Vanessa T. Marcotte Foundation 5K Run/Walk

The town of Boylston celebrates Memorial Day in style every year with events for the whole family. The common in Boylston is a beautiful location to enjoy the race and then spend time with your friends and family. There is no better location for Katie’s 5k!

SHIRTS WILL ONLY BE GUARANTEED TO THOSE WHO REGISTER BY MAY 8TH.

TEAM Information

What's better then running alone? Running with friends! Be sure to create or join a team when you register this year. We will be awarding prizes to the Top 2 fastest teams (first 5 on a team to finish count toward the official the team time) as well as the team with the most number of participants!

WHY DO WE RUN?

Katie Chalifoux was born in October of 1984 to Janice and Robert Chalifoux. The youngest of five children, Katie spent her childhood in Boylston, surrounded by a closely-knit group of friends. At Tahanto Regional High School, Katie was not only a scholar, but she was also active in sports (soccer, basketball, and softball), music (clarinet and piano), and numerous extra-curricular activities (class officer, Model United Nations, and Student Council).

Katie’s full life came to an unexpected and tragic end in January of 2008, after she succumbed to complications following an accident in New York City. At the time of her death, Katie was working as a teacher at Wild Blue, an enrichment program for children on the upper east side of Manhattan. She loved life and was living out her dream of living in New York City. She was the epitome of “living life to the fullest”.

In 2008, the Boylston Memorial Day 5K race was renamed and reworked in Katie’s memory. Scholarships in Katie's name were setup for deserving female students from Tahanto Regional High School who were going on to a two or four year college degree program. The race also honors our veterans with donations to Veterans Inc. in Worcester.

In 2018, the Boylston Lions Club took stewardship of Katie's 5K and will work to continue the high quality race it has been in the past. The race now supports the Katie Chalifoux Scholarships, The Boylston Lions Club Scholarships, and donations to Veterans, Inc.

The 2026 Unified 5k and AdaptXpo is an inclusive road race and adaptive sports expo designed so that everyone can participate, whether they run, walk, row, or roll. The event raises critical funds for AdaptX education, research, community events, fitness programming, and grant initiatives. The Unified 5k is a space where athletes with and without disabilities show up together, challenge perceptions, and prove that fitness and sport are more meaningful when everyone has a place at the starting line.

Join us on May 30th at RFK Community Alliance for our 8th annual event where you can walk, run, roll, or row either the 5k (3.1 mile) or 1 mile course. Arrive early or hang around after the event to check out our vendors and clinics at the AdaptXpo, a celebration of organizations that focus on health, inclusion, accessibility, assistive technology, and adaptive sports.

Help us make fitness and physical activity accessible for every body.

A 5K race/walk in Shrewsbury to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community, hosted by the First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury and Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services (SYFS). Proceeds from the Shrewsbury Pride 5K will be shared by SYFS, to facilitate programs to directly support LGBTQ+ youth and families, and First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury, to support ongoing programs of outreach to the local and wider community.

T-shirts guaranteed for first 400 runners or by registering by May 24th. Limited quantities may be available on the day of the race.

Race Map is here: https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6436120093/

Day-of Registration is $35.00, payable by cash or credit card.

Race Timing will be provided by Presidential Timing of Hanover, MA.

SAVE THE DATE!

The 25th Annual Worcester Firefighters’ 6k is set for Sunday, June 7th, 2026.

After the Worcester Cold Storage Fire on Dec 3, 1999, this road race was created as a living memorial to those men known as the “Worcester Six” – Paul Brotherton, Jerry Lucey, Tim Jackson, Tom Spencer, Jay Lyons and Joe McGuirk.

Sadly, the Worcester Fire Department has had three other members die in the Line of Duty since 1999. Jon Davies in 2011, Chris Roy in 2018 and Jason Menard in 2019. This race continues on to remember their memories and dedication to the City of Worcester.

The Worcester Firefighter’s 6k Road Race is more than just a road race – it’s a block party atmosphere with a BBQ inside Institute Park. Prior to the 6k and 3K walk, there is a Kids 1k for children under the age of 12. The Worcester Firefighters’ 6k is a family friendly event to kick off the summer season.

Please join us on June 7th, 2026 for another great run!

RACE INFORMATION

Date: Sunday, June 7th, 2026

Start Times: 11am Kids 1K Fun Run // 11:30 6K Run/Walk + 3K Walk

Start Location: Institute Park, Salisbury St, Worcester, MA

All participants in the 6K and 3K Walk will be chip-timed.

ONLINE ENTRY FEES

Online registration will close at 7pm on Saturday, June 6th, 2026.

6K Run/Walk

$33 to 3/31/2026

$35 4/1/2026 to 4/30/2026

$37 5/1/2026 to 6/6/2026

$40 Walk Up Registration Race Weekend

3K Walk

$30 to 3/31/2026

$32 4/1/2026 to 4/30/2026

$34 5/1/2026 to 6/6/2026

$35 Walk Up Registration Weekend

Kids 1K – $15

No refunds. No pets. If you are running or walking with a stroller, we ask that you start in the back for safety purposes.

Fundraiser Retreat at Smoke Crest Farm & Animal Sanctuary

📆 Saturday, July 11th

🕧 9-1:00 pm

📍Smoke Crest Farm and Animal Sanctuary- 830 Springhill Rd. Barre, Ma

💲25 - donation

✨Join us for a peaceful and rejuvenating morning at Smoke Crest Farm and Animal Sanctuary while supporting two meaningful causes. This special Fundraiser Retreat offers a chance to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience the healing energy of the sanctuary’s beautiful 220-acre farm.

The morning will include a series of restorative wellness experiences:

60-Minute Yoga Session to ground your body and mind

60-Minute Sound Bath for deep relaxation and energetic balance

Energy Cleansing & Clearing Session to release and reset

Prefer a slower pace? You’re welcome to simply wind down and enjoy the peaceful setting. Guests can relax with scenic views, explore and hike the farm’s trails, or spend time connecting with the sanctuary animals.

Guests will enjoy an elegant buffet brunch, featuring:

Fresh fruit

Bagels with smoked salmon

Yogurt & granola

Fresh celery shots

Proceeds from this event will support the ongoing care of the animals at Smoke Crest Farm and help fund Steve Coate's journey to compete in the Deaflympics, helping cover training, travel, and competition expenses.

Whether you come for the movement, the healing experiences, or the peaceful countryside, this retreat is a beautiful way to nourish your body, calm your mind, and give back to an inspiring community and cause.

Come breathe, connect, and support something truly meaningful.