Thoreau Road Race

About This Event

The Lions 5K is an annual event organized by the Newton South Booster Club to support athletics and school spirit at Newton South High School. The race is open to the public and runs through the streets surrounding Newton South High School.

All participants who register before May 1, 2026, will receive a FREE t-shirt and a ticket to a prize drawing. After May 1, t-shirts will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure you register early to secure your t-shirt.

You can run as individuals or as part of a South athletic team. Race prizes will be awarded in many categories, including Best Lion-themed costume. If you are a teacher, please contact [email protected] before registering for a discount code.

Registration fees before race day:

$35 + $4.94 processing fee - ADULT

$25 + $4.94 processing fee - YOUTH AND HIGHSCHOOL STUDENTS

Race Day Registration:

Race day registration will open at 7:30am. Race day registration fees:

$40 - Adult

$30 - Youth and Highschool Students

Course Description:

Start at Newton South High School adjacent to the Newton South Preschool Program playground. From the start, runners follow the Brandeis field’s access road and turn right onto Brandeis Road. Then left onto Greenwood, right onto Dudley, up a steep, but fairly short hill and a quick right onto Drumlin Road. A downhill and a right onto Hartman Road, crossing Greenwood Street before taking a left onto Meadowbrook, a right at Country Club Road, a right onto Arnold Road, a right again at Sharpe Road and a left onto Wheeler Road. At the end of Wheeler, the course turns right onto Parker Street, right again onto Roosevelt, then left back onto Brandeis. For the FINISH, runners will turn right into the high school’s main parking lot, proceed to Winkler Stadium, enter the track doing a counter-clockwise lap before finishing at the track finish line.

Sponsorship:

Interested in being a race sponsor. Use this link to learn about our sponsorship opportunities http://www.nsboosters.org/lions-5k-sponsorship-info

Donation:

Donations of all sizes are appreciated and support athletics and school spirit events at South. To donate, please use this link www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=GHETU3WJWM592

The second annual Live Free Fun Run and Festival will be hosted on May 31st, 2026 at Ice House Park (Sturgis Street) at Horn Pond, Woburn MA 01801. The event is focused on promoting awareness and empowerment surrounding mental health and substance use. The scenic 2.5 mile off-road run (or walk!) brings participants around Horn Pond, and will start and end at the Live Free Festival. At the festival, you will find food trucks, raffles, a DJ, yard games, kids' activities and more! There will also be over 25 local mental health and substance use providers hosting tables to spread awareness about their mission and services. Join use for a day of empowerment, community and fun!

The Town Day Road Race is a fundraiser for the Winchester Foundation for Educational Excellence (WFEE). All monies raised support public school educators and students through grants to encourage creativity and innovation.

Run or walk, the Race is a fun, family centered event. Our Race is timed, but not certified, awards are given for speed. If you are registering as a family please click add participant after registering yourself.

WHY WE RUN!

Susan McDaniel, an avid athlete, actress, and equestrian, was a student at Lovelane throughout her two-year battle with cancer. Susan showed us how to defiantly live life. When surgery took the coordination in her right hand, she learned to write with her left. When treatments left her too exhausted to ride, she took joy in stable chores and teaching other students. Susan’s family spearheaded the Run in her memory to ensure all families have access to Lovelane’s unique and effective therapy.

All proceeds from the Run support Lovelane’s Tuition Assistance Program, so that all children in need can receive the highly beneficial therapy at Lovelane regardless of their family’s financial situation. Support for tuition assistance is critical for our families now more than ever.

RUN DETAILS

Run or walk to benefit the children at Lovelane Special Needs Horseback Riding Program at the Susan McDaniel Run for Lovelane. This year’s run is on Sunday, June 7th! Join elite and novice runners, families, walkers, and children as they run or walk to support Lovelane Special Needs Horseback Riding Program at Weston Town Hall in Weston, MA. This family friendly event has live music, a food truck, a clown, prizes and more!

This is a USATF certified race.