Head west for a scenic, USATF certified, fall half marathon or 5K.
25th Annual Monson Memorial Classic
The 25th Annual Monson Memorial Classic takes place on November 17th.
These USATF Certified races start at Noon.
The Monson Memorial Classic road race was started in 1996 in memory of Kelly Waldron and Kathy Waldron Perry.
These sisters died eight months apart from different types of cancer. In the past proceeds have gone to the American Cancer Association of Western Mass, American Lung Association, Quaboag Valley Hospice, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Griffin’s Friends was founded in 1994 in Springfield, MA and named in honor of Griffin Kelleher, who lost his courageous battle with cancer at 14 months of age.
Griffin’s Friends is a nonprofit group that provides support to children who are stricken with cancer, and their families. To learn more, visit www.griffinsfriends.com.
Monson Memorial Classic Half Marathon and 5K
Registration for these races is $50 for the Half and $30 for the 5K.
1/2 Marathon Challenging and scenic course through country roads. Long sleeve T shirts to the 1ST 200 entrants, and medals to all finishers. Great prize money and medals to top 5 men/women, and in age divisions! *** $10 Gift cards for Tree House Brewery to 1st 200 entrants!!
Race day entry is $60, via cash or check made payable to MMC. Live music and best post-race food ever!
5K Great course and short sleeve T shirts to 1st 100 runners. Medals and ale glasses to top 3 finishers, as well as age divisions. Live music and best post-race food on the planet!
Race day entry is $40 via cash or check made payable to MMC.
Grab some friends and run the half or 5k. Have a great time and help out some folks who could use your support.
Looking for a 5K in Somerville, MA? Look no further.
2021 Somerville 5K Race Directory
Updated September 18, 2021
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. Hopefully with the vaccines you will be able to run Somerville 5K race in person in 2021.
Most of these races have not updated their information for 2021 yet, so be sure to check back for updates.
If you are managing a race that is not on this list, send your information to – info@omnirunning.com.
The race was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID restrictions
The Mary O’Brien Memorial Run 5K took place at Baxter Park at Assembly Row Somerville.
Proceeds from this Somerville 5K benefit the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Over 16 years they have raised over $220,000.
Registration was $30 for the 5K and $5 for the kids 0.1 mile run.
This race was cancelled in 2020 and no information is available for the 2021 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.
This race was cancelled in 2020 and details for 2021 have not been posted yet.
But we have a few months to go and hopefully things will change.
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 2018 over 2300 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 18 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 and jingle bells.
This event is usually a 5K and a 5 Miler run through Kendall Square in Cambridge.
Due to Covid-19 the 2021 race was a Virtual Race series that went on for more than 5 weeks.
The races included a 1K, 1 Mile 5K, 5 Mile, 10K, 10 Mile and a Half Marathon.
We are all looking for this to be an IRL race for 2022!
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The Super Sunday races are the first Cambridge 5K races of the year and 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.
This race take 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 run 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.
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 was $35 for adults and $25 for students. Race day registration will be $40 adult and $30 student. CRLS students 18 and under can register for FREE.
The Bionic5K celebrates hope over despair, diversity over uniformity, possibilities over disabilities.
Join us for this virtual 5K race anywhere you like to run or walk. 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.
The race director for the Let’s Run Summer Series has closed up shop.
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.
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
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.
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!
If you don’t have a team join Team Melrose Running Club. We always have a great time at our table with runners from all over invited to join the team.
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 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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
TBD October 2021 | 9:00 AM | Sunday – possibly cancelled
89 Pacific Street
Registration is not open yet
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.
876 runners finished this race in 2018.FULL RESULTS
I know, this is a 5K directory, so why am I listing a half marathon? Because I love half marathons and I want all of you to show up. We almost lost this race.
The Cambridge Half debuted in 2016 and had a second running in 2017. The race was cancelled due to permitting issues in 2018, then COVID-19 struck.
The Cambridge Half Marathon is a 13.1 mile USATF certified course* that starts & finishes at CambridgeSide. It is a fast & flat course through Cambridge featuring: MIT, Riverbend Park, John W. Weeks Footbridge, Harvard Stadium, Charles River and Harvard Square. With so much eye candy, the 13.1 miles will fly by – both literally and figuratively.
Swag includes a great 1/4 zip pull over in men’s and women’s sizes. In the past there has been a rockin party in the garage with lots of food and beverage.
Race proceeds benefit Cambridge Camping and City of Cambridge Scholarship Fund.
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.
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.
As the world turns and we tilt away from the sun, meteorological fall begins in the northern hemisphere.
Meteorological Fall begins on September 1st.
