Medford is a great location for 5K races in the Middlesex Fells and in the Mystic River Reservation along the Mystic River.
Like races everywhere, Medford 5K races were hit hard by COVID-19. Some made a come back in 2021 and we are hoping for more 5Ks in Medford, MA in 2022.
Scroll down to see the latest race event for Medford.
Each year the Tufts University Graduate Student Council 5K Run/Walk becomes more and more popular.
Like so many races, COVID-19 has forced the cancellation of this race in 2020 and 2021.
In the past, registration was only $20, so you can’t beat the price.
All proceeds benefit Medford, Somerville and Dorchester organizations. The event is sponsored by the Graduate Student Council of Tufts University as part of their effort to support the local community.
This race starts at Eaton Hall and takes place entirely on the Tufts University campus. This helps keep expenses down and provides a challenging course for runners.
The day kicks off at 11:00 AM with a kid’s fun run for children 3 – 12 years old.
Para/Adaptive Athlete Mile begins at 11:30.
At Noon, students aged 14-18 years old may participate in the High School Mile, which will be a three-loop course that starts and finishes at Medford City Hall.
At 12:30 PM the Mayor’s Celebrity Mile kicks off on the same route as the High School Mile.
At 1:00 PM the 5K and 8K/5 mile races begin.
This exciting running event is brought to Medford by Dave McGillivray and DMSE.
Registration is not open yet, so check back for details.
The 5K and 10K set of races took place in the Lawrence Woods. Starting behind Medford High School the 5K and 10K wind through the trails and fire roads. The 10K is a bit more technical with some ledge running involved!
The annual Housing Families 5K Powered by BOND brings awareness to the link between health and homelessness. Homelessness is closely connected to declines in physical and mental health. At Housing Families, we serve more than 1,000 families a year through supportive services and eviction prevention assistance.
You can run the event in person on November 20th at 9AM or virtually on either November 20th or 21st.
Teams from Housing Families and BOND will be there to greet you and cheer you on! The race route will take place at River’s Edge Park along the Malden River.
Refreshments and bathrooms will be available onsite. After you complete the 5K, join us next door for food, drinks, and celebrating at The Porch restaurant.
The race was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 and no information is available for 2022 yet.
The Medford Jingle Bell run is sponsored by Lonergan Insurance and Real Estate who cover the entire operating cost of the race. This allows every dollar from fundraising to go to the students of the Medford Schools.
Each school in Medford that participates receives race proceeds in proportion to their contribution to the race.
Some high school clubs raise as much in this one event as they would in several fundraising events. And many hands make for lighter work.
This is an innovative concept in fundraising. It allows each elementary, middle school PTO and High School teams and clubs in town to have a significant fundraiser and not have to deal with all of the logistics.
What better way to kick of the Holiday Season than a festive 5K the Sunday before Thanksgiving?
Bring the kids and make it a family run, a family tradition. Many Medford 5K races allow children to run with their parents. Some also feature shorter races just for the kids so they can have some fun and catch the running bug!
Registration fee was $10 for kids under age 11; $15 for kids 11-18; and $25 for adults in advance or $30 day of race.
The race begins and finishes at the Krystle M. Campbell Peace Garden.
Find all of the 2022 Cambridge 5K races in one place. Check back for updates as some races have not updated for 2022.
Cambridge 5K Race Directory
Updated April 16th, 2022
Here is the Cambridge 5K race directory for 2022.
It looks like all races will be in-person 5K events this year. Some races may have faded away over the past two years, and have not posted details for 2022 yet.
13 February | 10:00 AM | Sunday – see you in 2023!
This event turned into a Virtual Race series in 2021 that lasted 5 weeks.
Races included a 1K, 1 Mile 5K, 5 Mile, 10K, 10 Mile and a Half Marathon.
The Super Sunday 5 is back in Kendal Square for 2022! But for $20 you can participate in the 2022 Virtual Series also!
The 5 Miler and 5K will be the first Cambridge races of the year and should draw about 2,000 runners.
I’ve run the 5K in freezing cold and I ran the 5 Miler in above freezing temps. You never know what you will get, but you will have a good time.
This well-organized running event features hot food and a huge beer garden. They always have a dozen or so local breweries on hand to get the party rolling and keep it going into the early afternoon.
Proceeds benefit the RACE Cancer Foundation.
Leave the keys and the kids at home. The Kendall/MIT red line station is right around the corner from the race area.
Fees benefit CRLS student-athlete scholarships, team travel/equipment, and The Andrea Harvey Memorial Fund to help victims of domestic violence.
Parking is available at the Tobin School, 197 Vassal Lane. NO parking at Fresh Pond, and they will ticket!
399 runners finished this race in 2019.
Registration is $35 for adults and $25 for students. Race day registration will be $45 adult and $35 student. CRLS students 18 and under can register for FREE.
The Bionic5K celebrates hope over despair, diversity over uniformity, possibilities over disabilities.
Run in Harvard Square or Virtually from anywhere in the world!
The Bionic5K recognizes the resilience and tenacity of disabled athletes while celebrating advances in science and technology that are ushering in a new bionic age.
Whether you are running with a prosthetic, an artificial hip, an upgraded knee, an Apple Watch or a fitbit, join us. All are welcome: disabled runners, able-bodied runners, walkers, scientists, technologists, students, teachers, kids and parents.
All proceeds will benefit the Bionic Project Inc, a non-profit whose mission is to help advance new prosthetic technologies and to broaden the access to resources that promote active lifestyles and athletics for those who must overcome physical challenges.
