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In 2026, we look forward to returning to DCR Fort Independence at Castle Island to celebrate Veterans Day weekend together on November 7 for the 11th Annual DAV 5K Boston! Race with us on one of the "fastest and flattest" race courses and stay for our famous "post-race feast" in South Boston. #VetsRunBoston

We are thrilled to be back at DCR Fort Independence at Castle Island and cannot wait to see you and all of our DAV 5K Boston friends and family on Veterans Day weekend. The DAV 5K Boston race committee is working with our municipal partners at the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, DCR, State Police and the City of Boston to ensure a safe and responsible family-friendly event experience.

The DAV 5K Boston is a run, walk or roll that thanks those who served and raises awareness of the issues our ill and injured veterans face every day. This event helps further the mission of the DAV Department of Massachusetts to ensure our injured heroes are not alone on their road to recovery.

About This Event

Please join us for the Annual Colin Joy Project 5K September, 27th 2025. We are so excited to be continuing Colin's Joy Project's mission and are here to welcome you all back for running. The day will begin with 2 youth races to start us off followed by a 5 km course along scenic South Boston beaches.

After the race there will be light refreshments, and entertainment to go along with the awards. As well as some great raffle items and a pop up shop for Colin's Joy Project merch!

Colin's Joy Project race shirt to be given to the first 250 registered 5K runners/walkers.

Saturday, September 27th, 2025 (*permit pending)

9:00a.m. – 5 km Race

Youth Races:

8:15 am. – 100 Meter Dash (9 years and under)

8:30 a.m. – ½ Mile Race (14 years and under)

• 5k open to all ages for the walk or run*

5K Registration $30

Youth registration $15

Start and Finish:

Course

Fast and flat 5 km along scenic Castle Island and beaches of Day Boulevard

Number Pick-Up

There will be early bib pickup and merch pop-up on Friday September 26th from 5:30-7.

Registration will be open at 7:30 am on race day for pick-up and same day sign ups

Parking

Parking is available along the adjacent streets and beach area. Resident parking is NOT in effect on Saturdays.

T-shirts

To the first 250 registered runners or walkers (but will be available for purchase day of)

Refunds

We appreciate and understand that unexpected circumstances present themselves constantly. However, if you have registered for the race and are unable to attend, we kindly request that your race fee be considered a donation to Colin's Joy Project. If this is not acceptable, please email [email protected] to arrange for a refund.

About Colin's Joy Project:

Colin McGrath was killed in 2018 after being struck by a car on his way home from a wonderful day in the park. His life was full of love, laughter, curiosity. Colin lived every minute of his life to the fullest. His laughing eyes, beautiful curls, hilarious voice, and sense of adventure will never be forgotten. His smile made everyone's heart happy.

Since Colin's death, the McGrath family started a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization called Colin's Joy Project. The mission of Colin's Joy Project is to enhance play spaces and sponsor children and family programming in the South Boston and surrounding communities.

Colin's Joy Project has several active play space projects in development in South Boston inspired by Colin's Creativity Squad, an initiative that engages children in the community to design their own exciting, creative play spaces. Colin's Joy Project has also formed multiple community partnerships to which they have donated over $1.5M in the last 7 years! Through these partnerships, Colin's Joy Project fulfills their mission to bring joy to families the way Colin brought joy to all who knew him.

A donation to Team Colin will support these long-lasting partnerships and future projects. Learn more about our work on our website www.colinsjoyproject.org, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@colinsjoyproject) for updates!

Join us for the 12th Annual Sole Train 5K

Join Us Rain or Shine!

• 9:00 am – Check-in opens

o Pick up your bib & enjoy light breakfast before the run/walk begins

• 9:45 am – Gather for program & warm up

• 10:00 am – Race begins

• 11:30 am – Post Run Celebration

o Stick around for lunch, music, lawn games, and family-friendly fun!

• 12:30 pm – Have a wonderful rest of your day!