Stop the Stigma 5K

Miles for Migraine will host its 9th annual 2-mile Walk, 5K Run and Relax Massachusetts event on Saturday July 18th at Carson Beach (Mother's Rest Area) in South Boston. This event is a fundraiser for Migraine & Headache Awareness, Treatment & Research. It's more than a walk/run - come connect with your local migraine & headache community, listen to our speakers & visit sponsors in the festival area.

The 5K run is professionally timed. The Walk and the Relax events are free, but donations are encouraged. All walk and run finishers receive a finisher medal.

Dress up in your best purple flair for a chance at a fun prize!

Funds raised will benefit Miles for Migraine free programs & services.

Experience the grit and glory of Boston, a city where athletic tradition is woven into the very cobblestones of its historic streets. From the legendary finish line of the Boston Marathon to the spirited atmosphere of its world-renowned sports culture, the "City of Champions" provides an electrifying backdrop for athletes ready to push their limits in one of America's most iconic hubs.

The challenge unfolds at the Thomas Michael Menino Convention and Exhibition Center, a premier waterfront venue that offers a sprawling, high-energy arena for the ultimate indoor fitness race. Over three action-packed days, competitors will tackle the signature DEKA FIT course featuring 10 functional fitness zones paired with 5km of running. This event boasts a massive lineup including Elite and Age Group heats, Ruck waves, and high-intensity 2-Person and thrilling 4-Person team categories. For those seeking the pinnacle of endurance, Boston will also host the DEKA FIT Ultra, providing a grueling yet rewarding platform for athletes to cement their own legacy in this historic city.

The Alex G. Kokoros Memorial Fund - and H.O.P.E Beyond the Badge foundation offer Hope, Comfort, and Support to First Responders and their Families when Stress, Trauma, and Mental Health Challenges create personal and familial struggle. Together we are helping to destigmatize conversations around First Responder Trauma, and making it easier for First Responders and their Families to seek Help.

Join us in a 5K Run/Walk to benefit First Responders and their Families.

Culturally competent First Responder mental health & wellness programs will be on site and available to provide information about the services they provide.

Burgers and dogs served at the finish line!!

Location: Braintree Town Hall - 1 John F Kennedy Memorial Drive, Braintree Ma, 02184.

Date: Sunday July 26th, 2026. (Rain or Shine)

Time: 6:00am – 12:00pm

• 6am – 7:30am - check in / bib & race shirt pick up.

• 8am start

Registration Fee: $35.00.

• Race shirts are guaranteed for the first 150 registrations.

• Registration will be available on race day at check in for $35.00.

• Race shirts not guaranteed for same day registration

All proceeds from this event will support us in our mission.

In Memory of Alex G. Kokoros – Abington Police Dept. – EOW: 10/29/2018

Contact Info:

(781) 269 – 2777

(617) 657 – 9108

[email protected]

[email protected]

About This Event

Please join us for the Annual Colin Joy Project 5K September, 27th 2025. We are so excited to be continuing Colin's Joy Project's mission and are here to welcome you all back for running. The day will begin with 2 youth races to start us off followed by a 5 km course along scenic South Boston beaches.

After the race there will be light refreshments, and entertainment to go along with the awards. As well as some great raffle items and a pop up shop for Colin's Joy Project merch!

Colin's Joy Project race shirt to be given to the first 250 registered 5K runners/walkers.

Saturday, September 27th, 2025 (*permit pending)

9:00a.m. – 5 km Race

Youth Races:

8:15 am. – 100 Meter Dash (9 years and under)

8:30 a.m. – ½ Mile Race (14 years and under)

• 5k open to all ages for the walk or run*

5K Registration $30

Youth registration $15

Start and Finish:

Course

Fast and flat 5 km along scenic Castle Island and beaches of Day Boulevard

Number Pick-Up

There will be early bib pickup and merch pop-up on Friday September 26th from 5:30-7.

Registration will be open at 7:30 am on race day for pick-up and same day sign ups

Parking

Parking is available along the adjacent streets and beach area. Resident parking is NOT in effect on Saturdays.

T-shirts

To the first 250 registered runners or walkers (but will be available for purchase day of)

Refunds

We appreciate and understand that unexpected circumstances present themselves constantly. However, if you have registered for the race and are unable to attend, we kindly request that your race fee be considered a donation to Colin's Joy Project. If this is not acceptable, please email [email protected] to arrange for a refund.

About Colin's Joy Project:

Colin McGrath was killed in 2018 after being struck by a car on his way home from a wonderful day in the park. His life was full of love, laughter, curiosity. Colin lived every minute of his life to the fullest. His laughing eyes, beautiful curls, hilarious voice, and sense of adventure will never be forgotten. His smile made everyone's heart happy.

Since Colin's death, the McGrath family started a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization called Colin's Joy Project. The mission of Colin's Joy Project is to enhance play spaces and sponsor children and family programming in the South Boston and surrounding communities.

Colin's Joy Project has several active play space projects in development in South Boston inspired by Colin's Creativity Squad, an initiative that engages children in the community to design their own exciting, creative play spaces. Colin's Joy Project has also formed multiple community partnerships to which they have donated over $1.5M in the last 7 years! Through these partnerships, Colin's Joy Project fulfills their mission to bring joy to families the way Colin brought joy to all who knew him.

A donation to Team Colin will support these long-lasting partnerships and future projects. Learn more about our work on our website www.colinsjoyproject.org, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@colinsjoyproject) for updates!