This race and walk raise funds to support ALS research. The race is held in Technology Square and features a 5K run, 4 mile walk and wheelchair ride. All proceeds benefit the ALS Therapy Development Institute. Fundraising is encouraged, but not required.
This is a nice run through East Cambridge with several small hills.
This is a remarkably small race for Cambridge with only 184 finishers in 2018. If you are looking for a nice race for your kids, this is it.
Registration was $35.
Nerdy costumes are encouraged. Finisher’s medals are not provided.
If your company team has first time 5K runners have a special awards ceremony at your tent with the My First 5K medal! They will be excited to receive a medal and everyone will have a great time!
click to order
Surprise your first time runner with a medal at the finish line!
This race takes place off of Mass Ave on Sidney Street. This is a large race with a great post race party. Public transportation is a good idea, keys and kids are optional.
I’ve run this race several times and it is always a good time. It’s great to see the fast runners and hang out with friends, old and new, at the apre race party.
This is a flat course and over a mile of the race is down Mass Ave. Total elevation gain for this Cambridge 5K is 30 feet.
Get 19 of your friends to form a team and get a VIP tent complete with cold beer. The tent comes with a table and they are close to the music and pouring stations. Plus they make a great place to stow your gear and hang out with your friends.
Registration was $40
Get the Season Pass for $140, run all four races and get a cool 1/4 zip fleece!
1853 runners finished this race in 2019.
REI Co-Op 5K at Cambridge Crossing
5 June | 9:30 AM | Sunday
A new race for 2022!
Starting and finishing at the REI Co-op store in Cambridge, this double loop 5K course explores the new Cambridge Crossing neighborhood as well as the waterfront along North Point Park.
REI is proud to kick-off the summer season early with a community run and post-race celebration outside the store. Come move with us in a way that feels good for you – we welcome participants of all levels, from those who have their sights on a PR to those running their first 5k. And, whether you’re running, cheering, or just coming out to see what all the fun and sunshine is about – let’s get outside together on June 5th.
Celebrate your finish at our post-race party! Exchange your beer tickets with Lamplighter Brewing. Check out the various vendors including REI, Nuun, and so many more.
And my friends from Athletic Brewing Co. will be there as well. If you haven’t tried one yet, make sure to stop by their booth and give them a try.
Since the American Legion Marsh Post #442 is such a great location for 5K races, the Race Cancer Foundation has relocated their Summer Series to this location.
2022 registration has not opened yet.
If you work in Cambridge or Boston, these events make great after work races. Recruit some friends or get together an office or company team to enjoy the summer running season!
After so many months of remote work, these after work events are a great way to re-build those relationships.
Registration opens 30 minutes before the Women’s 5K (start times vary by date)
Women’s 5K starts first – Open 5K starts ~35 minutes later
June 3 – 7:00/7:35 June 17 7:00/7:35 July 8 7:00/7:35 Aug 5 6:30/7:05 Aug 19 6:15/6:50 Sep 2 6:00/6:35 Sep 16 6:00 (no Women’s 5K)
Race begins at 5 Greenough Blvd, Cambridge, MA
Click to order!
A finisher’s medal is not offered for these races.
If your company team has first time 5K runners make it a night they will never forget with a 5K medal!
It’s a great way to build comradery on your team!
Pre-registration: $30 in advance, $32 same week, $35 same day Race day entry at event: $40 2021 Season Pass (all 7 events): $168
This race is run out of the CambridgeSide Galleria and is part of the CambridgeSide Charity Race Series.
The Freedom Run is a patriotic 5k race through the heart of East Cambridge & Inman Square. The race starts & finishes at CambridgeSide and is immediately followed by a festive roof deck party.
I have not run this 5K yet, but it sounds like a good race.
Registration was $40.
Register for the 5K and the Cambridge Half and receive a 10% discount!
Teams of 20+ get their own party tent.
Here is what you get:
A short sleeve technical t-shirt just in time for the warmer weather.
5 free parking passes for CambridgeSide. You can park for free on race day and 4 MORE TIMES! Come back and shop, eat or both!
VIP perks for teams over 20, including a semi-private area for celebrating, snacking and hydrating together.
Participants 21+ can enjoy 3 beverages provided by Cambridge Brewing Company.
Part of the Cambridge Classic Series, this race was introduced in 2016. This race encourages teams and since it is on a Thursday night, it’s a great way to get together with friends and colleagues!
This has become a very popular race and always sells out. So get your friends together now.
Get 19 friends and colleagues to join you for a beautiful evening run through Cambridge and as a team you will get:
Reserved tent and table in the post-race area
Cold beer waiting for your team after you finish
Pouring station near your tent
Prime spot to enjoy our post-race music
These races are all children and car-key optional.
This is a great summer, after work race. Especially if you work in Cambridge!
If your company team has first time 5K runners have a special awards ceremony at your tent with the My First 5K medal! They will be excited to receive a medal and everyone will have a great time!
click to order
Surprise your first time runner with a medal at the finish line!
Brought to you by the same folks who brought you the Cambridge Summer Classic. This race takes place at the same location and runs the same course.
This is another large Cambridge race with a fast, young crowd that runs hard and stays until the beer is gone.
Kids and keys are optional. The Kendal/MIT station is a short walk from this event.
If your company team has first time 5K runners have a special awards ceremony at your tent with the My First 5K medal! They will be excited to receive a medal and everyone will have a great time!
? September | 10:00 AM | Sunday – no 2022 information available
Our race benefits the girls of Cambridge by supporting the Cambridge Girls Softball League and other girls’ sports with funds from the race. These great organizations work on team building, athletic skills, and strengthen the connection among physical, mental and social well-being of girls.
