Massachusetts is famous for its fabulous history and culture. Of course, if we talk about Boston, we can proclaim Massachusetts the educational state of the USA. Still, the Old Colony State has something to surprise you – here, you can find a lot of races to run.
If you are in MA and google “road races near me”, this article is what you were looking for. We’ll tell you about the most interesting and original Massachusetts races. Obviously, our list will include the Boston Marathon, which is a dream event for every runner.
So grab a cup of tea and get ready to read new and helpful information for your running experience.
5k Races in MA
1. B.A.A. 5k
Running events held by Boston Athletic Association are always very popular among runners from all over the world. And when it comes to a Massachusetts 5k, the B.A.A. 5k is tops among them.
This annual run takes place the day before the Boston Marathon and attracts 5,000 to 10,000 participants. The runners start and finish on Charles Street, next to Boston Common and the Boston Public Garden.
The secret to the event’s popularity is that it attracts skilled runners preparing for the Boston Marathon and new runners just starting their careers. The price for running the 5k is $55.
2. Feast of a Blessed Sacrament
If you want to spend the first Saturday of August at an interesting running event, pay attention to this one. It takes part in New Bedford, MA.
You will run through the historic north end of town and finish through the famous arches at Madeira Field.
The organizers take care of all participants and provide entertainment, food, and refreshments. The first 250 participants will get a free T-shirt, and the top three finalists will win prizes from $75 to $250. The price you pay for running is $20.
Take your family and friends and enjoy the tremendous Portuguese Hospitality!
3. Jamaica Pond Parkrun
It’s time to talk about races in Boston. We will start with a free and fun one held at Pinebank Promontory, Jamaica Pond.
Here you can run a 5k and have a lot of fun. Participation is free, but you need to pass the registration and take your barcode on race day. If you forget it, you won’t be allowed to run.
If you want to ask some additional questions to the organizers or meet like-minded people, come to the City Feed and Supply Jamaica Plain for a post-park run coffee.
Thematic Races
4. The Great Pumpkin Dash
How about a cool race a week before Halloween? This 5k race takes place in Revere, MA, and gathers 1,000 to 5,000 runners every year.
You will have the opportunity to flaunt your super scary or original costume and have a fast and plain run. The cost of the 5k run is $30, and the Child Mile is $10. Every participant gets a T-shirt, medal, and beer (for those of legal age) after the finish for free.
And after the run, there will be a party with lots of entertainment, including live music, beer, pumpkin decorating, and a costume contest.
5. DC Super Hero Run
If you are a fan of DC comics, then this thematic race is for you. The DC Super Hero Run takes place in New England in August. You choose your favorite hero (Wonder Woman, Superman, or Batman), pay $59, and run a flat and comfortable course.
Invite your family or friends to join the event – you will have a lot of fun and flex your running skills.
6. Cupid’s Undie Run
This is an awesome thematic running event with a terrific cause – to help people who suffer from NF – a genetic disease that causes tumors to grow. 1,000 to 5,000 people take part in this race every year.
Above all, this Boston run is funny and exciting – exactly what you’d expect for an event held within a huge party with dances.
Cupid’s Undie Run takes place on St. Valentine’s weekend and includes a mile run. The price for participation is $20 but is also open to donations, as the goal this year is to fundraise $50,000.
So, if you enjoy loud music, bright costumes, and want to help achieve a good goal – pass registration and enjoy an amazing St. Valentine’s weekend.
7. Road of Rainbows
This is the first race of its kind among road races in MA and takes place in June in Boston. The main message is that gender has no boundaries. So, this event is open to all.
The race is an inclusive 5k which costs $35. The organizing committee also aims to make the Road of Rainbows economically inclusive, so people who cannot afford the ticket may request and receive a free ticket.
Run with love and joy – this is an incredible running holiday for all LGBTQ+ folks and supporters!
10k Races in MA
8. Narragansett Summer Running Festival
This is another summer party for running lovers. It annually takes place in Easton, MA, in the summer.
Here runners can run a 10k for $42-$54 or a half-marathon for $69 – $85 (the price depends on when the ticket is bought).
It is a charity run with a lot of beer, tasty foods, and good music.
