10 spring races for runners of every ability
When it comes to spring races in New England, the Boston Marathon takes the cake. Athletes from all over the globe fly in to run it, and spectators flood the streets from Hopkinton to Back Bay. But when the Boston area thaws out, races of all kinds pop up around the area, from 5Ks and trail runs to full-on marathons. Runners of all abilities, lace up:
Beginner
Boston Marine Corps Honor Run 5K on May 6
Race participants in this South Boston 5K include active duty officers, vets, elite athletes, and everyday runners and walkers. You can warm up with Marine Corp cadets before running along the waterfront. (DCR’s Carson Beach, 125 Day Blvd., South Boston)Esplanade Sunset 5K on May 18
If sunset jogs along the Charles are your thing, this race is for you. Starting at Fiedler Field and looping the Boston side of the river, the race is timed to hit sunset perfectly. Also: You can run the race with your dog. Entry will cost you $50; proceeds from the event go to the Esplanade Association to improve the park. (Fiedler Field, Charles River Esplanade, Boston)Newburyport River Run on May 7
If you need a city escape, head to the seaside town of Newburyport for a spring morning spent pounding the (flat) pavement along the Merrimack River. The entry fee for the scenic and energetic 5K is $35. If you’re up for it, there’s also a half with an entry fee of $75. No matter how far you run, you’re welcome at the after-party in Cashman Park. (Cashman Park, Pop Crowley Way, Newburyport)Color Run in Foxborough on June 11
If you think races are all about having fun, it’s time to check a color run off your bucket list. This one takes place at Gillette. Make a team of four or more, and registration is $44.99. It’s $49.99 for those who prefer to run solo. (Gillette Stadium at Patriot Place, Foxborough)
Intermediate
Blue Hills Trail Races on April 30
Want to try your hand at trail running? Blue Hills’s 10-mile fox trot and three-mile bunny hop will take you through (sometimes hilly) dirt, trail, and forest paths. A $12 donation is requested, and registration is limited: Only 250 runners can sign up. (Blue Hills Trailside Museum, 1904 Canton Ave., Milton)Cape Cod Canal Mother’s Day 10Kon May 14
Beat summer Cape traffic; head to Bourne this May for a 10K along the Cape Cod Canal. Registration is $44.99 through May 1. Run the race with mom for a thoughtful Mom’s Day gift—just don’t forget to cover her entry fee. (370 Scenic Highway, Bourne)
Advanced
Portsmouth Half Marathon on April 23
This will mark the inaugural race for this half-marathon. With views of the Great Bay Estuary, the Great Bay National Wildlife, and quaint New England homes throughout historic Newington, 13.1 will breeze by. The entry fee is $75. (309 Portsmouth Ave., Greenland, New Hampshire)Martha’s Vineyard Marathon and Half-Marathon on May 21
Runners who love the islands are in luck. Martha’s Vineyard is home to its very own marathon and half-marathon that take place the weekend before Memorial Day (read: before the crowds roll in). The route even passes by classic landmarks like the famous Jaws bridge. Entry is $119 for the full and $99 for the half until May 15, at which point it becomes $129 and $109, respectively. (100 Edgartown Vineyard Haven Road, Oak Bluffs)Run to Remember Boston on May 28
Run to Remember is a popular five-mile run and half-marathon Memorial Day weekend race honoring fallen first responders. The entry fee for five miles is $50 now, $60 or $65 later depending on your timing. The half is $105 at the moment, $120 later. Profits go to local youth and community programs. (Seaport World Trade Center, 200 Seaport Blvd., Boston)
Twin Lobster Half Marathon on June 4
It’s all about the ocean views at this pair of races that snake along the Cape Ann coastline. There’s a one-miler (entry fee $35), as well as a half-marathon (entry fee $75) to Eastern Point — or you could do both (entry fee $95). The day is complete with beer from Cape Ann Brewing, finisher photos, and medals. Plus, all entrants get a tech shirt in their swag bags. (32 Leslie O. Johnson Road, Gloucester)
