Name: KoperniKids: Not a Box
Start: 2026-06-13T10:30:00-04:00
End: 2026-06-13T12:00:00-04:00
Location: Kopernik Observatory & Science Center

5K Road Race

September 12, 2026

2025 Race Results

Kopernik’s Race to the Stars 5K road race is an annual fundraiser that started in 2018. Join us for this special 5K road race through the hills surrounding the Observatory. We invite all to participate by sponsoring, donating, running, and cheering your friends and family on!

WHEN: September 12, 2026

5:30 PM – Walk-in Registrations Open
6:30 PM – Race Starts
7:30 PM – Awards Ceremony & After Party

WHERE: Kopernik Observatory & Science Center, 698 Underwood Road, Vestal, NY 13850

Youth Registration (17 and under): $20 if registered by August 13 (includes shirt)
Adult Registration (18+): $30 if registered by August 13 (includes shirt)

The registration fee covers a T-shirt and a goodie bag.

Registrations after August 14th are No-Merch Registrations that are lower-cost but do not include a Race to the Stars T-Shirt.

Youth No-Merch (17 and under): $10
Adult No-Merch (18+): $15

This is a fundraising event; member discounts don’t apply.

COURSE: Start and finish at Kopernik Observatory & Science Center. You will turn left on Underwood from Kopernik’s parking lot, travel along Underwood Road, turn right on Ridge Road for a brief distance and return to Kopernik. The race will be a USATF-certified 5K race. The course is relatively flat, with a 150-foot elevation change.

What to expect on race day:

RACE BAGS with a T-Shirt and some other goodies will be given to racers.

The Kopernik Science Park will be open! Please be advised that children must be supervised at all times. This is an outdoor event and access to the building is limited due to COVID restrictions.

Parking is limited, a person at the gate may direct you to park on Underwood Road on the Observatory side of the road toward Route 26. Handicap-accessible parking will be available at the Observatory parking lot.

We are following local health guidelines on race day, so the following information is subject to change.