13 events in Worcester County, Massachusetts

Brrrrrrr.....it’s cold out there, but enough of this cabin fever! Our 5k road race is a great excuse for you to bundle up and go for a run. Bring the family and enjoy our Winter Fest after the race. The faster you run, the warmer you’ll be!

This well marshaled race is on plowed roads and is chip timed. Racers have free admission to Winter Fest and will be provided with coupons toward the event! Donations to the Harvard Lions Club are always welcomed. More info here: winterfest.harvardlions.com

The second annual Patrick Cumming Memorial St. Patrick's Day 5K will be held on Sunday, March 15th at 10am at Krashes Field in Princeton, MA in partnership with the Princeton Firefighter's Association.

This race is being held to support the Patrick Cumming Memorial EMS Scholarship Fund and to remember an amazing son, brother, firefighter, soldier and friend. The race will be held rain or shine-and we know that March weather in New England can be tricky! Please join us to honor Patrick's legacy and support our local community.

Professional race timing, race shirts to the first 250 registrants, food and beverage trucks and music will all be provided. Medals awarded to top three male and female and top male and female youth (under 18) finishers. USATF sanctioned course.

We look forward to seeing you there and are grateful for your support!

Come join the New England OCR Expo for the Largest Celebration of Obstacle Course Racing on March 28th at Ultimate Obstacles! In 2026, we'll be celebrating and honoring America & Our Nation's Heroes.

Eat, drink, and mingle with fellow racers, with representatives from your favorite race series and many race/health/fitness-related vendors & sponsors from across New England and beyond! Go home with one of many giveaways, discounts, and raffle prizes from the sponsors & vendors! Every guest (14 +) receives a coupon code for 1 FREE Spartan Race at ANY 2026 US or Canada location - Sprint, Super or Beast!

The New England OCR Expo is passionate about giving back to our heroes! In 2026, our charity partner is Oscar Mike. $5 from every New England OCR Expo ticket will be donated to Oscar Mike's incredible mission. Oscar Mike's mission is to build a vibrant, connected community that keeps America and her Veterans "On-the-Move" by actively supporting and improving mobility, accessibility, mental health, and well-being. Imagine a world without barriers, new adaptive facilities, and expanding adaptive programs. Getting "On-the-Move" has touched countless Veterans' lives.

Also, support New England OCR Expo's valued partner- Operation Enduring Warrior by registering for the OEW Virtual 5K.

Operation Enduring Warrior's Mission: HONOR. EMPOWER. MOTIVATE OUR NATION'S WOUNDED MILITARY & LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS. NON-PROFIT 501(c)(3).

How the Virtual 5K works?

1.Complete the OEW Virtual 5K at your convenience.

2. Post the results

3. Tag #OperationEnduringWarrior, #OEWSupporter and #neocrexpo.

4. Pick up your medal at the New England OCR Expo on March 28, 2026. If you need the medal shipped, there is another registration option that includes the $10 shipping charge.

Gaylord Specialty Healthcare has been named the beneficiary of the New England OCR Expo Teddy Bear Crawl. Gaylord Specialty Healthcare is located in Wallingford, Connecticut, on a beautiful 400-acre campus. As a leading health system exclusively dedicated to medical rehabilitation, they offer a comprehensive continuum of care. Whether you're seeking inpatient or outpatient services, we stand by you at every step of your journey, from illness or injury to attaining the highest level of recovery imaginable.

Again this year, besides the Olympic-style 100M course and DEKA STRONG hosted by Ultimate Obstacles, the New England OCR Expo is excited to offer a FREE kids course presented by Obstacle Wonderland at Wallkill, NY. While the next generation of racers grow their love for the sport, donations will be accepted for WONDERKIDS. And to make the day even more special, medals and incredible kid swag will be awarded while the giveaways last. Bring the whole family to the New England OCR Expo. FAMILY FUN FOR EVERYONE!

Trophies will be awarded to top female and male athletes, and the NEOCR Expo will crown the Ultimate Champion, measured by results from 100M and DEKA events combined. Watch for the 100M exclusive medal!

Register today! Come create priceless memories with the New England OCR Expo family!

DEKA STRONG REGISTRATION LINK

If you are registering for the DEKA STRONG you do not need to register for the EXPO- The EXPO and the FREE Spartan Race is included in your registration on the DEKA STRONG site. If you are planning to register for DEKA STRONG click the link above.

We are very excited to host our fourth annual "Bulfinch Bee Run" on May 2, 2026! The name is inspired by the huge colony of bees that was discovered and rescued from our bell tower in 2011 during renovation. This will be a 5k community fun run/walk/roll (costumes highly encouraged!) in the neighborhood of Lancaster's historic Bulfinch Meetinghouse. It will conclude on the lawn with food, beer, prizes, live music and more! The proceeds this year will offset our costs for our Community programming and building maintenance.