So, if you want to plan a fun weekend with a flat course in July for you and your family – don’t waste time and register for the Narragansett Summer Running Festival!
9. Boston Firefighters 10k Memorial Road Race
The Boston Firefighters 10k Memorial Road Race takes place annually in October, and up to 5 thousand runners participate. This memorial race was founded to honor the heroic members of the Boston Fire Department and Local 718 who gave their lives carrying out their responsibilities for the Boston citizens.
Every year the event raises money for the Boston Fire Department Relief Fund. Because heart disease and cancer have accounted for most on-duty firefighter deaths in the last decade, the Fund sees its mission as eliminating cancer in the Boston Fire Department.
The price for running is $30. If you are a firefighter, the cost is $25. Your registration will include a commemorative Race Medal, a long-sleeve hoodie t-shirt, and a post-race beer if you are 21 or older.
If you like running and helping a noble cause, take part and develop your running skills at the same time.
10. Chatham in the Fall
This charity race takes place at Monomoy Regional Middle School in Chatham in November. It is sponsored by a local business and administered by the Cape Cod Athletic Club.
Here you run a 10k for $25 to $45 (depending on your age and if you want to get a T-shirt). There will be a post-race party after the awards. If you wish to participate in “Stuff-A-Bus Toys for Tots,” take an unwrapped item suitable for children ages 0 – 18.
Participating in this charity race will develop your running skills while achieving a good purpose and helping children.
11. James Joyce Ramble 10K
The James Joyce Ramble 10k first became popular in 1984. The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, Christian Science Monitor, The Wall Street Journal, Runners World, and many other publications have written about this race.
The event takes place in Dedham in April, and many runners join every year. Last year the number of participants reached 5,000.
This is the American USATF National Masters 10 Km Championship, which proclaims that running is an expression of freedom and poetry, both of which embrace the deepest values of life.
The price for citizens is about $50 (depending on the date of registration). If you want to take part in National Masters 10 Km Championship, you must have a current USATF Membership and should write an e-mail.
Running this race, you become a part of something sublime. If you have the same thoughts about it and want a plain and comfortable run, this event is for you.
Massachusetts Half marathons and Marathons
12. Funky Monkey
It’s time to move on to something serious for the professional runners. Let’s start with the Funky Monkey – a half-marathon/10k/5k held in Seekonk in August. The race’s mission is to involve more people in sporting events to increase their self-esteem and confidence.
The half marathon is a certified race. The course is mostly flat with a few small rolling hills.
The prices of participation will be available when registration opens – it changes each year. If you have any questions – contact the organizing committee.
13. Baystate Marathon
Massachusetts marathons are the most famous in the USA. And this running event can boast that it is one of the flattest and fastest marathons in the country.
The Baystate Marathon is held in October in Lowell, MA. Besides the marathon, there is also a half-marathon and a Wheelchair&Wheelchair Assist Marathon.
The price is from $90 to $105, depending on your chosen course.
This is a professional running event for runners by runners, which is a point of pride for the organizers. If your skills are on a high level, then this race is definitely for you.
14. Boston Half Marathon
Of course, we saved the best for last — the most popular running event for professional runners and well-skilled amateurs. The Boston Half Marathon takes place in November to avoid confusing it with Boston Marathon. Every year it gathers around 5 thousand runners.
Most of the proceeds are donated to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. The cooperation between the Institute and B.A.A. helped raise more than $8 million to support pioneering cancer studies, changing cancer patients’ lives worldwide.
The price of participation is $85. Also, you can donate more money to the marathon’s mission.
15. Boston Marathon
The Boston Marathon has been held in September every year since 1897. It is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious marathon races and is a member of the AIMS and the World Marathon Majors league. The event is like the Grammies or an Oscars in the running world.
This race is a dream of every professional runner. To take part, you have to be certified. You can pass the certification by achieving the qualifying time in a certified marathon.
To learn more and register, go to the official website.
Wrap Up
Massachusetts running calendar is full of different races for every taste. There are many different half marathons in Massachusetts, as well as themed running events, 5ks, and 10k races.
The Boston Marathon is the biggest and the oldest one of the marathons in the Boston area and all over the world.
To choose the most suitable running event for your running skills, examine our rankings and register the most favorite ones.
