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!
###
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.
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.
Registration for a few 2022 races has opened. Since the 2021 and 2021 races canceled, 2022 should be a great year!
Looking for a New England Valentines race for 2022?
Believe it or not, a few races have opened registration for 2022 Valentines 5K races all ready!
In New England we believe in getting outside, even in the middle of winter. New England Valentines Races are a great excuse to go out for a run with your somebody special. And for 2022, it’s looks like these will be in-person events.
Customized race bib for download 30th anniversary commemorative long sleeve shirt Custom participant medal and ribbon Sampler box of chocolates Valentine flower Personal online photo album Virtual online leaderboard results Access to members only Facebook group Personalized digital finisher’s certificate for download
This race was cancelled for 2021 but should be back for 2022.
The race is based out of Harry’s Westgate Pub and Grill in Brockton. Race start is at D.W. Field Park about a quarter miles away at 11:00 AM.
This race is produced by the Colonial Road Runners and registration was $25, all in. $30 February 8th through race day. First 200 to register get a pair of runner’s gloves. All runners will enjoy hot chili/pasta and one complementary beer or soft drink.
Age group and top finishers receive awards. This race does not provide a finisher’s medal to all runners.
12 February | Saturday | 10:00 AM | Willimantic, CT
This race has been scheduled and registration is open!
The Cupid Made Me Do It is a 2 mile run or walk to be held in downtown Willimantic. This “urban scramble” will be held as a part of the Romantic Willimantic Chocolate Festival and will benefit the Windham Area Interfaith Ministry.
Valentine’s Day fancy dress is appreciated and applauded.
The first 250 registered runners receive a free Cupid Made Me Do It Gloves.
Everyone registered by February 7th receives a shirt.
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 was a tough year for races every where. Some went virtual and some just faded away.
The 2020 race was cancelled due to COVID-19 and the 24th annual race went virtual in 2021.
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 $170,000 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.
2020 was the 11th year for the Spooky Sprint and was a virtual race.
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.
This race was cancelled for 2020 and we have some time to see if they will have the race in 2021.
As a Cross Country race, it doesn’t translate very well to a virtual race.
The location as much as the time of years 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, Huge Post Race Party and a Commemorative Pint Glass to the first 250 Applicants.
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.
Medford is a great location for 5K races. Just north of Boston and right off of Rt 93, The Orange Line or Rt. 28 out of Somerville and Cambridge.
With trails in the Middlesex Fells and in the Mystic River Reservation along the Mystic River, organizers have great course options to choose from.
The course along The Mystic and on Winthrop Street starting at The American Legion Hall are USATF Certified.
Many Medford 5K races were cancelled or went virtual due to COVID-19. COVID-19 restrictions were just lifted on June 1st, many races are unable to get organized in time to have a successful event.
Please let me know of if you are organizing a race. I am constantly searching for races and would be happy to add yours.
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 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 race was cancelled in 2020 and updates for 2021 are not available 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.
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.
A new race for Malden!
FOOGI, or Friends of Oak Grove, is a community group that supports the Malden neighborhood of Oak Grove.
The 8th Annual Cupid’s Chase Valentines Race has went virtual for 2021.
