Downtown Albany
Celebrate the 518!
Nothing says hometown pride quite like a road race. We’re taking it a step further with a 5.18K through downtown Albany—a nod to the Capital Region’s 518 roots (and area code). Join us on Saturday, May 16 (since May 18 falls on a Monday, and nobody wants that) and help us kick off a new community tradition celebrating everything that makes our region of New York State special, co-produced by the Downtown Albany BID and the Cap City Runners.
The morning starts with a Kids’ 1K at 8:30 AM, followed by the 5.18K at 9:00 AM. After the race, stick around for live music, food and beverages, and a vendor village featuring goods from across the Capital Region.
More details coming soon. Stay tuned!
Registration
Get ready to celebrate the 518! Click here to register today.
5.18k Registration
Runners who register in advance will receive a commemorative T-shirt and a ticket for one free beer courtesy of Common Roots Brewing Company. (Must be 21+ with a valid ID. T-shirts are first-come, first-served.)
- $25 Early Bird Registration: Register by Saturday, April 17
- $30 Regular Registration: Register by Wednesday, May 15
- $40 In-Person Registration: Register in person on May 16
Kids 1k Registration
Kids who are registered in advance will receive a commemorative T-shirt and a medal! (T-shirts are first-come, first-served.)
- $10 Early Bird Registration: Register by Saturday, April 17
- $12 Regular Registration: Register by Wednesday, May 15
- $15 In-Person Registration: Register in person on May 16
Stay tuned for details regarding the race route and entertainment!
Race Details
An original 5.18K (just over 3.2 miles) honoring the Capital Region and our 518 zip code! The race will kick off in downtown Albany — stay tuned for racecourse details. This is a chip-timed race with awards for top finishers.
518 Day Events & Activities
The 5.18K is just the beginning! Following the event, Downtown will bustle with live music, food and drink specials, and a vendor village featuring goods and items that represent what makes our Capital Region special.
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5.18K and Kids’ 1K throughout Downtown
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Live music at Quackenbush Square
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Food and drink specials at local restaurants and bars
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Vendor village with hometown goods
Save the date and be a part of this inaugural Capital Region event and soon-to-be annual tradition.
Vendor Village
Interested in participating as a vendor? Apply today. We're seeking vendors of merchandise that celebrate Albany, NY, and the greater Capital Region.
Examples of theme-fitting products include:
- Albany or Capital Region-themed apparel and accessories, especially handmade products by local artisans
- Greeting cards featuring photography, artwork or designs showing the Hudson Valley's scenic natural landscape, Albany's historic architecture, or other iconic Capital Region imagery
- Mugs, coasters, pottery, and/or other household goods featuring Albany or Capital Region-centric imagery or themes
- Paintings, prints, or other visual art depicting imagery or exploring themes related to Albany and/or the Capital Region
Sponsors
The Downtown Albany BID thanks Common Roots Brewing Company, Cap City Runners, Fort Orange General Store, and the City of Albany for their support.
