Brain Freezer 5K
Sat, Sep 12, 2026, 6:00 AM EDT
- Distance
- 5K
- Type
- Run
Finish signup on the organizer site (check fees and dates there).
Race feel
Run half a 5K, down a pint of ice cream, then finish the race along Lake Champlain, all while supporting a great cause.
- Fun
- Scenic
- Quirky
- For a Cause
Fun
Scenic
Quirky
For a CauseThe Brain Freezer 5K in Burlington, VT, offers a unique blend of running, ice cream, and scenic beauty. Challengers run half a 5K, pause to enjoy a full pint of Vermont-made ice cream, then complete the race. Fun runners can skip the ice cream challenge. The course follows the beautiful bike path along Lake Champlain, with an ice cream pit stop at Water Works Park. This event also features costume prizes and supports People Helping People Global's microloan initiatives.
What to expect
From the organizer
Lace up your running shoes and grab your spoons, the Brain Freezer 5K is back!!
If you are new to the race, the rules are simple: Challengers run half a 5k, stop to down a full pint of Vermont made ice cream, then finish out the the race! Are you up for the challenge? (fun runners do not have to finish a pint)
This is the second year we've done this route, and it was a huge success last year! The race will follow the bike path along beautiful Lake Champlain. It will run between North Beach and Waterfront Park with an ice cream eating pit stop in Water Works Park.
Prizes will be given out for best costume and best team costumes, so have fun with it!
All of the proceeds from the race go to People Helping People Global, a Vermont-based international development organization that provides interest-free microloans to people living on less than $2 a day. Here is the link to learn more about the organization: PHPG's website .
We thank all of the companies and volunteers that have donated money, time, or services to PHPG to make the Brain Freezer 5K happen!