Age 0-5 Free

Age 6-18 $20

Don't Wait! First 100 registrants will receive this years T Shirt!

Join us on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 11:00 AM as we kick off Mental Health Awareness Month with the inaugural Longest Mile for Bravest Minds. This professionally timed, one-mile uphill fundraiser takes place on scenic Oak Hill Road in Harvard, Massachusetts, climbing 180 feet along a course that may be short in distance but carries powerful meaning. Runners, walkers, families, and first responders will come together for a shared purpose: supporting mental health.

Hosted by the Harvard Fire-EMS Association, this event will benefit On-Site Academy, a nonprofit in Westminster, Massachusetts, dedicated to serving first responders and military veterans. A portion of the race proceeds will be donated to support their mission. The goal of this event is simple but important: to bring first responder mental health to the forefront and encourage open, honest conversations throughout the entire community.

First responders and veterans face situations that test even the strongest individuals. Behind every uniform, whether firefighter, EMT, police officer, dispatcher, corrections officer, military member, or hospital staff, is a human being. Some calls leave lasting emotional impacts and recognizing that it is okay to ask for help is a critical step toward healing. Through this event, we stand together to support one another and reinforce that no one must carry those burdens alone.

The experience continues beyond the finish line at Carlson Orchards, where participants and spectators are invited to stay and enjoy a community celebration. There will be live music, a food truck, and hard cider on tap. Families can also enjoy the Touch-A-Truck, where kids and adults alike can explore emergency vehicles, climb inside, and meet the first responders who operate them.

First responders are encouraged to participate in whatever way feels meaningful to them. Some may choose to run or walk in turnout gear, a uniform, or a weighted vest. Others may simply show up and stand alongside their peers. Every step taken is a visible reminder of solidarity and support for mental health.

Whether you run, walk, jog, or cheer from the sidelines, this event is open to everyone. You can make it competitive, casual, or simply a chance to be part of something bigger than yourself. One mile. One hill. One community, united for mental health.

Sign up, lace up, and join us!

NOTE: IF YOU ARE CREATING A TEAM AND SIGNING UP 5+ RUNNERS, PLEASE USE THE CONTACT LINK BELOW TO REQUEST A DISCOUNT CODE.

Join us on Sunday, May 3rd at 11:00 AM for the Longest Mile for Bravest Minds, a one mile fun run and walk with a powerful purpose. This scenic course climbs Oak Hill Road in beautiful Harvard, Massachusetts and offers a challenge that is short in distance but big in meaning.

This event is a fundraiser benefiting the Harvard Fire-EMS Association, with a strong focus on mental health awareness for first responders and the community as a whole. A portion of the proceeds will also be donated to OnSite Academy, supporting their mission to promote emotional wellness, resilience, and connection.

The fun does not stop at the finish line. After the race, participants and spectators are invited to an after event gathering at Carlson's Orchard, where ciders will be on tap and a food truck will be on site to serve hungry runners and walkers. It is the perfect chance to relax, connect, and enjoy one of Harvard’s favorite local spots.

At the finish line, families can enjoy a touch a truck experience, giving kids and adults a hands on look at fire and emergency vehicles and a chance to meet the people behind them.

Firefighters, police officers, EMTs, military members, and all fellow first responders are encouraged to participate in their gear if they choose. Whether you wear turnout gear, a weighted vest, or a uniform shirt, it is a powerful way to show solidarity, raise awareness, and stand together in support of mental health.

Whether you run, jog, walk, or cheer from the sidelines, this event is for everyone. Make it competitive, make it casual, or make it a team effort. One mile. One hill. One community coming together for mental health.

Sign up, lace up, and join us for a great cause and a great time.

Race Fees: Register Early for Best Price!

$25 for the 3-Mile or 10K race until March 17th

$35 for the 3-Mile or 10K race until April 20th

$40 for the 3-Mile or 10K race until May 22nd

$50 for the 3-Mile or 10K race on race day

Members of the Central Mass Striders in good standing that are 70 years of age or older on race day are FREE. Please select the correct option when registering. If your CMS membership and age cannot be verified by the close of online registration, your registration may be removed. Please contact Kim at [email protected] with questions.

We have an official race policy of NO REFUNDS.

If there is a natural disaster or other type of similar emergency that causes a cancellation, every effort will be made to schedule a postponed race later in the year. However, refunds will not be available. If you need to defer due to medical issue or pregnancy, please contact the Race Director.

