3 walking events in Quincy, Massachusetts

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

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: [email protected] or 617-947-1031

• Rich (Ratt) Kennedy at: [email protected]