peacemaker Brewery in Canandaigua. Open to runners and walkers of all paces (and those who just want to socialize!), PRG has sought to create lasting friendships and improve physical and mental well-being through exercise. With over 170 consecutive weekly runs and over 800 Facebook group members, PRG has become an institution in the community. This is PRG's fifth community charity event; past events have donated to causes such as Operation: Making Spirits Bright (donating Christmas gifts to disadvantaged veteran families), the Cheshire Volunteer Fire Department, the Finger Lakes Trails Conference, and the Naples Trail Collective.