Post-Race Block Party After the race there will a block party and celebration of our survival of COVID. It will be held outside Paddy’s until 6PM! Walden Street will be closed off to traffic and there will be a large beer garden and local food trucks. This year the race will be dedicated to our beloved and much missed Tom Courtney, aka Black Cloud.
Registration was $35.
Cambridge 5K – Oktoberfest
2 October | Stay tuned! – no 2022 information available
TBD 2022 | 9:30 AM | Sunday – no 2022 information available
CF5K is a race with fun for the entire family. Hosted by Cambridge Friends School, this race includes a Kids Fun Run followed by a 5k run/walk that will be professionally chip timed by RaceWire.
Guaranteed tech shirts to all participants pre-registered by September 19, 2019, prizes to top finishers, and post-race festivities for all!
Registration was $10 for kids fun run, $25 for the 5K through October 3rd.
? October | 9:00 AM | Sunday – no 2022 information available
89 Pacific Street
Get a team of 14 of your friends and get a VIP tent!
Long Sleeve Tech Ts will be given to all registrants Custom event pint glass for all runners that register through 9/27
This race also encourages teams and gives prizes for the largest team etc. These races are always fun, party races, regardless of the weather. Bring extra clothes, leave the kids and keys at home.
Get a finisher’s medal for your first time Winter Classic 5K runner!
click to order
If your company team has first time 5K runners or you are trying to recruit non-runners to join your team the medal could be just what you are looking for.
Who doesn’t love a medal and the bragging rights that go with it?
You can have a special awards ceremony at your tent after the race! Click the photo to order.
11 December | 9:30AM | Sunday – no 2022 information available
Harvard Square
The last Cambridge 5K of the year takes place in Harvard Square.
This course is USATF certified (#MA11901JK).
Registration includes a high quality knit hat, food and 3 beer tickets!. Women make up about 60% of the runners and most runners are there for the fun.
Teams of 35 or more runners get their own tent with food and beer! What’s better than that?
Experience an awesome post race party with food, music and beverages provided by Bantam, Notch and Slumbrew!
Several Cambridge 5K races have come and gone. We are lucky to have The Cambridge Half back again this year.
COVID-19 has postponed some races and delayed the opening of registration for others. I will keep this directory updated, so check back often for for news.
I’ve run several of these races and had a great time.
As runners we need to be good guests and respectful of the people who live in the neighborhoods that we run through.
When only one side of a road is open to runners, we need to let traffic use the other side of the road.
We are guests and we are inconveniencing people so we can have our fun. We also have to keep in mind that most people think we are crazy to be out running in the first place.
I don’t know what the answer is, but there has to be a way to co-exist with the city while we have our fun. If you have ideas on where races could be staged or how we could be less of a nuisance to the citizens of Cambridge, please reply to this blog with your ideas.
Looking for a great fall marathon in New England? This extensive listing of marathons all over New England is continually updated.
Updated April 11th
With summer on the way, it’s time to plan for your Fall New England Marathon for 2022!
Looking for a winter run? There aren’t many marathons in New England over the winter but I have a New England Winter Marathons 2021/2022 listing availableHERE.
GREEN RACE – I am designating any race that makes a serious effort to reduce waste and keep recyclable materials out of a landfill.
Registration is open at $110 for the full and $80 for the Half. There are only 600 bibs for each race, so don’t wait too long.
This point to point marathon is almost as legendary as the man.
In Melrose Massachusetts many of our club runs pass the monument to Clarence Demar. Many runners make it a point to touch the monument as they run by.
This race encompasses an entire weekend if you want it to. You can drive up to Keene Friday night and pick up your bib at Ted’s Shoe & Sport on Main Street. Drive the course or go for a short run on Saturday. Saturday night there is a pasta dinner at the Courtyard Marriott.
On Sunday buses take runners to the starting line at Gilsum Elementary School. The first Marathon bus leaves Keene State College at 5:15 AM and the last Marathon bus leave at 5:45 AM.
For the Half-Marathon, buses start leaving Keene State College at 6:30 AM. The last bus is 6:00 AM. Drop off point is Surry Mtn. Beach.
Run it – Bike it – Hike it – But do it! Doin’ the dirt through “the gut” of the Northeast Kingdom – 26.2 miles, 17 miles, 13.5 miles and 6 Miles courses.
Registration is limited to 300 runners in total with a limit of 100 per race distance.
If you want to run this race you should read their disclaimers are register today!
There are four great routes, offering four very different options to all types of athletes, runners, bikers, and hikers of all ages and all abilities.
A tough, “vista riddled,” and spectacularly beautiful full marathon that will challenge the best marathon runner.
The 13.5 distance is also the course for the family bike challenge is perfect for kids and parents of all ages.
The 17 mile Iconoclast for something just a little different. (It’s a great training run for the NYC Marathon) And, new in 2016, a 6 mile walk, run, or bike from Irasburg Common to Parker Pie.
For one day in September, we fill these dirt roads through “the gut” of The Northeast Kingdom. Everybody but the 6 milers start at Lakeview Aviation at the Newport Airport in Coventry and heads one way or another to Parker Pie in West Glover, with a great pizza party, great beer, and great music. 6 milers start at Irasburg Common. Shuttle service back to the start is provided by our friends at Jay Peak.
$35 for the marathon and $60 for the marathon relay. On August 1st the marathon goes to $40 and the marathon relay to $70.
Registration is limited to 180 runners in total and there is no race-day registration.