3 Mile and 10K Race Information

The Wachusett Mountain Race is a proud part of the USATF-NE Mountain Circuit 2026.

For circuit scoring, you will run the 3 mile course uphill to the top of Mount Wachusett.

Optionally, you can continue on with us to the Finish Line located at the bottom of the mountain to complete a full 10K. All 10K runners will receive their race split at the top of the mountain (which is the number used for mountain circuit scoring) as well as their 10K time. Either option is the same price.

Cash prizes for the male, female, and non-binary winners of the 3 Mile Race and the 10K Race.

Merchandise prizes for the age group winners (0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+) of the 10K race. There are no age group prizes for the 3 Mile Race.

Mugs for the first 400 runners!

Packet Pick-Up

Bib and mug pick-up will be on race day beginning at 8:00 am in the parking lot for the Ski Lodge.

The town of Boylston celebrates Memorial Day in style every year with events for the whole family. The common in Boylston is a beautiful location to enjoy the race and then spend time with your friends and family. There is no better location for Katie’s 5k!

SHIRTS WILL ONLY BE GUARANTEED TO THOSE WHO REGISTER BY MAY 8TH.

TEAM Information

What's better then running alone? Running with friends! Be sure to create or join a team when you register this year. We will be awarding prizes to the Top 2 fastest teams (first 5 on a team to finish count toward the official the team time) as well as the team with the most number of participants!

WHY DO WE RUN?

Katie Chalifoux was born in October of 1984 to Janice and Robert Chalifoux. The youngest of five children, Katie spent her childhood in Boylston, surrounded by a closely-knit group of friends. At Tahanto Regional High School, Katie was not only a scholar, but she was also active in sports (soccer, basketball, and softball), music (clarinet and piano), and numerous extra-curricular activities (class officer, Model United Nations, and Student Council).

Katie’s full life came to an unexpected and tragic end in January of 2008, after she succumbed to complications following an accident in New York City. At the time of her death, Katie was working as a teacher at Wild Blue, an enrichment program for children on the upper east side of Manhattan. She loved life and was living out her dream of living in New York City. She was the epitome of “living life to the fullest”.

In 2008, the Boylston Memorial Day 5K race was renamed and reworked in Katie’s memory. Scholarships in Katie's name were setup for deserving female students from Tahanto Regional High School who were going on to a two or four year college degree program. The race also honors our veterans with donations to Veterans Inc. in Worcester.

In 2018, the Boylston Lions Club took stewardship of Katie's 5K and will work to continue the high quality race it has been in the past. The race now supports the Katie Chalifoux Scholarships, The Boylston Lions Club Scholarships, and donations to Veterans, Inc.

The 2026 Unified 5k and AdaptXpo is an inclusive road race and adaptive sports expo designed so that everyone can participate, whether they run, walk, row, or roll. The event raises critical funds for AdaptX education, research, community events, fitness programming, and grant initiatives. The Unified 5k is a space where athletes with and without disabilities show up together, challenge perceptions, and prove that fitness and sport are more meaningful when everyone has a place at the starting line.

Join us on May 30th at RFK Community Alliance for our 8th annual event where you can walk, run, roll, or row either the 5k (3.1 mile) or 1 mile course. Arrive early or hang around after the event to check out our vendors and clinics at the AdaptXpo, a celebration of organizations that focus on health, inclusion, accessibility, assistive technology, and adaptive sports.

Help us make fitness and physical activity accessible for every body.

2026 Bare Hill Races

NEW THIS YEAR: The TRI is a USAT SCORING EVENT for the MA STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS!

2026 USA Triathlon State Championship Pilot Program Overview and Eligibility Requirements

This is a 2026 USA Triathlon State Championships Ranking Point Event (triathlon races of any distance are eligible) which is a part of the USA Triathlon State Championship Pilot Program debuting in Florida and Massachusetts. Every USA Triathlon-sanctioned triathlon race within the state is a part of this program.The program leverages USAT’s existing rankings system for seamless point tabulation and encourages athletes to race local. This creates process simplicity, efficiency, and allows for a clear, data-driven recognition of the state’s most competitive multisport athletes. In order to be eligible to be crowned a State Champion, the requirements are listed below:

• Athletes must complete at least three USAT-sanctioned races (any distance triathlon) in Massachusetts

• In order to be crowned a State Champion, the athlete’s membership address must be in Massachusetts

• For example, someone that meets the three-race threshold in Massachusetts but does not have a Massachusetts USAT Membership address will not be eligible to win a Massachusetts State Championship.

At the end of the season, an athlete’s total USAT rankings points (from all triathlon races, regardless of location) will determine the State Champion in each age group—provided the athlete has met the in-state triathlon race minimum. Champions will then be crowned and communication will be distributed from USA Triathlon recognized those athletes.

