Colonial Road Runners Boston Marathon Bus

Virtually every family in the United States has been touched by mental illness or addiction. Interfaith Social Services is hosting the Stop the Stigma 5K to support our loved ones, challenge stereotypes, encourage acceptance and eliminate stigmas, all while raising funds for our New Directions Counseling Center. New Directions serves anyone seeking counseling, but we pride ourselves on being a safety net for the uninsured and underinsured members of our community. New Directions makes mental health care accessible to everyone by offering a sliding scale payment system.

The need for our affordable counseling services has been amplified over the past few years with the cost of healthcare skyrocketing. Our New Directions' therapists are here to answer the calls for help and working with our clients to alleviate their pain and suffering.

This year's Stop the Stigma 5K will feature an in-person race on Saturday, April 25 at The Kennedy Center (440 East Squantum St in North Quincy, MA). Participants are welcome to run or walk on the scenic route through the Squantum neighborhood. It is a stroller and dog friendly event.

Registration fee schedule:

January 7 - 31: Ages 13+ $40 pp, Ages 6-12 $15 pp (under 6 is free)

February 1 - April 24: Ages 13+ $45 pp, Ages 6-12 $20 pp (under 6 is free)

April 25 (Race Day): Ages 13+ $50 pp, Ages 6-12 $25 pp (under 6 is free)

PLEASE NOTE: YOU MUST REGISTER BY MARCH 27 TO BE GUARANTEED A STOP THE STIGMA 5K T-SHIRT

Katie Crowell was a dedicated member of our Milton community who gave 100% of herself in service to others. She was an advocate, a runner, a volunteer, a fundraiser, a mom, a wife, a daughter, a sister, and a friend. This amazing woman was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in 2015 while 32 weeks pregnant.

Katie has always used her passion for running to help others. Well before her MBC diagnosis, she was on the race team for the American Liver Foundation. It was there she met her husband, Mike. Later, after her diagnosis, Katie turned to her love of running to find some normalcy while continuing her work with various charities, including Dana-Farber, The Joe Andruzzi Foundation, Christmas in the City, and the Glover PTO. In the span of 15 years, Katie has raised well over $100,000 for her favorite causes.

Armed with the knowledge that her subtype of cancer carried an average lifespan of 2-3 years, Katie persevered and made it her mission to raise awareness of MBC, campaigning fiercely for its patient population and much-needed funding for MBC research. Katie understood that her longevity was correlated with drug research that came directly out of Dana-Farber. Through her resolve, she raised thousands of dollars to help continue this research, always wanting to pay it forward. Her compassion helped countless women who faced and will face similar struggles. Katie's motto was “Grace + Grit,” qualities she embodied.

Katie's act surrounds us all—in her beautiful children, her advocacy, the lives of other patients who have gained strength from her, and the innovative research that is currently happening, thanks partly to the money she raised. Her impact and contributions will continue to inspire many future runners. Please join us for the 5th Annual Grace + GRIT 5k so we can continue Katie's legacy in supporting cancer patients and their families!

The Katie Crowell Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charity; EIN #92-2047293. For more information or to donate directly to the foundation, visit www.katiecrowellfoundation.org

8th Annual Wessagusset 5K Run/Walk & Kids Fun Run

Sunday, May 31, 2026 - O’Sullivan Field

Join us for the 8th Annual Wessagusset 5K Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run! Come support the Wessagusset School community by running, walking, or enjoying the family-friendly activities and raffles happening throughout the morning.

All proceeds directly support educational opportunities and enrichment programs for all Wessagusset students.

Event Schedule

Kids Fun Run Dash: 8:30 AM

5K Run/Walk: 9:00 AM

Check-In Opens: 8:00 AM

Early Check-In: Saturday, May 30th • 3–5 PM at Wessagusset Elementary School (Bib pickup available)

Registration Fees

Kids Fun Run: $15

5K Run/Walk: $30 Early Bird (Register by April 30th)

• $35 (May 1 - May 30th)

• $40 (Race Day May 31st)

Family Rate: $75 for a family of 4+ (Valid through Saturday, May 30th)

T-Shirts

T‑shirts will be provided to the first 200 registered participants.

Must register by Friday, April 30, 2026 to be guaranteed a shirt.

Parking

No parking in the school lot on Pilgrim Road.

Parking available in the public lot off North Street.

Volunteers will direct traffic starting at 7:30 AM.

Timing Chips

Each participant will receive a numbered bib containing a timing chip.

You must wear your bib to be officially timed and scored.

Bibs are included in your registration packet.

Post‑Race Party

Right after the 5K, the North Weymouth Civic Association will host Neighborhood Day, open to all runners and spectators.

Enjoy food, drinks, music, and kid-friendly activities!

Squirrel Run XXVII

The 28th Annual Jimmy Kennedy Memorial Run for ALS, (The Squirrel Run XXVI), includes a 5K run, 5k fitness walk and family fun day which will be held on Saturday, June 6th 2026 at Pageant Field, Merrymount Parkway in Quincy. Proceeds from the Squirrel Run will benefit The Angel Fund for ALS Research. Jimmy Kennedy lost his courageous battle with ALS, better known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, in 1997 at the age of 31. Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate in the 5k run and a 5k walk that begins with registration at 8 a.m. The 5k run at 10 a.m followed by the 5k fitness walk at 10:00 a.m. Children’s events begin at 11 a.m.

Registration

The registration for the 5k and 5k fitness walk will be $40 before June 1, 2025 and $45 after that date. The first 150 online registrations will receive a free goodie bag and all registrants will get a souvenir t-shirt. Break Rock Brewing Co. will also be on site from 11AM-1PM offering free samples as well as selling cans for post run refreshment!. Numbers will not be mailed prior to the race. We do accept same day registration.

Children’s races, games and rides will be held from 10am – 12pm. The registration fee will be $15 per child.

Entertainment and Awards

In addition to the race and walk, the day will be filled with entertainment for children, plenty of refreshments, and awards for competitive runners in all divisions for men and women. There will be trophies, gift certificates, and other awards for the 5k race.

Award Categories

• Top Male & Female

• Top 3 Male & Female High School

• Top 3 Male & Female Middle School

• Top 3 in Age Group for Male & Female19-29

• 30-39

• 40-49

• 50-59

• 60-69

• 70-79

• 80+

Bib Pick Up

Early bib pick up will occur on Thursday, June 4th from 5:00-7:00pm at Pageant Field (race location). Pageant Field: 1 Merrymount Parkway, Quincy, MA 02170. Otherwise, bib pick up will start on race day morning starting at 8:00 AM

For additional registration information, or for further information please email:

• Louis Tozzi at: lp.tozz@gmail.com or 617-947-1031

• Rich (Ratt) Kennedy at: tytaylin@aol.com

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

Linda.Hopebeyondthebadge@Gmail.com

Jay.Hopebeyondthebadge@Gmail.com