2023 Somerville 5K Race Directory
Updated September 16th, 2023
The 2023 Somerville 5K Race Directory is your up to date source for Somerville 5K races.
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.
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 – see you in 2024
2023 was the 27th year for this unique 5K and paddling event.
Complete both races and you are eligible for the “Iron Herring Award”.
2023 registration was: $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.
Rás na hÉireann
* March | 11:00 AM | Sunday – see you in 2024
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
30 September | 9:00 AM | Saturday
In 2021 the race returned to Davis Square with 450 runners. And in 2022 there were 465 runners. They are hoping to break 500 runners for 2023.
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.
For 2023 there will be 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 2023 is $30. And if you raise $250 and your registration was FREE.
I would recommend this race for the kids.
Somerville Gobble Gobble Gobble 4 Miler
Thanksgiving Day | November 23 | 9:00 AM
This race turns 27 this year and usually draws around 3,000 runners! Everyone seems to agree that Thanksgiving Day races are a lot of fun.
Registration is $40 through October 31st, register by October 25th to make sure you get a long-sleeved race shirt!
Proceeds from the race benefit the Somerville Homeless Coalition, Somerville Track PAC, and Dilboy VFW Veterans Relief Fund.
In addition to a race shirt this race features a bag check and an after party at a bar to be named at a later date!
Somerville Jingle Bell Run
* 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.
Athletic Brewing was also a sponsor last year. I enjoyed the guilty pleasure of walking down the street drinking what tasted like one of the finest IPAs you’ll ever drink!
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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