Mother’s Day morning in Ridgefield started not with breakfast in bed, but with sneakers on pavement, a bagpiper on the corner, and a message straight from the heart.
“It’s finally Run Like a Mother morning—one of the most special days of my year,” said Megan Searfoss, founder of the beloved Run Like a Mother 5K (RLAM), now in its 18th year. “When I first started this race, my goal was simple: I wanted every woman to experience the challenge and the exhilaration of crossing the finish line. That feeling? That’s a WIN.”
And win they did.
Under sunny skies, runners and walkers gathered at The Ridgefield Playhouse, where Ridgefield’s favorite DJ Sean Big Daddy pumped up the volume boosting race day energy! Ridgefield High School student Melody Jones sang the National Anthem, just minutes before the official start. Decked out in pink, participants of all ages—from first-timers to seasoned sprinters—hit the streets of downtown Ridgefield, cheered on by crowds of fans, signs, and the rhythmic encouragement of bagpiper Tom Elliott, who made his traditional appearance at the top of the now-famous “Mother of a Hill.”
The race route wrapped up in Ballard Park, where finishers were met with cheers, music, and a garden-worthy finish line moment: flowers from The Iris Fund, handed out with warmth and care by volunteers from SPHERE of CT.
But the fun didn’t stop at the finish line. Ballard Park buzzed with post-race festivities—refreshments, wellness stations, and activities for the whole family—thanks to the generous support of local sponsors.
Proceeds from the race benefited the noreen l. papa “mothers: live your life” fund at the Ridgefield Library, created in honor of Noreen Papa—a Ridgefield mom, library advocate, and early supporter of RLAM who passed away from colon cancer in 2013. The fund supports programming focused on women's health and wellness.
Eighteen years strong, Run Like a Mother remains more than just a race—it’s a movement of mothers, daughters, friends, and families celebrating strength, self-care, and community. And as long as there are hills to climb and hearts to fill, Ridgefield will keep running.
Thank you to RLAM founder, Megan Searfoss - YES, we’re already counting down to next year!