2023 Somerville 5K Race Directory
Updated March 25th, 2023
The 2023 Somerville 5K Race Directory is still waiting for race dates for most races. Stay tuned for updates!
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. COVID-19 was tough on races and we lost a few Somerville 5Ks. But many have returned and the crowds seem to be returning also.
If you are managing a race that is not on this list, send your information to – [email protected]
Spread the word about Somerville 5K races! Click To TweetMystic River Herring Run and Paddle
21 May | Sunday | 9:00 AM
2023 is the 27th year for this unique 5K and paddling event.
Complete both races and you are eligible for the “Iron Herring Award”.
2023 registration is: $25 for the 5K or any distance paddle. Register to run and paddle for $40. For race day individual event registration add $5.00
The Mystic is a great river to paddle on as there is very little powerboat traffic.
The race is a fundraiser for the Mystic River Watershed Association.
The paddle event takes place at the DCR Blessing of the Bay Boathouse in Somerville.
Fast and Furriest Fitness Challenge
2 October | 2023 – no details yet
This 5K was a Virtual Fitness challenge for 2021 but return as an in-person event for 2022.
Registration was $45.
The event is a fundraiser for the MSPCA and Angell Memorial. 2021 was the sixth year for this Somerville 5K and their second virtual race.
While there isn’t a date yet, they plan to have the race this Fall.
Race to the Row
August 2023? | 9:00 AM – no details yet
This race was cancelled in 2020, 2021, and 2022. It is still listed on the SRR web site, but I cannot find any recent information.
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 was $20 or $25 day of.
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.
Rás na hÉireann
19 March | 11:00 AM | Sunday – 2023
After a few years off due to construction and COVID-19, The Ras is back for 2023!
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.
Somerville Homeless Coalition Road Race
1 October | 9:00 AM | Saturday – see you in 2023
In 2020 this race was cancelled due to COVID-19.
In 2021 the race returned to Davis Square with 450 runners. And in 2022 there were only 371 runners.
This race used to draw around 1,000 runners and is trying to build back after COVID-19.
I ran the race a few years ago and in 2022. Both times it was well organized and everyone seemed to have fun. I’m not sure why participation declined this year.
As always, they had plenty of food for everyone and the kids had a great time feasting on all of the good stuff donated by the races sponsors.
Registration for 2022 was $30. And if you raise $250 and your registration was FREE.
I would recommend this race for the kids.
Somerville Jingle Bell Run
18 December | 11:00 AM | Sunday
This race always draws a large, festive crowd. And you never know who you will meet.
2023 registration is not open yet.
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.
Run Well my Friends and support your local races!
Andy
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I love your blog! Thanks for also posting the upcoming Somerville races!!! Small favor- could you please update the name of the Tom Taylor run to be som|dog Tom Taylor Memorial Doggie 5k Fun Run?
Thank you Amy. I’ll make the update.
Wow- that was fast! Thank you.
Did I just count nine 5k races in Somerville? That a great selection to choose from!
That Rás na hÉireann race looks inspiring. Imagine running with some of the best 5K runners in New England!
I hope the race will happen in 2021!
A happy new year to you, Andy! With or without races, we will run on!
Happy New Year Catrina!
I would be happy to run 1-2 of these races in 2021.