Family owned, Certified B Corporation tea company's flagship charity race unites runners, walkers and volunteers to support 21 Connecticut nonprofits

Bigelow Tea Community Challenge 2026 in Southport, Connecticut

The 39th annual Bigelow Tea Community Challenge takes place Sunday, September 27, 2026, in Southport, Connecticut. Hosted by family-owned Bigelow Tea, the community fundraiser features a 5K run, 3K walk and kids fun run and supports 21 Connecticut nonprofit organizations. Created by Bigelow Tea in 1988, the annual event has raised more than $2.9 million for Connecticut nonprofits and reflects the Fairfield-based tea company’s longstanding commitment to community involvement and charitable giving.

Fairfield, Connecticut, Sept. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Bigelow Tea Community Challenge returns to Fairfield, Connecticut on Sunday, September 27, bringing runners, walkers, families and volunteers together for the 39th year to raise funds for 21 Connecticut nonprofits serving seniors, children, families and neighbors across Fairfield County. Created by Bigelow Tea in 1988 and organized by the company ever since, the annual 5K run, 3K walk and kids fun run has become a longstanding tradition centered on community, giving back and local impact.

Registration opens at 8 a.m., followed by the kids fun run at 9 a.m. and the 5K run and 3K walk at 10 a.m. Early registration and packet pickup will be available Saturday, September 26, from 9 a.m. to noon at Bigelow Tea's Fairfield, CT headquarters. New this year, kids and adults alike can climb aboard a Fairfield fire truck at the event's Touch A Truck station, while every registrant will once again receive the event's popular goodie bag.

Bigelow Tea’s Commitment to Community

Bigelow Tea is a third-generation, family-owned tea company headquartered in Fairfield, Connecticut. Founded in 1945 by Ruth Campbell Bigelow, the company is now led by her granddaughter, Cindi Bigelow, who serves as third-generation president and CEO.

Purpose has long shaped how Bigelow Tea does business. The company is a Certified B Corporation, recognizing its commitment to high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency and is also WBENC-certified as a woman-owned business, recognizing its female ownership and leadership. The Bigelow Tea Community Challenge is yet another expression of the company’s long-standing culture of involvement and giving back. Created in 1988, the event has become a nearly four-decade tradition of supporting Connecticut communities in need.

Supporting Connecticut Nonprofits Since 1988

Connecticut's community-focused nonprofits carry out essential work, from senior services and youth programs to food assistance and family safety, much of which depends on local fundraising support. Community events like BTCC are one direct way to provide that support, whether the need is a hot meal, a safe bed, after school programming or care for an aging neighbor.

The Bigelow Tea Community Challenge is Bigelow Tea's answer to that need. Since 1988, the event has directed more than $2.9 million in sponsorships and donations to Connecticut nonprofits. The 2025 event alone raised more than $180,000.

2026 Beneficiary Organizations

The 39th annual Community Challenge supports the following 21 Connecticut nonprofits:

What to Expect at the 2026 Bigelow Tea Community Challenge

The 2026 event features a 5K run, a 3K walk and a kids fun run at Wakeman Boys and Girls Club in Southport, a historic district located within the town of Fairfield, followed by a post race celebration that includes:

Live music and food
Commemorative T-shirts for each registrant
Amazing raffle prizes range from tickets to sporting events and Drew Barrymore to curated baskets filled with fun, thoughtful items, a variety of gift cards and more.
New this year, a Touch A Truck experience with the Fairfield Fire Department, where kids, families and race participants can climb aboard a real fire truck, meet local firefighters and grab a photo with the crew
A goodie bag for every runner and walker, stocked with treats and giveaways from event sponsors, a perk so popular that some people register for the race just to get one

Registration is available online at runsignup.com, at bigelowtea.com, or in person during early registration on September 26 or on race day.

Cindi Bigelow on the Community Challenge Fundraiser

“Every September, I get to watch Wakeman Boys and Girls Club in Southport fill up with neighbors, employees and families as they get ready to run, walk or simply show up and cheer,” said Cindi Bigelow, third-generation president and CEO of Bigelow Tea. “That sense of community is what the Bigelow Tea Community Challenge has always been about. My grandmother, Ruth Campbell Bigelow, founded this company with the belief that doing right by your community should always be part of how you do business. My father, David C. Bigelow, carried those values forward through his leadership and commitment to doing what is right, and I am incredibly proud to continue their legacy today. Nearly four decades later, the money we raise on September 27 still goes directly to Connecticut organizations making a meaningful difference in the lives of our neighbors. It is such a special day filled with energy, generosity and heart! I hope you’ll come join us.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bigelow Tea Community Challenge?

The Bigelow Tea Community Challenge is an annual 5K run, 3K walk and kids fun run hosted by Bigelow Tea in Southport, Connecticut. Now in its 39th year, the event raises money for Connecticut nonprofits, with proceeds distributed to the organizations it supports.

When and where is the 2026 Bigelow Tea Community Challenge?

The event takes place Sunday, September 27, 2026, at Wakeman Boys and Girls Club, 385 Center Street, Southport, Connecticut. Registration begins at 8 a.m., the kids fun run starts at 9 a.m., and the 5K run and 3K walk begin at 10 a.m. Early registration and packet pickup are available Saturday, September 26, from 9 a.m. to noon at Bigelow Tea's Fairfield headquarters.

How do I register for the Bigelow Tea Community Challenge?

Participants can register online at runsignup.com or through bigelowtea.com, or in person during early registration on September 26 or on race day, September 27.

Which charities benefit from the Bigelow Tea Community Challenge?

The 2026 event supports 21 Connecticut nonprofits. The full list of beneficiary organizations appears above.

How much money has the Bigelow Tea Community Challenge raised for charity?

Since 1988, the Community Challenge has raised more than $2.9 million for Connecticut nonprofits, including more than $180,000 at the 2025 event alone.

Is Bigelow Tea a certified B Corporation and a woman-owned business?

Yes. Bigelow Tea is a Certified B Corporation and a WBENC certified woman-owned company, led by third-generation president and CEO Cindi Bigelow. More on the B Corp certification is available at bigelowtea.com/pages/certified-b and in the company's B Corp recertification announcement at bigelowtea.com/blogs/doing-the-right-thing. More on the woman-owned certification is available at bigelowtea.com/pages/leading-bigelow-tea-as-a-certified-woman-owned-company.

About Bigelow Tea

Based in Fairfield, CT and 100% family and woman-owned, the Bigelow Tea Company pioneered the specialty tea category 80 years ago. The third-generation company takes pride in its heritage and successful growth from a one-product, entrepreneurial venture into America’s #1 leading tea company brand. Producing over 2.3 billion tea bags annually in the company’s three blending and packaging facilities in the U.S., the Bigelow Tea line includes more than 150 varieties of Flavored, Traditional, Green, Herbal, Decaffeinated, steep by Bigelow Organic, Bigelow Benefits Wellness teas and Bigelow Botanicals Cold Water Infusion including its flagship specialty tea flavor, “Constant Comment”®, an all-time American favorite. Bigelow Tea products are available nationwide and internationally as well as on www.BigelowTea.com

Media Availability
Cindi Bigelow is available for interviews. High-resolution photos and additional information available upon request.
Geographic Coverage: Fairfield County, Connecticut | Southport | Greater Bridgeport Area | New England

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Bigelow Tea Community Challenge 2026 in Southport, Connecticut

CONTACT: Bigelow Tea
media@bigelowtea.com

39th Annual Bigelow Tea Community Challenge Returns to Southport, Connecticut on September 27