The start line, and middle point, is located at Perry Hill Rd in Ashford. The course runs south for 6.2 mi until reaching Rt 44, then back to the start, then north for 7 mi until reaching Boston Hollow Rd, and finally back to the finish/start line at Perry Hill Rd.
The NipMuck Trail Marathon is a classic old-school trail race taking place along a northern section of the Nipmuck Trail. The race aims to preserve many of the qualities from the early days of the New England trail racing scene.
The race site warns of rough terrain and that in some areas an injured runner may wait an hour or more for medical assistance. This is not for the casual runner!
This is a Maine Track Club event and approximately 40% of gross revenue is donated to charities each year.
Featuring an out-and-back course with rolling hills and views of the Portland skyline, the Back Cove, Casco Bay, and peak fall foliage.
The Marathon is USATF certified and a Boston Marathon qualifier. The Half Marathon is also USATF certified and the Marathon Relay is a unique 2 to 4-person marathon-length event.
While the Maine Marathon community is hopeful for a return to live racing, we will continue to offer our virtual race option, which, in addition to the full, half and relay, includes a 5K and 10K, so all can enjoy this race safely wherever they may be.
We’re also committed to providing as much certainty as we can in these constantly changing times, which is why we have a refund policy if your — or our — plans change.
The Joe English Twilight Challenge is an evening/night trail run hosted by Freestyle Farm in Amherst, NH. The event consists of a marathon, a half-marathon and a 6-hour ultra-marathon. The marathon and half-marathon may be run individually or by relay teams. The relay teams (half or full marathon) consist of 2 or 5 runners completing either 5 or 10 laps on a 2.62-mile loop beginning at 7:00 p.m. The 6-hour ultra-marathon begins at 5:00 p.m. and ends at 11 p.m. Ultra participants run the 2.62-mile loop continuously for 6 hours.
Most of the race will be run at night on the groomed equestrian trails at Freestyle Farm.
The event is expected to draw 350 runners ranging from casual athletes to experienced ultra-runners. The event is set within a unique venue with high quality trails around a 50-acre pond. The course will be marked with fluorescent light sticks, ground flags and signal fires.
Medals will be awarded to the first and last place finishers.
All proceeds benefit the Amherst Land Trust.The trust protects rural, scenic, and open-space lands for future generations. Founded in 1975, the trust has worked to educate the public about conservation and protect thousands of acres of land similar to the lands across which most of the challenge runs.
Both races are USATF Certified and the marathon is a Boston Qualifier.
Shuttle service to the start begins at 5AM. FREE PHOTOS and bag check will be available.
This is something that I wish more races did. I have bags of race shirts already.
Donate Your Shirt to Charity You are now able to opt out of receiving your event t-shirt when registering. We will then in turn donate the cost of producing that shirt to our partner charities, and announce the donation amount from this initiative following the event.
The race’s charitable partners are the Aquidneck Land Trust, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, Boys Town New England, The YMCA Newport, and Clean Ocean Access and other local non-profits.
The marathon and half-marathon begin and end near the house where Clarence H. Demar, 7 time Boston Marathon Winner, once lived.
It is out and back on the west shore of South Hero and Grand Isle; a land of farms, apple orchards and summer cottages. The terrain is flat to rolling and about half dirt road (hard packed and well maintained).
The half marathon course is an out and back that finishes at the Folsom School (same as the full marathon).
This is a race for runners by runners and has a reasonable registration fee of $60 for the marathon and $40 for the Half. Day of registration is $70 and $50, respectively.
East Burke, VT | ? October | Sunday | 8:02 AM – CANCELLED
Burke Mountain, Sherburne Lodge, East Burke, VT
This race was cancelled in 2020 and 2021. I’ll keep an eye out to see if they schedule the race for 2022.
This year, in order to maintain the social distancing priority, participants can choose out of 6 dates to complete the course – each day’s registration is capped at 50.
Participants will be released periodically in waves to maintain space from the start of the Challenge.
The Ride With GPS app will be used to map and track progress. Participants must have access to a device to run the app during the event.
The Marathon Trail Run is one 27 mile lap and starts at 8 AM. The CircumBerzerk Bikers MTB Challenge starts at 10 AM.
This 27 mile circuit brings athletes through single track and logging trails on Burke Mountain, the Victory Hill Sector and Kingdom Trails.
The one lap event is for runners or bikers. The two lap “CircumBerzerk 50+ miler is for bikers only.
Elevation gain on the course is more than 3,000 feet.
Late (onsite) registration was $160. Number pickup & late (onsite) registration is at Sherburne Lodge from 5:00 to 7:30 PM and on race day from 6:45 until 9 AM.
All proceeds go towards building and maintaining trails along the route!
Start/Finish Venue: Burke Mountain, Sherburne Lodge, East Burke, VT 05832
In cooperation with Mohawk Mountain, the Mohawk Mountain Race is sponsored by Steep Endurance at Mohawk Mountain in Cornwall, CT.
Normally a ski mountain in the winter, the mountain will be transformed into a super fun course! With its challenging ascents and descents on the ski mountain, it is sure to be a race to remember with sweeping viewpoints of the popping Fall foliage at every turn. With several distances to choose from (5K/10K) and NEW this year, Half Marathon/Marathon options, there’s something for every member of the family!
Registration opens soon: $85 for the 8 hour event, $125 for the 2-person 8 hour relay, $45 for the 10K and $40 for the 5K.
While this isn’t a marathon, it is a fall running event, and we don’t have many to pick from this year.
This race will challenge you! Although Trapp lodge has some of the smoothest, most runnable trail around, they also boast some incredible single track. Steep climbs and descents and a newly updated climb to the highest point on the Trapp Lodge Property; Round Top Mountain!
