September 12th, 2026

Stratford Short Beach

1 Dorne Dr, Stratford, CT

Stratford’s DIRTIEST Day on the Beach!

What is the Sterling Down & Dirty 5k?

The Sterling Down and Dirty is our annual family friendly 5k-ish obstacle filled run through Stratford Short Beach every September.

Run, walk, skip or dance your way to the finish line - as you get sweaty, sandy, dirty, and wet along the way! Perfect for all fitness levels - you can race your way through 18+ obstacles or just have fun with it.

Best of all you are in it to win it for Sterling Community Center!

All proceeds will benefit our programs and services, as well as members of our Resource Connection Program.

First Wave: 8:30 am - Last Wave: 10:30 am

Impact

$250,000 has been raised toward programs, services, & financial aid

300+ people, families, & children participate each year

Raise funds for Sterling!

Whether you sign up solo or rally a team, you help support Sterling Community Center’s programs and services. Every step makes a difference!

Go Solo

Tackle the course and fundraise on your own! As you reach fundraising milestones, you’ll earn some great swag along the way. The earlier you start, the more time you have to reach your goals!

Bonus: If you're also part of a team, your individual total will count toward your team’s fundraising balance, too!

Create or Join a Team

Create or join a team during registration and come ready to impress — themed outfits and big energy encouraged!

It’s a great way to boost team spirit, show off your team pride, and give back. Get creative with team signs or matching gear.

Bragging rights are up for grabs for the Most Team Spirit and Most Funds Raised .

Volunteer

Join us for race day as a volunteer! Become an Obstacle Facilitator or Course Guide - email Cathy Huda at chuda@sterlingcc.org for more information!

2026 Sponsors

Become a Sponsor

Promote Team Building, Health & Wellness, and Staff Comradery

your employees get a promo code for a discounted registration rate with your sponsorship!

please contact Cathy Huda at chuda@sterlingcc.org

Sponsor Payment

8 Complimentary Runner Registrations
40% Discount on Additional Registrations
Remarks from a company rep at the event
Exclusive onsite branding
Premium sponsor social post
& All Sponsor Benefits Below
6 Complimentary Runner Registrations
20% Discount on Additional Registrations
Remarks from company rep at event
Premium sponsor social post
& All Sponsor Benefits Below
4 Complimentary Runner Registrations*
10% Discount on Additional Registrations
Logo on email promotions
& All Sponsor Benefits Below
2 Complimentary Runner Registrations
Logo Printed on Race Shirt
Logo on onsite event assets
Logo/Link on event website
Opportunity to include Promotional Material in Swag Bag
For local restaurants, shops, and small businesses (Max of 15)
- Branded lawn sign placed along a section of our course creating a fun, zigzag path that runners will weave through.
- Logo/Link on our website
- Social media shoutout

Use the images below to spread the word about your fundraising efforts via social media! Right-click to download the image you’d like to use (or take a screenshot), add a link to your fundraising page on Race Roster, and share on your Instagram story, LinkedIn, or Facebook.