Charles River Center 5k Run/1Mile Walk

We are thrilled to announce the sixth annual DEF Dash 5K - A LIVE, IN-PERSON 5K RUN OR WALK! After 10 successful years' operating Bernie’s Run, the Dedham Education Foundation launched the first annual “DEF Dash 5K” from Barnes Memorial Park in October 2019. Hundreds of runners and family and friends gathered for a fun day of running/walking, followed by delicious food, drink, music, and award ceremonies. We will have prizes for the top runners in each age category!!! Come support the Dedham Education Foundation and our Dedham Public Schools and Students on Sunday, October 6th at Barnes Memorial Park. Race starts at 11am sharp!

If interested in becoming a sponsor of the DEF Dash 5K, please reach out to Carolyn Smith, [email protected].

Jog Your Memory 5K, Inc. was founded in 2014 by Jess Rice and her husband Bob. Since then, the Jog Your Memory Board has grown to eight, dedicated members, who are all-in to help fight Alzheimer's. The non-profit hosts a 5K race and walk every year out of Needham in an effort to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer's research and caregiver reprieve. To date, they have raised over $2.35 million; for the past twelve years, 80% has gone to research, and 20% has been set aside for a Caregiver Grant - a reserve used for those caring for loved ones who might need a little extra incentive to get the help they need.

The 2026 5K run and 1.5-Mile walk for Alzheimer's will offer flexible options. Our 13th Annual race will be held in-person in Needham on Sunday, October 18th and a virtual option will be available for those who are unable to make our in-person event.

Find more information on our story here.

The Powisset (pronounced “po-wiss-it”) Farm Trail Run is part of the Barn to Run Trail Race Series and the fall edition of this event takes place Sunday, October 25, 2026 at Powisset Farm in Dover, MA. The event includes running the trails of Powisset Farm and neighboring Noanet Woodlands and offers 4 race distances to choose from — 8.6, 5.6, 3.1 and 1.5 miles. This is a popular event with experienced and novice trail runners alike.

Come for the race... stay for the cider donuts! Post-race cider donuts are a staple of the fall races in the Barn to Run series. Bring the kids to see the animals, free pumpkin painting and to see all the farm has to offer!

Run.com ranked the Powisset Farm Trail Run one of the Top 12 Runs for Fall Color in 2025. Read about it here.

Sign up early - the race sells out every year!

Newton Turkey Trot Mission

We’re back for the 13th Annual Newton Turkey Trot on Sunday, November 22nd!

What began as a small neighborhood run has grown into one of Newton’s favorite traditions, bringing together more than 1,700 runners to celebrate health, wellness, community, and giving back.

We’ve been especially inspired by runners who wear their Turkey Trot shirts near and far, reminding us to bring your sneakers everywhere and keep spreading the love!

The event features our scenic, USATF Certified 5K course, plus a 1-mile kids fun run, both designed to engage the whole family.

As always, 100% of proceeds will support:

• Newton Food Pantry

• Centre Street Food Pantry

Register by October 22nd to snag this year’s limited-edition Turkey Trot t-shirt!

Happy training and be well,

The Newton Turkey Trot Team

Start times

The kids' 1-mile fun run starts promptly at 8:30 AM, followed by the 5K at 9:00 AM.

Both races start & finish at Zervas Elementary School.

Course

Starting at Zervas Elementary School on Beethoven Ave, the USATF Certified 5K run is a beautiful out-and-back course. The run leads you through Newton neighborhoods, onto the Commonwealth Avenue carriage lane to Newton City Hall, and loops back to end at Zervas Elementary School. The roads will be monitored by Newton Police.

Parking

The parking lot at Zervas Elementary School will be CLOSED. Limited parking is available on Allen Street and other neighboring streets. Please consider walking if you're close enough to do so!

Bib and T-shirt pick up

TBD

Prizes

Prizes will be awarded to the Overall top 3 male and female 5K finishers and the top 3 male and female 5K finishers in the following age categories: 12 and under, 13-14, 15-19, 20-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 & top male and female finisher 70+.

The top male and female finisher of the 1 mile kids fun run who is 12 years old or under will be awarded a prize.

All children running in the 1-mile kids fun run will receive a medal and the first 1200 participants will receive a medal for the 5K.

Bikes and strollers are NOT permitted

For the safety of all participants NO bikes or strollers on either the 1-mile kids fun run or the 5K.

Dogs

If you plan to bring your dog, please line up at the back, for the safety of all participants.

14th ANNUAL FAMILY GRATITUDE 5K TURKEY TROT

& KIDS 1/2 MILE RUN

NOVEMBER 26, 2026

8am: Kids Run

8:30am: 5K

We welcome strollers! We just ask that you line up toward the back of the race for safety for all! Unfortunately, no dogs are allowed due to race liability.

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!

We are always looking for day of race volunteers, if you would like to volunteer for the race, please email [email protected]

We look forward to coming together to make a difference as we celebrate gratitude both in-person and across the globe. Invite family and friends to join in the fun both in-person or virtually during Thanksgiving week from anywhere to support these important causes.

You can register, plus give directly to support work in Dedham. Our partners work to reduce food insecurity, give young people the opportunities they deserve, and we have added helping families in need due to natural disasters and refugee resettlement.

Please be as generous as you can – it does make a difference to these wonderful organizations:

• Dedham Youth Commission

• Dedham Food Pantry

• Ripples of Hope local initiatives