The 13.1 mile loop course is approximately 2/3 double track wide trails and dirt roads, and 1/3 serpentine, rugged single track. Full marathon racers will traverse this loop twice. This is a challenging trail race with significant elevation gain and loss and some steep scrambling segments.
2022 registration is open– Full Marathon is $95 and the Half is $85 until July 31st when prices increase by $10.
Bar Harbor, ME | 16 October | Sunday | 8:00 AM – Marathon and Marathon Relay, Half begins at 8:30 in Northeast Harbor
Named ‘Most Scenic & runner-up Best Overall Marathon’ by Runner’s World
New England Runner Magazine’s Race of the Year! And many other accolades, too many to list here.
The Marathon and Marathon Relay begin in Bar Harbor, hits the half-way mark near Northeast Harbor and ends in Southwest Harbor.
Miles 12 through 19 are run along the eastern shore of Somes Sound, the only true fjord on the Atlantic Coast. While the entire island is beautiful, Somes Sound has always been one of my favorite areas on MDI.
The Half Marathon begins at 8:30AM in Northeast Harbor and runs north along Somes Sound for five miles.
The marathon had 737 finishers in 2018, and the half had 632 finishers. The Marathon is USATF Sanctioned & Certified: ME12018JK.
Registration is open at $110 for the Marathon, $95 for the Half, Three-person relay is $80. Next price increase of $10 is June 1st.
Registration is open – $90 for the Marathon, $75 for the Half and $45 for the half-marathon relay.
This marathon always sells out. There are very few flat marathons in New England, but Baystate is one of them.
If you are looking to qualify for Boston, this is a good choice. The race is mostly flat with the bridges over the Merrimack having the most elevation gain. Part of the course is a double loop, so it can be challenging to see the “Mile 22” sign when you are at Mile 12 and starting to feel it.
This is a well supported race with local high schools competing to have the best water stop! There is plenty of parking at the Tsongas Arena garage.
This is a favorite race for many GBA runners and had about 1,300 finishers in 2018. I’ve run Baystate four times. Baystate Recap – 2014
Virtual Marathon and Half – $50, virtual 5K – $30.
Next price increase is April 30th.
These races feature FREE PHOTOS and a secured bag check at the start.
The Marathon is a Boston Qualifier. The Ocean State Rhode Races Half is the final stop of the Rhode Race Series, a four stop series of Rhode Island Half Marathons.
This race harkens back to the original Ocean State Marathon with the start in Narragansett Beach.
It follows beautiful Rt 1a and showcases wonderful ocean views, old stone walls, working farms, estuaries and kayak stands. It really is a pretty one.
It is a smaller marathon so if you are looking to BQ – you won’t have to fight through crowds of people at the start.
Rhode Races & Events is committed to recycling at this year’s Ocean State Rhode Races. Road Races create a lot of waste, but we’ll reduce our footprint by diverting hundreds of pounds of cardboard boxes, water jugs, and plastic bottles from the landfill.
To learn more about our race day efforts and how you can help – please click this link. Additionally – all clothing discarded at the start of the race will be donated to North American Family Institute.
Rhode Races offers a variety of discounts and packages for companies looking to foster their corporate health and wellness initiatives. Employees training and participating together helps promote team camaraderie, increased branding and a sense of goodwill. Join our Corporate Fit Challenge and compete to be the “Most Fit” or the “Most Philanthropic” business. Learn more
Marathon and Half registration increases by $15 on August 2nd.
Included in entry fee: (subject to change due to state/town COVID health restrictions on race weekend)
Gender-specific long sleeve shirt Customized bib with the first name spelled how you registered (if registered by September 13, 2021) Secure gear check Boston Qualifier and certified race course stocked with water and Gatorade Unique coastal medal Hot clam chowdah and soup station with vegan, gluten free and dairy free options at the finish line! Apple cider donuts! The best town, volunteers and committee to support you!
The marathon was named “The Best Marathon in Massachusetts” by the RaceRaves in 2018.
In 2019 the organizers implemented changes to minimize the environmental impact of these races. They are reducing waste by:
Replacing plastic bags with Eco-Friendly for Number Pick Up bags Providing compostable cups at all water stops Replacing single-use plastic water bottles with reusable water bottles at the finish lines Creating Compost/Recycle/Trash stations at the finish line Providing compostable bowls and spoons for the soup and chowder at the marathon and relay finish line Recycling left over medals when needed
While running your virtual race you can reduce your footprint also.
Don’t toss water bottles or drop that tare off from your gel pack. If you have trash while you are running, hold onto it and look for a trash barrel.
The 8th Annual LOCO half and full Marathon is a spectacular 13.1 mile loop course run completely on tree-lined rural roads.
It travels through four local coastal towns: Newmarket, Lee, Epping and Newfields New Hampshire.
Not only is a scenic course, it is designed to be fast and easy. Half marathoners run one loop. Marathoners run a second loop. For the past two years over 32% on average of marathoners qualified for the Boston Marathon.
The Marathon is a double loop of the Half-Marathon. It’s all country roads and 3 miles of rail trail.
This is a runner’s race. The finish time cut-off for 59 years and under is 4:30. For 60 and older it is 5 hours even.
Most marathons have a 6 hour cut-off time. If you are running to see the foliage, you may want to pick another race. If marathon runners cannot make the half-way mark by 2:15 or 2:30 for 60+ years, you will be pulled from the course!
Oh, and marathon runners MUST bring photo ID. So no faking 60+ to get the extra 30 minutes to finish the race!
