11 running 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!

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.

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.