Melrose 5K Race Directory 2022

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 [email protected]

2020 and 2021 were tough years for races every where. Some went virtual and some just faded away.

Melrose 5K Race Directory

Fitzgerald Physical Therapy Associates Melrose Run For Women

8 May | 9:00 AM | Sunday | Mother’s Day

The Melrose Run for Women is back and in person for 2022!

With Fitzgerald Physical Therapy Associates as the marque sponsor, the race is sure to be better than ever!

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 $278,000 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.

Registration is open at: $35 per person and $60 for mother/daughter teams. On May 1st prices got to $40 and $70 respectively.

Melrose Firefighters Fathers Day 5K

TBD June | 9:30 AM | Sunday – see you in 2022?

I really thought this race would make a come back in 2021 since the fire fighters are so good at organizing this.

Keeping my eyes open and hopes high for 2022!

2021 would be the 8^th running of this Melrose 5K race which raises money for the Melrose Firefighters Relief Association.

Normally, the fun starts with a free kids race where everyone wins! Music, snacks, and fire trucks will abound.

Melrose Family YMCA Spooky Sprint 5K

29 October | 8:30 AM | Saturday

The Spooky Sprint is alive! Alive and in person for 2022!

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.

Registration is open at: $30 for adults and $20 for 18 and under through October 13th.

Assault on Mt. Hood

10 December | Noon

The Assault on Mt. Hood returns as an in person cross country race for 2022.

The location as much as the time of year 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, a Huge Post Race Party with plenty of food and a few beers.

And don’t forget about the legendary nutcrackers!

We have a 2022 date, but registration is not open yet.

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.

Run well my Friends!

Andy

Malden 5K Race Directory 2021

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.

2019 5K and 10K Results

2021 5K and 10K Results

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!

Registration is closed.

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 15^th 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

2018 RESULTS

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

Fourth of July 5K Races

The Fourth of July weekend is a great time for a 5K. Since July 4th is on Saturday for 2020, it looked like everyone would have an extra day on July 3rd to run a 5K.

With COVID-19 many races have been cancelled or have gone virtual.

Check to see if your local race has gone virtual or has been cancelled and what their refund policy is.

Click on the race title to go to the race web site for registration and additional race details.

Virtual 4th of July

Many races have been cancelled for 2020 and some have gone virtual.

I think the 4th of July was too close to when states started ordering people to self quarantine. Back in March and April when race directors needed to make the “go or no go” decision there was too much uncertainty.

Virtual races are still new to many runners and race directors probably worried that few runners would sign up. It was easier and less expensive to simply cancel an event.

Independence run 5K

Akron, NY | 6PM | CANCELLED?

A USAT&F certified 5K course beginning and ending at Veterans Park

Special designed commemorative short sleeve shirts for the first 250 registered participants and Goodie bag provided by Race sponsors.
Food, Beer, Refreshments, 50-50’s and Awards ceremony immediately following at Veterans Park, Corner of Buell Street & Skyline Drive. Akron NY. FREE access (with race bib).
All proceeds to projects sponsored by The Akron-Newstead Rotary and Akron Lions Club.

Registration $25.00

Pound Ridge 5K

Pound Ridge, NY | Pound Ridge Elementary School | 9AM | CANCELLED?

Start is at the Pound Ridge Elementary School and it ends at the Pound Ridge Town Park. There will be music playing and refreshments at the finish.

The Registration will open at 7:30am with the 5K race starting at 9:00am. The kids races start after the 5K finishes.

Registration $15 Adult, $10 for the kids

LP Miracle Mile

Houlton, ME | Drake’s Hill on Military Street | 6PM |VIRTUAL

The third running of the Miracle Mile will go to benefit CureSearch and Diamond Blackfan Anemia Foundation.
In the last two years of racing we have had more than 400 people come to downtown Houlton, ME and help raise over $10,000!
Runners and walkers from all over the state toed the line to race one of the fastest miles New England has to offer.

Now the Miracle Mile can be in your neighborhood!

Montpelier Mile

Montpelier, VT | 112 State Street | 6PM – CANCELLED?

As of June 20th, their web site stills says check back for details.

Vermont’s fastest mile! Kick off to Montpelier’s Independence Day Parade! A classic 1 mile race through historic Montpelier in front of thousands of spectators.
After the race enjoy the parade & fireworks!