Cut-off time for the Half-Marathon is 2:30.
The course is USATF Certified at 13.10938 miles. Combined registration is limited to 1,000 runners. Finisher’s medals for all marathon finishers!
Hot food will be served after the race and Smuttynose Brewing will be pouring!
Registration is– $79 for the marathon and $59 for the half marathon. Prices increase $20 on June 27th.
Norwich, VT | ? October | Sunday | 9:00 AM – CANCELLED
Challenging in true Vermont tradition, expect elevation gains between 1400′ and 3550′ !
The course is not, repeat, NOT certified! Being hilly, you can also expect to run between 30-45 minutes slower than your average flat marathon time making a BQ pretty unlikely for many if not most.
The Half’witch time limit of 6-hours and gentle downhill final portion of the course are a great combination for walkers, even with all those 1,400 feet of hills thrown in! You’ll feel like Superman or Wonder Woman at the finish line!
The Roxbury Marathon and Roxbury Half Marathon are hilly, no-frills foot-races that are run over some of the roads used by the Roxbury Races annual series (about 40 races from February into early December each year).
The entry fee is $35 for the half marathon and $40 for the marathon to cover costs.
Registration for 2022 is not open and the race may have been cancelled.
Manchester, NH | 12-13 November | Sunday | 7:30 to 9:30 AM
You have the option to run in Manchester or run a virtual race.
Virtual races can be run between November 2nd and 8th.
START LINE PROCEDURES This event will utilize “time trial start” format that will facilitate “social distancing” for the entirety of the event. Participants will be seeded based off their self-submitted paces. Athletes will start one-by-one in a time-trial format, 10 seconds after one another. Participants will be assigned a dedicated start time along with specific times for parking, check-in time and report to corral time.
See there website for more details.
The largest New Hampshire marathon, Manchester is USATF Certified and a Boston Qualifier.
The web site describes the race as hilly, challenging and scenic. Many friends have run this race and only had good things to say about their experience.
Registration OPEN – $90 for the Marathon, $75 for the Half, $160 for the 4-way Marathon Relay and $110 for the 2-way Marathon Relay. The 2-way Half Relay is $95. The 5K is $25.
The virtual marathon and half are $40. The virtual 5K is $30.
Prices increase on June 3rd 2022.
The first 2,000 runners will receive a long sleeve event shirt. All runners will enjoy Sam Adams beverages as well as flat bread pizza, Dasani water and Stoneyfield yogurt.
Free race photos, finisher video and bag check will be available.
Marathon starts at 10AM Half Marathon starts at 10:10 AM
There is no registration fee for this race. This New England Marathon was conceived of as a way to help the economy of a Northern Maine former mill town: Millinocket.
When I was growing up the paper industry made Millinocket a bustling town. While I was attending college at The University of Maine the mill was on it’s last legs. Everyone knew that hard times were coming, just like they did in so many other mill towns across America.
Just like other mill towns across the country, Millinocket is working to reinvent itself.
This race allows you to be a part of that revival and run a great marathon or half marathon.
This race is at least five hours north of Boston. Throw in some traffic or weather and you’ll be well beyond five hours. Just keep that in mind.
Oh, it it’s guaranteed to be cold. It’s just a question of how cold. Keep this in mind before you register.
A note from the Race Director:
Important: Please don’t register unless you are somewhat serious about traveling to Millinocket in the first place. Although our race is FREE, we still prepare bib numbers and accrue expenses to prepare for your participation. We totally understand that life happens, but if you can’t come, don’t just NOT show up; it’s very important to officially cancel your registration in a timely manner so that those volunteering their time and funds do not expend them unnecessarily. Thank you for your understanding — we can’t wait to see you in the Magic City!
Melrose is a very active town. There is a YMCA, Melrose Boot Camp and a large and active running club, the Melrose Running Club. Whenever I drive through town I see runners everywhere.
If you are promoting a race that I do not have listed here, please contact me at info@omnirunning.com.
2020 and 2021 were tough years for races every where. Some went virtual and some just faded away.
The Melrose Run for Women is back and in person for 2022!
With Fitzgerald Physical Therapy Associates as the marque sponsor, the race is sure to be better than ever!
Produced by the Melrose Running Club this 3.5 mile women only road race draws around 1,000 runners each year.
All proceeds benefit Melrose Alliance Against Violence (MAAV). Since 1998 over $278,000 has been donated.
Awards are given to the top finishers, the first mother and grandmother to finish, and best mother/daughter team finishers. Awards are also given to top age group finishers.
Registration is open at: $35 per person and $60 for mother/daughter teams. On May 1st prices got to $40 and $70 respectively.
The Spooky Sprint is alive! Alive and in person for 2022!
This race begins at the Y and travels through charming downtown Melrose and through beautiful Pine Banks. Bring your costumes and family!
All proceeds benefit the Melrose Family YMCA’s Growing Stronger Together scholarship fund which ensures no one in the community is turned away for inability to pay.
In 2015 the YMCA of Metro North provided more than one million dollars in financial aid providing all children, adults and families with opportunities to develop a healthy spirit, mind and body regardless of income.
The Assault on Mt. Hood returns as an in person cross country race for 2022.
The location as much as the time of year makes this race what it is, and you just can’t duplicate that at home.
This race has become an early winter tradition for cross-country runners from the GBA and beyond. The race is run on the Mt. Hood golf course and the route is slightly different year-to-year depending on conditions.
The race organizers seek to make the course more challenging each year. So come prepared to climb hills!
This Melrose Running Club production features awards, refreshments, a Huge Post Race Party with plenty of food and a few beers.