LOCATION: 4 Pond Road, Harvard, MA, 01451

We are excited to announce that the Bare Hill Races will take place on Sunday, June 7th, 2026 in our charming town of Harvard, MA. This grassroots race is perfectly suited for the new to multi-sport athletes all the way up to the seasoned athletes vying to qualify for National Championship slots.

• We HIGHLY recommend that you use the online registration and credit card payment option (even if you plan to sign up in-person).

• This will make things faster and smoother on race day morning.

• You can register in-person (4 Pond Road, Harvard, MA) on Saturday, June 6th between 4PM-6PM or Sunday, June 7th between 6:30AM-7:30AM.

Our race will start and finish by the Town Library on 4 Pond Road, Harvard, MA.

We hope this early season event will keep you focused during the winter and spring and set you up towards achieving your goals this summer!

You can also learn more about the Harvard Lions Club and our mission here

Kind regards,

The Bare Hill Organizing Team

NOTE TO RELAY TEAMS: ONLY ONE TEAM MEMBER NEEDS TO REGISTER, PAY, AND CREATE A TEAM FOR THE RELAY.

OTHER RELAY TEAM MEMBERS WILL THEN NEED TO ADD THEMSELVES TO THE TEAM BY SELECTING THE RELAY SIGN UP OPTION, BUT THEN CHOOSE TO "JOIN AN EXISTING RELAY TEAM" AND COMPLETE THEIR REGISTRATION!

ADDITIONAL RELAY TEAM MEMBERS WILL ONLY PAY FOR A USAT LICENSE AND T-SHIRT (IF PURCHASED).

10th Annual 5K Run/Walk to benefit the Foundation's violence prevention, safety awareness & gender equality programs. Join us as we celebrate a decade of impact!

Kids' Run (100-Yard Dash, ages 3-10): 9:00 AM

5K Run/Walk: 9:30 AM

5K Run/Walk (Virtual): 9:30 AM

The 5K Run/Walk is a fun event for the whole family! The course is mostly flat with one small hill. See the course map for details.

Runners and walkers from out of town can still participate and show their support. Virtual runners can tune in to the beginning of the race via Instagram Live. Then, run on your own and post your photos!

Purpose of the Race

Funds raised from the 5K allow the Vanessa T. Marcotte Foundation to provide valuable safety programs to the community. The Foundation envisions a world where women live free from harassment. They advocate for safety awareness, violence prevention, and gender equality. They further their mission by providing self-protection training, and they partner with organizations to provide programming and mentorship opportunities to address the root causes of violence against women. Vanessa Marcotte inspires their work, and her kind, philanthropic and compassionate spirit continues to influence people of all ages.

Post-Race Party

Enjoy the fun, post-race atmosphere with DJ, food, ice cream truck, beer, and more! You can also enter to win several raffle items. Activities for kids, too!

Sponsorship Opportunities

Please show your support! Visit 5Ksponsor.org to sign up.

Race Awards

Top male & female finishers overall, and top finishers (male & female) in the following categories:

Under 18; 18-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70+

Online Auction

The auction items will be displayed online soon. Additionally, be sure to check out our raffle tables at the event with over 30 items.

FAQs/RACE DAY INFO:

WHEN & WHERE CAN I PICK UP MY RACE BIB AND SHIRT? Bib and shirt pickup, as well as walk-up registration, opens at 8 AM on Saturday, June 20th at Wachusett Mountain. For GPS purposes, use 499 Mountain Rd., Princeton, MA. Once you park, head towards the lodge and check-in under the large white tent. Check-in lines will be by Bib Number. Please know your bib number in advance. Link will be provided.

HOW CAN I GET MY RACE RESULTS? When you register, you are asked to provide a cell phone number if you want to receive a text with your finish time after the race. OR...you can simply search your name and finish time after the race. Link will be provided.

WHAT IS VIRTUAL RACE EXPERIENCE LIKE? Signing up for a virtual registration is a way to show your support of the cause if you can't make it to Princeton, MA. Join us on Instagram LIVE for opening remarks and official start, and then run on your own. You can also join our club on Strava to run “together” from wherever you are, see other participants’ activities, and be part of the race-day community.

CAN I BID ON THE SILENT AUCTION EVEN IF I CAN'T GO TO THE EVENT? Yes, anyone in the U.S. can bid on an item! The auction will close on Saturday, June 20th at 11:30 AM.

CAN I BRING MY DOG? We love dogs, but unfortunately the venue does not allow dogs at this event per the board of health unless they are a service dog.

CAN I BRING A STROLLER? Yes! Walkers/runners are welcome to do the 5K with a stroller.