5K Races?

[closetalker11.livejournal.com]

Hi there everyone --

I did some lite googling on this, but didn't turn up what I was trying to find.

I am wondering if any of you know where I can find a list of open 5K races in the general area. I am specifically looking for races that are very friendly to first-timers and people who are generally not very good ( ... like me!). Bonus points if it's a charitable endeavor. Is there a better community for this question? Is there a comprehensive listing anywhere? Maybe you happen to know of one coming up?

Thanks in advance!!

Comments

[watchamacallit.livejournal.com]

On the Hill Tavern on Broadway in magoun Square has a 5K this weekend! I'm not sure about the charity info but I do know they close the Tavern for runners only after the race. (I only know this because I tried to go there for a Sox game last year and they wouldn't let me in!)

[mderidder.livejournal.com]

FYI, this race is actually 4 miles.

There is also the Somerville Road Runners...they have a few organized races during the year, but they also run every Thursday evening from Khoury's State Spa in East Somerville, up Winter Hill and back on a 4 mile loop.

[closetalker11.livejournal.com]

Ooh, thanks for the info. I'll look up their website. I appreciate it!

[closetalker11.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the info!!

[seaweedgirle.livejournal.com]

coolrunning.com and active.com are the sources I usually use.

[aroraborealis.livejournal.com]

Ditto that!

[closetalker11.livejournal.com]

I will check those out -- thank you!

[secretlyironic.livejournal.com]

Marathon Sports has a bulletin board full of such things and the staff is also very knowledgeable about that kind of thing.

http://baevents.net/ runs a bunch of 5k + longer runs which are fun, and usually end with free beer. Their website is not very well-organized but the runs are popular with all levels of participants.

[closetalker11.livejournal.com]

Free beer???? That's my kinda race (and maybe why i can barely get through the 5K, lol). Thanks!

[ukelele.livejournal.com]

Hey, I had the same question! :)

The Watertown PD do 5K fun runs every Thursday at 7.

[closetalker11.livejournal.com]

You know, I didn't even think to LJ-Seek it ... that's what I get.

That's cool about Watertown PD. I'll look it up on the web!

[lissie930.livejournal.com]

Ditto on the other resources, and I ran the New Charles River run as my first (and so far only) 5K and it was very friendly to those of us who perhaps run a TAD more slowly than the rest! :)

[closetalker11.livejournal.com]

If by "tad" you mean "way a lot," then that's the place for me :). Thanks!

[surrealestate.livejournal.com]

FWIW, I've never seen a 5K that wasn't friendly to the slow. The finish lines are up long enough for even those who are just walking a little fast to make it in.

[closetalker11.livejournal.com]

Good to know -- I am def. new at this. Thanks!

[nowalmart.livejournal.com]

As someone who has been in numerous running communities (including working at a running store for about five years) and has even worked numerous road races, I can assure you that pretty much any 5K race you can find will be VERY welcoming to a first time "racer" (which, do not kid yourself, is what you are - a racer - even if you think it likely some walkers will be crossing the finish line before you).

When I talk to people who are just getting started in running, I always make sure to tell them to enter a few 5K's as soon as they can. While it might seem intimidating, every first-time racer walks away with a huge smile on their face. Being surrounded by dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of other people in the running community, realizing that people are going to be out there cheering you on and volunteering even on frigidly cold mornings to hand *you* water...

They do not care how long it takes you to finish, just as long as you put forth the effort and finally finish the race. And cheering you on to beat your personal best.

[closetalker11.livejournal.com]

Thanks!! That was really nice. I appreciate it :).

[nomacmac.livejournal.com]

The Shape Up Somerville 5K is Sept 30th. According to the website "The 5k Run/Walk is a perfect race for first-time runners and walkers." It starts at Trum field (intersection of Broadway & Cedar) www.shapeupsomerville5k.org

[closetalker11.livejournal.com]

Perfect. Thanks so much.

[obie119.livejournal.com]

Come to Khoury's, the weekly 4.13 mile race in East Somerville. Friendliest group of people around, and there is a good crowd enjoying pizza and beer after the run. Very mellow - people are of all speeds are there! Tonight we had a party for our oldest runner, Louise Rossetti. We were celebrating her 86th birthday! See www.srr.org - they also have Tuesday night track runs for every level of runner.

Welcome to running - runners are easily the friendliest of athletes!

[closetalker11.livejournal.com]

Thank you!!