And don’t forget about the legendary nutcrackers!
We have a 2022 date, but registration is not open yet.
Melrose 5K Race Directory Updates
Please let me know if I missed a race or if your group is starting a race for next year. I will be more than happy to add your race or make any corrections to the races listed.
Looking for a 5K in Somerville, MA? Look no further.
2022 Somerville 5K Race Directory
Updated March 11th, 2022
Davis Square is the most popular location for Somerville 5K race events. Assembly Row and the DCR Blessing of the Bay boat house on The Mystic River are also popular locations for 5K races in Somerville.
Somerville 5K races range in size from a few hundred to a few thousand runners. Some are party events geared towards a younger crowd, and some are family oriented and great to bring your kids to.
The list of Somerville 5K races changes yearly. 2020 saw many races cancelled due to COVID-19. Some races look like they have faded away, but some have returned for in person racing!
If you are managing a race that is not on this list, send your information to – info@omnirunning.com.
This race was cancelled in 2020 and 2021, currently, no information is available for the 2022 race.
This is a Somerville Road Runners production at Assembly Square. In addition to the 5K, there is a “Fast Mile” race that requires all runners to finish the race in 10 minutes or less.
For kids 9 and under there is a Kid’s 1/8th mile Fun Run and all participants will receive a medal.
The wheelchair 5K begins at 9:25 and the 5K begins at 9:30.
Registration was: $32 through July 31 then $37 and $40 day of. Fast Mile is $20 or $25 day of.
Add the Fast Mile to your 5K registration for just $5.00! Day-of registration for the combo is $50.00.
This event, which began in 2013, has raised more than $27,500 for the East Somerville Main Streets organization, Somerville TrackPAC and Somerville Auxiliary Police.
The race was cancelled in 2019 due to construction and cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19.
In 2018 this race had 1,340 finishers. Based in Davis Square the Rás na hÉireann was one of Somerville’s largest 5K races.
This race draws some of the best 5K runners in New England. In 2018 the top four runners ran a 5:00 or less pace! 37 runners ran a 6:00 or less pace.
Many hundreds more ran your pace. So don’t be intimidated.
Mark Kenneally of Dublin, Ireland, set the course record of 14:19 in 2006. Molly Huddle, of Providence, Rhode Island, set the women’s course record of 15:59 in 2010.
So if you want to compete with some of the best 5K runners around or just go for a fun run with your friends, this mid-September race is for you.
With a strong St. Patty’s and Irish theme, this race attracts a young crowd and is always a great time. I do see a few kids in strollers, but this is generally not a family focused event.
In 2019 the race was held at Arlington High School.
In 2020 this race was cancelled due to COVID-19.
And in 2021 the race returned to Davis Square with 450 runners.
Registration for 2022 opens July 19th, and in the past was $30. Raise $250 and your registration is FREE.
This race used to draw around 1,000 runners and is trying to build back after COVID-19. The last time I ran this race there was plenty of food after the race and things were well organized.
? December | 11:00 AM | Sunday – it’s still early for a date
Race details for 2022 have not been posted. It’s still a little early yet.
Registration was only $37 in 2021.
Believe it or not, there is plenty of free parking in Somerville for this event.
I’ve run this Davis Square 5K several times. It’s always brisk but not bone crushing cold. If you like big races, this one is for you!
In 2019 over 1,400 runners finished this race, many in costume!
In 2019 we hung out with Bill Rodgers and several other marathon champions at The Burren. One of my last race events before COVID-19 changed our world.
Jack’s Abbey sponsors the post race party at 8 Somerville bars. This is definitely a party race, so leave the kids and keys at home! The Red Line station is right around the corner, so why risk it.
Enjoy a fun race with friends, get into the holiday spirit and let someone else do the driving.
Shwag for this race includes a t-shirt, finisher’s medal and jingle bells.
Snowshoes have been around for about 6,000 years, but snowshoe racing is a fairly recent phenomenon.
According to the United States Snowshoe Association, (USSSA) snowshoeing originated in central Asia and come to North America with the ancestors of the Inuits and Native Americans.
Over the past 30 plus years, snowshoe racing and running have grown in popularity along with all the other outdoor endurance sports.
As the sport has grown in popularity, snowshoes have evolved as well.
Snowshoe Evolution
Ancient snowshoes were made of modified slabs of wood. In North America, Native Americans adopted white ash frames and raw hide for snowshoe construction. Through the 1960’s and 70’s this design remained relatively unchanged.
I grew up wearing this type of snow shoe. For hiking they were fine, but I never tried to run in them.
Photo – snowshoes.com
In the 1960’s some manufacturers offered neoprene lacing. Neoprene did not stretch when it got wet and was low maintenance. In 1972 Gene and Bill Prater developed the oval-shaped aluminum framed Sherpa snowshoe and steel hinge. In 1989 they replaced neoprene with polypropylene to make the Sherpas even lighter.
In 1990 Redfeather Snowshoe Company introduced an aluminum framed beaver tail snowshoe that became very popular. The company sponsored several snowshoe racing events in Colorado that gained the attention of marathon runners and triathletes. These athletes brought attention and credibility to the sport.
In 1991 Tubbs Snowshoe Company (Est. 1906) introduced the Katahdin and Sierra snowshoes. Tubbs and the entire industry enjoyed strong sales growth of 20-30% over the next 20 years.
In 1994 444,000 pairs of snowshoes were sold in the US. In 1995, 640,000 pairs were sold and in 1996 over a million pairs were sold. Today approximately 5.5 million people participate in snowshoeing in North America alone.