Registration $15 adult, $5.00 kids 12 and under – races limited to 300 each.

Fourth of July 5K Races

Virtual Jennifer Tinney Memorial 4th of July Road Race

Boxford, MA | 1 Elm Street | 8:00AM | VIRTUAL

Run the 5 Miler or run or walk the 2.5 miler or 1 miler. Truly something for the entire family. All in the comfort of your own neighborhood or favorite local route!

Registration is $25 for adults and $20 for children fall all races.

Thomaston 4th of July Annual Firecracker 5K Road Race

Thomaston, ME – Beechwood Street – 8:30 AM

Race Day Registration (cash only) $25, T-shirt NOT guaranteed.

This race is still an on-ground event!

25th Annual Firecracker 5K Run & Walk

Nantucket | 10 Young’s Way | 8:00AM | CANCELLED

A gently rolling course out to Monomy and Back. Race starts and finishes at Nantucket Health Club.

Registration is $25, Race Day Registration is not listed.

They expect 1,000 runners and walkers so I wouldn’t wait to register.

Pittsfield Independence 5K Road Race

Pittsfield, MA | Wahconah Park | 9:30AM | CANCELLED

There is no race day registration and it appears that the only option is to down load a form and mail it in. Better get a move on if you want to run this race. Check their web site for additional details.

Friends of the Fourth

Winthrop, ME | 117 Bowdoin St. | 8AM | VIRTUAL RACE

Previously, after a loop through downtown Winthrop, most of the course followed the beautiful eastern shore of Maranacook Lake.

A family-friendly tradition that you can run at home this year, all proceeds go towards the conservation of the Cobbossee Watershed.

Glen Rock 9/11 Tribute Run 5K/2K Jr.

Glen Rock, NJ | Veterans Park | 9AM | CANCELLED

Race Day Registration $25 for each race

A 5k run and 2k Junior Run through the beautiful streets of Glen Rock. Athletes will enjoy running the 4th of July Parade route prior to the start of the parade and then get to stick around to enjoy the parade itself.

Proceeds go to benefit G.R.A.C.E. An organization set up after 911 to provide assistance to family members of those who died in the terrorist attacks. Today, G.R.A.C.E. continues its hard work by maintaining the 911 Memorial in town, and providing scholarship funds to High School Seniors in memory of Glen Rock’s eleven victims.

I hope you have a safe and fun Fourth of July weekend with friends and family. Check out one of the Third or Fourth of July 5K races!

Andy

2019 Race Directory Updates

2019 Race Directory Updates are on-going. Be sure to check back for updates and additions as the year goes on. Have a great 2019 running year and run well my Friends!

As we roll into 2019 I’ll be making Race Directory updates with new dates and hopefully a few new races.

The most popular race directory that I keep is the New England Marathons Fall. I started tracking these marathons in 2015 and last year the post just took off.

Now that winter is officially here I’ll be changing the name to New England Marathons Fall 2019 this week. Not to worry, I will keep the same URL for the blog post. If you have it book marked you won’t have to make any changes.

I’m glad that the Fall Marathons directory became popular and not the Summer Marathons post. Fall has enough marathons in New England to keep things interesting without it becoming a full time job for me.

5K Race Directory Updates

I will also continue to update the 5K race directories for local cities and towns. Just like for the marathon listings, I’ll keep the same URL and change the title only.

Unlike most directories published by the big web sites, I will not inundate you with ads and pop ups. I will mention the My First 5K medal on occasion. Many 5Ks only award the top three runners over all and often age-group winners.

Unlike the corporate web sites, I often speak with the race director. This lets me get dates listed quicker and get the latest updates.

Without all of the ads and clutter, it is much easier to find a race in your town on my directories. Here are two popular listings that I will be updating shortly:

Somerville 5K Race Directory

Cambridge 5K Race Directory

GBA St. Patrick’s Day Races

Most other cities and towns only have a handful of races, so it’s hard to put together much of a listing. I may consolidate some of these other directories into regional directories.

Run for All Ages 2018

The 17th Annual Run For All Ages 5k is Saturday November 3, 2017 at 10:00 AM.

The race begins and ends in the Comverse Building parking lot. Located just off of North Ave in Wakefield you will find plenty of parking and many good friends at this race.

