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 map with 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.
2021 registration was $30 for the 5K or 10K.
1st Annual Malden 5 Mile Oktoberfest
3 October | 10:00 AM | Sunday
A new race for Malden!
Create a team of 25 or more friends and enjoy a pop-up tent!
Run out of Malden City Hall Square, Registration includes a race shirt & finisher medal plus 3 drink tickets & snacks!
Mystic Valley Fly Like an Eagle 5K
TBD October | 9:30 AM
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 has been discontinued.
FOOGI 5k Haunt Jaunt
TBD October | 10AM
FOOGI, or Friends of Oak Grove, is a community group that supports the Malden neighborhood of Oak Grove.
Appropriate for a 5K Haunt Jaunt this 5K goes around two cemeteries.
2020 would have been the 15th year for the community, family event. Costumes are encouraged for this child friendly event.
The race was based out of the Malden YMCA.
This race has been discontinued.
Malden Road Race 10K
TBD October | 9:30 AM | Sunday
2020 would have been the second running of this race. I’ve included the race in this 5K directory because we don’t have a lot of races in Malden.
The race was moved to October so the weather will be nicer (cooler) than it was for the inaugural running.
There is a great after party with plenty of food from Piantedosi Baking Co, Dom’s Sausage & Hoff’s Bakery. And cold beverages from Idle Hands!
I ran the 10K in 2018 and it was a well organized and fun race. My Malden Road Race 10K Review
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.
Run well my Friends!
Andy
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