Most of us use the calendar or the chill in the breeze to determine when fall begins.
Meteorologist break the seasons into three-month periods that roughly correspond to the traditional seasons.
This is more precise and eliminates variability. Meteorologists are scientist after all!
courtesy: WOWT Ch. 6
For most of us summer ends when Labor Day weekend ends. Some people seem to feel that summer ends on the 5th of July!
Summer vs Fall
I really enjoy the summer and for the most part don’t mind the heat. When the wind blows in July and there isn’t a chill in the breeze, that is summer.
When the wind blows in October and there is a chill in the air, that is fall to me.
And when the last tomato comes off the spindly vine, then it’s really over!
Running in a summer rain can be nice. I wouldn’t want to run a marathon in a summer storm but I have run a 5K in the middle of a lightening storm (not so fun) and I’ve done many training runs in the warm summer rain.
Running in high heat and/or humidity can be brutal and that is why so many races take place in the spring and fall months.
Fall is a great time to run as the summer heat fades but we tend to have less rain than the spring. By the end of October we have often had our first frost and fall begins to feel a bit like winter.
Malden 5K races have a storied history going back 40 years.
When Dave McGillivray ran from Medford Oregon to Medford, MA in 1978, he finished at the Malden Irish American Club. The club is right across the town line from Medford and was probably the best location for Dave to finish his epic run.
The official story is that he finished at Fenway Park, but I got this story directly from Dave. Maybe he continued to Fenway after stopping in Malden?
At the time the Mystic Running Club met at the Malden Irish American and Dave became an honorary club member the day he arrived. The Mystics have moved, but their roots are in Malden.
Malden used to have as many as 9 5Ks including one of the longest running 5Ks in the area. Some races never grew large enough to be sustainable and their sponsoring organizations cancelled them. COVID certainly hasn’t helped.
Please support local non-profits in your area by running these races. They may not be as flashy as bigger races, but your registration fee helps your friends and neighbors in need.
Malden 5K Races
The Malden Irish American Road Race 5K and 10K
6 September | 10:00 AM | Monday
This running event is a 5K and a 10K. The Irish American Club has been hosting this race for 38 years and they continue the tradition in 2022.
This is one of the longest running local races in the Greater Malden Area. Many of my older friends have fond memories of races they ran here many years ago.
I’ve run the 10K three times and had a great time. The course is mostly flat with one good hill after the Fellsway crosses Salem Street near the Immaculate Conception Church. In 2018 I ran the 10K on a blazing hot day and many runners struggled. Here is a mapmyrun mapwith elevation.
The turnout is usually around 250 runners with a great party, live music afterwards and raffles afterwards.
Proceeds benefit the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
The 2020 Fly Like an Eagle 5K was cancelled. Information for the 2021 race has not been posted yet.
This race benefits students at the Mystic Valley Regional Charter School in Malden. In addition to the 5K there will be kids races and children’s activity stations.
I ran this race a few years ago and it is a nice run through Malden.
This race have turned into the Malden Half and 5 Miler – and postponed in 2021 – stay tuned for updates.
Malden 5K Races
Is your group looking to start a 5K in Malden? The summer schedule is wide open. Pine Banks Park makes a great place to host a race and a good portion of your race could be run in the park.
Time to get planning for the next great Malden 5K road race!
If your organization has a Malden 5K that I missed, please let me know.
We are hoping COVID-19 wont cancel many or any races this winter.
The Roxbury and Millinocket marathons take place before the Winter Solstice and Millinocket is the only December marathon in New England. I’ve also included them in the fall directory where they belong.
Astronomical Winter 2019 officially begins on Saturday, December 21st at 5:02 AM EST. The “Winter Solstice” marks the beginning of winter. On the Winter Solstice the sun reaches the southern most point in the sky at Noon local time.
Click on race names for the latest details. Let me know if you know of other New England Winter Marathons.
In 2018 184 runners crossed the Marathon line and 1120 finished the Half!
213 runners from across the country ran the Marathon in 2017. Maine runners took the top three finishes. 942 runners completed the Half.
In 2015, six runners ran the marathon and 42 finished the Half.
This race continues to grow in popularity and make contributions to the Millinocket region.
Our FREE marathon & half was started in 2015 to help a struggling northern Maine mill town that has been devastated by the closing of their major employer. Do not run Millinocket for what you get instead RUN MILLINOCKET for what you GIVE. Please do not take spots in our race unless you are serious about doing your very best to show up (of course we know life happens) but please don’t register just because our race is free. All participants are required to generously patronize Katahdin area businesses in lieu of an entry fee. Our 2016 edition was a tremendous success and we look forward to growing our event in 2017 and all the positive influence it brings!
