I Need A Valentine 5Km or Abouts

The Tradition Continues: The Fred Warren 5K

A Holden Staple for 60 Years: Established by Fred Warren—former Wachusett Regional High School coach and founder of the Central Mass Striders—this race began as a premier training opportunity for his athletes. Today the Central Mass Striders are proud to carry the torch, celebrating 60 years of community, grit, and local spirit.

The Race Details:

We are thrilled to return to Seven Saws Brewing Company this year

• Date: Sunday, July 26, 2026 @ 11am

• Location: Seven Saws Brewing Co., Holden, MA

• The 5K: A classic course for all abilities.

• Kids Fun Run: A free event for the younger runners that will stay in the industrial park.

New for 2026: Team Challenge!

We’re spicing things up—registration is better with friends. Form a team with your family, coworkers, or run club. The team with the most members wins the ultimate prize: community bragging rights and team pride!

Registration Perks & Pricing

• Flash Sale: $15 (Ends Midnight 4/21!)

• Regular Rate: $20

• Student Rate: $15 (Always available for K-College students).

• Tech T-Shirts: The first 100 registrants for the 5K receive a commemorative tech tee! (Sizes are first-come, first-served).

• Post-Race Party: Stick around for food trucks, raffle prizes, and cold beer at the brewery.

Run Half Marathon

Nap Briye is organizing the Fifth "Barefoot Half Marathon" on the Sunday before Labor Day. Runners have the option to wear shoes or run barefoot from the Sterling Town Hall to the Shrewsbury High School track field on September 6th, 2026 at 7:00 AM EST.

Transportation will be available for those who will park at the finish line. The bus will leave Shrewsbury High School at 6:15 am to go to Sterling.

Pick up Bib on Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at Shrewsbury High School Track Field or on Sunday morning before the race.

Overview

Please join us for the 20th running of The Mass General Brigham Health Plan Canal Diggers 5K and Kids Fun Run on Saturday September 12, 2026! We will once again begin and finish the race at Fiddler's Green, 19 Temple Street, Worcester.

Pre-Race ceremonies will begin at 9:20 AM followed by the Kid's Fun Run at 9:30 AM. The 5K will begin at 10:30 AM and end at the Hibernian Cultural Center where there will be post-race food, refreshments, live entertainment and beer for those over the age of 21, in addition to non-alcoholic beverages.

For those of you, who are not interested in running in crowds, or who may be busy on Saturday September 12, we will, once again, offer a virtual run as well. Virtual runners will have from Monday September 7, 2026, at 9:00 AM until Friday September 11, 2026, at 12:00 PM to run a virtual 5K and submit your time. The winner of the Virtual 5K will be announced Saturday September 12 with the in-person runners.

As you know, each year we strive to improve this all-volunteer, 100% charitable race, making it the premier 5K in the area. This year will be no different. All in person runners can expect the traditional post-race food, water, and, of course, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages, provided by our friends at Atlas Distributing.

The first 600 registered participants, whether virtual or in person, we will receive a long sleeve shirt.

Please join us on September 12th as we celebrate 20 years!!!

Pricing

5k - Online Registration Cost

$20.00 until June 1, 2026.

$30.00 from June 1, 2026, until August 31, 2026.

$35.00 from September 1 until September 9, 2026, at 12:00 PM

On-Line registration ends at 12:00 PM on Wednesday September 9, 2026.

After on-line registration ends runners may sign up at packet pick up at Sneakerama on Thursday September 10, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:30 PM or Friday September 11, 2026, from 4:00 - 6:30 P.M. for $40.00.

Packet pick up will also occur on Race Day at 19 Temple Street, Worcester until 10:15 AM.

THERE WILL BE NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION! All registration will close at 6:30 PM on Friday September 11, 2026.

Youth 1K Registration Cost - $15.00

5k - Undergrad Rate*

*All persons using this registration MUST present a valid college ID at packet pick up

$20.00 until the end of registration at 6:30 PM on September 11, 2026.

THERE IS NO MAIL-IN REGISTRATION

Runner amenities

The first 600 pre-registered runners will receive a performance t-shirt. In addition, all our in-person runners can expect water, pizza and two (2) courtesy tickets for beer for those over the age of 21. All Virtual Runners are guaranteed a medal.

Teams

Wanna run as a team? Be our guest; you'll find the option on our registration page. Minimum of (3) members, please, & awards to the top (3)! Tell yer friends....

Welcome to our 4th Annual Knights of Columbus 5K!

In our first 3 years we have hosted over 450 participants and raised over $16,000 for local charities. Join us for another great event this year, with music, prizes and a post race breakfast included.

We are happy to announce:

Crumbl Cookies will once again be there handing out delicious treats.

Tiffany from Well Rested Massage and Charles from MaxBody Solutions will be providing mini massages and assisted stretching sessions pre and post race!

Registration Fees:

$35 Adult

$20 Child/Senior

All pre-registered runners will be entered into a drawing for valuable prizes.

WALK, RUN, HAVE FUN!!

Join us for a day of family fun with your dog featuring the Scaredy Cat K95K.

The day features a 5K walk/run for people and dogs of all ages! Costumes encouraged but not required. Best dressed pup will get a prize!

There will be plenty of family fun at the health & fitness fair. Enjoy music, vendors, food, beer, doggy demonstrations, and more. Best of all, this day is for charity! Proceeds from the event will benefit the animal welfare programs of the MVMA Charities and Travis Fund, the chosen charity of Tufts SAVMA, to help care for animals in need.

This year, we're offering a VIRTUAL option for those who can't make it on October 25! Walk or run the 5K alone or with your pet. Take this opportunity to run/walk with ANY of your pets - cat, pig, goat, bird, or any other pet you call your bestie! Virtual participants will also receive the commemorative race t-shirt if registered by the October 1 deadline. Submit a picture of you with your pet and we'll feature you in a social media shout-out.

Raise at least $100 for charity or refer at least 5 friends (who sign up) and your registration fee will be refunded!

Register by October 1, 2026 to guarantee a complimentary race t-shirt!

Schedule of in-person events (subject to change)

8:30am - Registration and bib pickup

9:00am - 1:00pm - Fair with food trucks, beer tent, vendors, and entertainment

9:00am – 11:00am – Free facepainting!

10:00am - 5K walk/run begins

11:00am - 5K awards ceremony

1:00pm - Event concludes

Doggy demonstrations will take place throughout the entire event so stick around and check them out! Food, beer, and vendors will be available all day.