3 running events in Natick, Massachusetts

The Dana Chang Foundation 5K Run/1K Walk is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about congenital heart conditions and the importance of early detection. In partnership with Boston Children’s Hospital, the race will take place on April 26, 2026, at Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Natick, MA.

This event honors the memory of Dana Chang, a young artist who passed away suddenly in 2024 from an undiagnosed heart condition, and supports programs that promote education, early screening, and community awareness.

Families, students, runners, and community members come together for a meaningful day of running, walking, and cheering—taking steps toward preventing future tragedies and saving lives.

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS CLOSED!

You can still register day of the event in person. We recommend arriving early at 8:30am when check in begins.

Email any questions to [email protected]

Race day check in starts at 8:30am and race starts at 10:00am!

EARLY BIB PICK UP SATURDAY APRIL 25th 10am-2pm at Marathon Sports in Wellesley!

Jr's Paws For a Cause is a dog-friendly 5k run/walk for participants of all ages. We will have vendors, City Event Group Mikey V from Kiss 108 as our live DJ, complementary Vitamin 1 drinks, and adoptable dogs from Shultz Guest House, Last Hope K9! Additional rescues that will be in attendance are The Animal Rescue League and A Place for Ace!

This family-friendly walk/run welcomes participants of all ages—and your canine companions too! Proceeds from the event, along with our fundraising efforts, will be donated to Project Samana, a veterinary outreach program serving communities in the Dominican Republic, as well as local dog rescues Last Hope K9, Shultz Guest House, and Kyle’s Legacy Inc. The portion of proceeds donated to Kyle’s Legacy will be given in Junior’s (Jr.’s) name to support canine cancer research. Junior was a six-year-old Labrador Retriever who bravely lost his battle with lymphoma. Event is hosted rain or shine!

Registration includes- 1 race entry, a matching bib number for your dog to wear and Polkadog treat samples

FIRST 30 people to register will receive a a $100 Nutre Meal Plan giftcard, Polkadog treats, a VEG bag and a canvas Public Lands bag! (Must attend event in person to receive bag and gift cards)

LIVE DJ - Photos - Vendors - Doggy Ice Cream - Raffles - Prizes!

Online tickets will close at 5pm on Saturday! Walk ups on Sunday morning are welcome. Please arrive between 8-8.15am to register on the day.

SUNDAY, JUNE 14th at 8:30 AM

We invite you to run, walk, saunter or mosey through the beautiful Natick Community Organic Farm and surrounding conservation land. Our scenic course is a 3 x 1 mile loop that includes road, gravel, grass, and trail. If you have a farm or animal themed costume you would like to wear for the run, this would be very welcome!

This event is for runners and walkers of all ages. Kids have the option of completing the full three laps (approximately 5k) or just one lap. All participants will receive a commemorative chicken medal!

Proceeds will support NCOF's work including our scholarship fund, which provides financial assistance to students who would not otherwise be able to participate in the farm's extensive educational programs and to the farm's Teen Programs which offer paid work experience opportunities to local young people year-round.

RACE DAY DETAILS:

Check In / Registration

Online registration is open until 5PM the day before the race. Walk ups are welcome day-of, but please take a note of registration timings below.

Runners are expected to check in and pick up bibs by 8:15AM. To register on the day please arrive by 8AM. A list of registered runners with your bib numbers will be posted online and at registration table on Race Day.

Parking

Enter the shared driveway at 117 Eliot St and head toward Memorial Elementary School. Parking is available in the teardrop, by the tennis courts, and behind the school.

The Race

Runners will start at 8:30AM. We will start everyone at the same time. However, we will ask those wanting to run to start at the front and those wanting to walk or just do one loop of the course to start at the back of the group. This will allow faster runners to make it through the course without too much congestion in some of the tighter trail areas and allow walkers to enjoy the route. Runners can record their times by “gun time”. The Farm will not record individual times but will track the top 3 'three-loop' runners in the Adult (11yrs +) and Kid (10 and under) categories.

The Course

The NCOF Course is a three loop course which is approximately 5k. The loop begins at the NCOF driveway, runs past the farmhouse, some of our garden beds and into the Forest Gnome Trail. You will then bear right onto the Aqueduct Trail, and then exit at the Memorial School. The course runs behind the Memorial School, into the Athletic Fields, skirting the outside of the soccer field, before taking a hard right onto the sidewalk and heading back to the Farm driveway. After your third lap, you will head down the driveway, pass the barn, and finish by the rabbits and chickens.

The course is about 40% Trail, 40% Field and 20% Road / Gravel. If you are new to running trails, the course is not very technical, but you still need to be aware of your footing while running. Please be sure to follow the directions of volunteers and course markings (there will be signs and flags to follow) to ensure you run the full course.

*Kids in strollers can join the race.

*No dogs allowed.

Refund Policy

We will issue full refunds up to and including June 7. From June 8th no refunds will be made.

Post-Race & Awards

There will be refreshments post-race for runners and walkers. Awards will be presented to the top finishers. After the race, we welcome you to enjoy exploring the Farm with your friends and families.

If you have questions, or would like to volunteer email us.