Millinocket used to be a mill town with two paper mills. When I was growing up the economy and the town were vibrant. The high school had competitive sports teams and they were just another city in Maine.
Now the mills are gone and times have changed in Millinocket. The organizers of this race seek to draw runners from near and far to help inject a little economic life into this Northern Maine town.
As they say in the quote above, don’t sign up just because it is free. Sign up because you want to run the race and provide some stimulus to the local economy while you are there.
Imagine running in a proper distance race, in the middle of a typical New England winter, but you can dress like its September. Awesome, right? We thought so too… so we made it reality. Introducing the Arena Attack Indoor Road Race Series! Utilizing the wide concourses found in indoor arenas, we run distance races ranging from 5k to the marathon.
This was a series of the running events, each consisting of a marathon, half and 5K.
They never posted registration information for 2021.
Here are some of the things that you can look forward to at your Arena Attack Race:
NEW FOR 2020! All marathon & half marathon finishers receive awesome Arena Attack shirts! Finisher medals made from stainless steel, made by a CT-based explosion proofing company. Race distances include marathon, half marathon, & 5k. We control the climate, so we can make sure the conditions are optimal. Perfectly flat course! Absolutely spectator-friendly! You’ll see your runner on each lap. Water stations and real bathrooms are never more than a half-lap away! We digitally track your laps and project your lap count clearly in your line of sight. On-course music keeps the runners and spectators entertained all day.
Effective 11/25/20 all organized road races are prohibited in state of CT
Runners will complete 130 laps on the course with a 5 hour time limit. The marathon has a waiting list as of 2 December. Registration is $90.00 if a spot opens
The date has been changed to September for the October running of The Boston Marathon.
I’ve run this race twice and it’s been very cold or freezing both times. The first time I ran the race the school parking lot was glazed in black ice. I kept sliding down the parking lot while waiting for the race to begin.
Bring your big boy shorts for this run!
The 25th Annual Northeast Delta Dental Boston Prep – this moderately challenging 16-miler is ideally scheduled for runners training for the Boston Marathon, any other spring marathon or a Runner looking for a mid-winter challenge! Are you a regular runner but not ready for a full 16? Try the “BP-Lite,” which offers a taste of the Boston Prep experience on a 5 mile course!
12-13 March – 8:00 AM – Saturday REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Pittsfield, VT
This is a snow shoe event where you can run a 100 miler, 100K, a Marathon, Half Marathon or a 10K.
The 100 miler begins at 6AM and the 100K begins at Noon on February 5th The Marathon begins at 7:30AM, Half at 8AM, 10K at 8:30AM and 5K at 9AM all on February 6th.
Snow shoes are required and this race is not for the faint of heart. The course is a 6.5 mile loop with 1200 feet vertical. Only 13 runners finished the marathon in 2018!
Registration is open! $175 for the 100 Miler, $135 for the 100K, $85 for the Marathon, $85 for the Half, $70 for the 10K and $35 for the 5K race.
TBD March – 8:00 AM – Saturday – no updates for 2021 yet.
Misquamicut State Beach, Westerly, RI
All courses are USATF Certified and the marathon is a Boston Qualifier! This race has always been a great tune-up for Boston and other late Spring Marathons.
This race winds through the quiet Westerly beach communities of Misquamicut and Weekapaug. There are water views at nearly every stretch of the race. With hardly any climbs to speak of, this race is fast and furious!!
The race starts and finish at the Misquamicut State Beach! A portion of the proceeds to benefit The Westerly Track and Athletic Club!
Registration for 2020 has not opened. In 2019 registration was: Marathon – $90.00,1/2 Marathon – $60.00 and 4 Miler – $30.
This race received some bad reviews for 2019 and I do not see any information listed for 2021. It looks like this race may not be held in 2021. If you hear differently, please contact me.
If you are a race director and I have missed your race please contact me at: info@omnirunning.com. If you are not a race director and know of a marathon that I missed, please contact me at the same email.
This 5K will be a Virtual Fitness challenge for 2021.
The race was cancelled in 2019 due to construction and cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19.
This race was cancelled in 2020 and details for 2021 have not been posted yet.
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 take 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 really enjoy the summer and for the most part don’t mind the heat. When the wind blows in July and there isn’t a chill in the breeze, that is summer.
Fall is a great time to run as the summer heat fades but we tend to have less rain than the spring. By the end of October we have often had our first frost and fall begins to feel a bit like winter.
A new race for Malden!
FOOGI, or Friends of Oak Grove, is a community group that supports the Malden neighborhood of Oak Grove.