This truly is a Run for All Ages with runners ranging in age from 8 to 80! Come and run your pace and enjoy your race.

The first 250 runners registered will receive a tech t-shirt. Age group prizes will be awarded in 10 year age divisions and in five-year increments from 60 to 90+. Enjoy a fun post race party with lots of raffle prizes.

The Run for All Ages is an MA Senior Games qualifier for National Senior Games. To compete as an MA Senior Games participant you must be 40 or older and pay an additional $14 fee.

Online entry fees are $27.00 for adults, $30 mail-in and $35 race day.

$10.00 for youth 13 and under (plus processing fees)

All of our friends over 80 can register for free!

Run for All Ages Registration HERE

Run for All Ages 5K Sponsorship

Omni Running is a sponsor for the 5th year in a row with the My First 5K Medal. My First 5K medals are great for first time 5K runners of any age.

I’ve seen father and son teams where the son was older than me! I’ve also seen moms and dads running with their young children.

It truly is a Run for All Ages.

My First 5K medals will be available at the race for $10 plus tax. We accept credit cards.

You can also order ahead of time on-line here.

Proceeds benefit the Wakefield Education Collaborative.

Bring your child, friend or spouse along and make sure they get a great medal to celebrate their First 5K.

This is the race that gave me the idea for this medal. Everyone running their First 5K deserves a medal, even if they don’t place in the top 3.

Every child who decides to run their first 5K deserves a medal worthy of their initiative and effort. Show your child how proud of them you are with a very special medal that only a few will receive on race day.

This race provides medals for the top three finishers in each age group, but not for all runners.

Each year Harrows Chicken Pies is at this race. They make the best chicken pies you’ve ever had. If race day is cold, nothing beats a sample of hot chicken pies!

See you at the race!

Andy

Running with the Fishes

Mystic River Herring Run

This past weekend a small contingent of Melrose Running Club members ran the Mystic River Herring Run 5K. This was a multi-sport event and included paddle racing events on The Mystic. None of us tried the paddle part of the race, but it did sound like it would be a lot of fun.

Over all, 258 runners finished the race and MRC had five runners. No PRs or medals to bring home but I think we all had a good time.

Mary O’Connell and Thuy Dang have run all of the Melrose Racing Series races this year! I think they really want those jackets!

Rain had been forecast for Saturday morning, but we ended up with near perfect running weather. Maybe perfect.

A little rain later in the day gave us all a good excuse to stay inside for a while!

The race was based out of the DCR Blessing of the Bay Boathouse on Shore Drive in Somerville. Shore Drive is a neighborhood street that connects The Fellsway with Rt. 38. I drive by Shore Drive every day but have down the street only once or twice before.

The DCR boat house is right next to Rt. 93 and on the bike path along The Mystic River. If anyone is looking to take a canoe or kayak out on The Mystic, this is the place to go. Apparently you can go anytime and rent one, no reservations required.

Some of the crew boats you see on The Mystic are based out of this DCR boathouse as well. There’s a lot going on over there!

Running the Mystic River Herring Run

The entire race was on bike path and sidewalks through the park. We didn’t cross any intersections or have to run in the road at all.

We all started in the back of the pack, so the first half mile along the bike path was packed. Instead of lining up we hung out and had a good conversation. No one was too worried about getting a fast start.

You can see from the map above that they had us winding around the Mystic River State Reservation in Medford for a bit. Running along the river and through the park was pretty cool.

They had plenty of volunteers to direct us at the many turns and provide encouragement.

I haven’t been training very much lately and finished at 24:58. I was hoping for 24, but I got what I deserve!

I felt pretty comfortable for the entire race. There were a few rises in the road but no hills. The bridge over The Mystic was the greatest elevation. I pushed up the hills and ran down the other side and it helped.

They did not have a timing mat at the beginning of the race, so starting at the back of the pack may have added 30 seconds to my time.

I still managed to finish 45th out of 258 and 4th in my AG.

After the race we hung out for a while, but we all had other things to get to, like yard work. As they announced that paddle racers should start getting ready for their races, we all made our way home.

Our next race is the Melrose Firefighters 5K on June 17th. Don’t forget to register!

Complete results

Run well My Friends!

Andy