Most snowshoes are now made of aluminum and are either 8″ X 25″ or 9″ X 30″. Other sizes are available for deep snow hiking and other conditions. For officially sanctioned USSSA events, regulations require snowshoes to have at least 120 square inches of functional surface area and dimensions no smaller than 7″ X 20″.
As a kid I was familiar with snowshoes. We always had a few pair around the house and I became proficient at walking in them on trails or in the woods.
With all of the snow in 2016, I began to pay more attention to snowshoe race listings. They seemed to keep popping up while I searched for 5K races. I even ran in snowshoes in the Nutty Irish 5K Cocoa Run.
I wore a pair of Tubbs hiking snowshoes which at 9″ x 30″ were less than ideal to run in. But, it was an adventure that I’ll never forget!
Snowshoe Racing Nationwide
The United States Snow Shoe Association (USSSA) is the governing body and organizer of the Snow Shoe National Championships. They usually list local races also, but as of January 23rd 2022, they only had two races races on their list! See my links below for local race listings.
The two Nationals events are:
Jr and Collegiate Nationals in Leadville, CO January 29, 2022 Open Nationals in Cable, WI March 13, 2022
Over the past few years many races have been cancelled due to lack of snow.
Usually there are non-USSA sanctioned races put on by local running clubs and non-profits. These races have also suffered from the lack of snow the past few years.
Snowshoe Racing in Your Area
I’m a big advocate of racing locally. I like to support local groups and hate to drive two hours to run a 5K. Check out these links to races and to find races in your area.
100 Mile or 100K at 6 am or Noon respectively, Saturday February 5 Marathon starts at 8 am Saturday, February 6 1/2 Marathon starts at 9 am Saturday, February 6 10k starts 10 am Saturday, February 6
The course will be a gorgeous 6.5-mile loop in the Green Mountains of Vermont. Each loop will have 1200 feet of elevation change and sweeping views of the surrounding mountain ranges!
Registration is open – $175 for the 100 Miler, $120 for the 100K, $85 for the Marathon, $65 for the Half and $55 for the 10K.
The Sugarhouse Snowshoe 5K/10K is back this year! This race appeals to competitive snowshoe runners as well as relaxed fitness walkers.
You’ll be treated to a beautiful run through the sugar grove of Shelburne Sugarworks. If mother nature cooperates, this will be a snowshoe race.
Otherwise, it will be a 5K run/walk or 10K run. You’ll start and finish at Shelburne Sugarworks where there could be some sugaring in the works (depending on Mother Nature).
Just prior to the race, we will be offering a short (200-300 yard) race for kids. This portion of the race will be free. No awards or shirts will be involved with this “fun run” snowshoe event.
Race will begin and end at our enclosed shelter that overlooks Lake Ontario. Enjoy our thrilling woodland racecourse with portions of the trail groomed. Finish by warming up around the stone fireplace and enjoying some refreshments. Everyone if welcome to participate. Masks will be required indoors.
Registration is $20 through February 5th.
These are just a few. Check out the links below for more local listings.
The Dion – Western Massachusetts Athletic Club web site has information on their 2021-2022 snowshoe racing series. These races are all in New England and New York and run through March.
Snowshoe Magazine has product reviews, race information and local club listings. With so few race opportunities, hooking up with a local club may be your best bet if you want to get out and enjoy the sport.
World Snowshoe Federation lists snowshoe races all over the world. You can also find information on the World Snowshoe Championships. The USSA was a founding member in 2010, now there are 14 member organizations.
Cute Moose Has a list of races in the mid-West and is a great resource for information on snow shoes and all things snowshoe related.
Acidotic Racing has listed snow shoe races in the past but I don’t see anything for 2022.
Maine Trail Finder is a great resource. You can search for trails by town or county, difficulty and type of activity. More for hiking than snow shoe racing, but still a cool site.
Western Mass Athletic Club hosts the DION Racing Series and lists the full schedule. They also have tips for beginners.
Top 10 Snowshoe Races 2019-2020 from northernlites.com has some good information on races all over the country from New Hampshire to Alaska!
The National Weather Service has a page where you can get current snow conditions. This will help you figure out if a snow shoe race may actually be able to happen!
Have you ever run a snowshoe race? If you find one in your area, would you try it?
Cancelled in 2021 and 2022 due to COVID-19, it looks like this race will return in 2023.
Each year the Tufts University Graduate Student Council 5K Run/Walk becomes more and more popular. 
The Kiwanis SUPER HERO 5K was a new race for Medford in 2019. 
A fun Summer race to bring the community together. The racecourse follows the scenic path of Mystic River Reservation.
I’ve run the 5K in freezing cold and I ran the 5 Miler in above freezing temps. You never know what you will get, but you will have a good time.
This race takes place off of Mass Ave on Sidney Street. This is a large race with a great post race party. Public transportation is a good idea, keys and kids are optional.
Starting and finishing at the REI Co-op store in Cambridge, this double loop 5K course explores the new Cambridge Crossing neighborhood as well as the waterfront along North Point Park.
In Melrose Massachusetts many of our club runs pass the monument to Clarence Demar. Many runners make it a point to touch the monument as they run by.
After going virtual in 2020 and in-person for 2021, 2022 will feature both in-person and virtual events!
This is a great fall Cape Cod racing event.
This race begins at the Y and travels through charming downtown Melrose and through beautiful Pine Banks. Bring your costumes and family!
2022 was the 26th year for this unique 5K and paddling event.
This 5K was a Virtual Fitness challenge for 2021.
Race details for 2022 have not been posted. It’s still a little early yet.
