There’s a better option out there: To mix up your workouts (and keep yourself from getting bored!), take your runs to the streets while the roads are still snow-free. Boston has some beautiful places to run through and around (the Fens, Fenway Park, the Charles River), and as the leaves start falling, the scenery will only get better.
While running outside is a great way to stay in shape, requiring little-to-no equipment (you can leave your yoga mats and dumbbells behind), it is also an activity that may lack motivation if you’re out alone on the open road with no real incentive to push you forward.
Sure, your iPod may be a great way to pump you up—but why not train for a race to work toward a goal?
That way, each time you run, you’ll be training for something important, pushing you to perform better—and get a better workout.
Massachusetts and the Greater Boston area have a ton of races you could potentially enter and train for within the next few months, varying in distance and skill.
Not only will you be helping your body, you could be helping and supporting a great cause just by registering!
Instead of waking up hungover or tired from your weekend night activities, stay in and wake up ready to race!
We’ve compiled a list of walks and races for runners of all skill levels—now get out there and compete!
For Beginners/the Casual Runner
What: Superhero 5K Run/Walk
Distance: 5K (Roughly three miles)
When: 10a.m., Sunday, 10/30/2011
Where: 82 Pacific Street, Cambridge
Cost: $25
About: Whether you want to walk or run, get in the Halloween spirit and dress up as your favorite Superhero (Batman? Spiderman? Superman). Luckily, most Superheros are spandex-friendly, so you’ll still be comfortable running. Not only will you get be a Superhero for the day, but you’ll be able to see some pretty fun and interesting costumes on the way—there’s no way you’ll get bored in this race!
What: Komen MA Walk/Run Race for the Cure
Distance: 5K (Roughly three miles)
When: 10a.m., Sunday, 10/30/2011
Where: Joe Moakley Park, South Boston
Cost: $25 for Students under 21; $35 for Adults
About: Do something healthy for yourself and help others by registering for this race! Not only do all the proceeds from the race go toward supporting local breast health programs covering education, prevention, screening, treatment and research, it is also a day to celebrate the Commonwealth’s breast cancer survivors and support those who are still fighting. You can also ask others to sponsor you and raise additional funds—a true way to give back to your community!
What: Charles River Center Road Race Walk/Run
Distance: 5K (Roughly three miles)
When: 11a.m., Sunday 11/6/2011
Where: 59 East Militia Heights Road, Needham
Cost: $25 in advance
About: The Charles River Center is a nonprofit social service agency that provides advocacy and services to children and adults with special needs. Proceeds from the race go toward helping the Charles River Center continue the programming and services they provide. Help those in need by registering and enjoy a scenic run around Needham. PLUS, the first 300 entries are guaranteed a free t-shirt.
What: Somerville Jingle Bell Run/Walk
Distance: 5K (Roughly three miles)
When: 11:00a.m., Sunday, 12/18/2011
Where: Davis Square, Somerville
Cost: $32
About: Get ready for the holidays (and balance out consumption of extra holiday treats) with the Somerville Jingle Bell Run. You’ll really get into the holiday spirit, as participants are invited to dress up in their favorite festive costumes (think Elf orThe Grinch) and are welcome to enjoy a post-race party with the participating sponsors, including Harpoon Brewery. You’ll also help benefit a number of Somerville nonprofits, such as Toys for Local Children.
For the more Experienced/Serious Runners
What: Chilly Half Marathon
Distance: 13.1 Miles
When: 7:30a.m., Sunday 11/13/2011
Where: Newton South High School, Newton, MA
Cost: $55 Plus Fundraising
About: This race is actually filled—unless you join a fundraising team. All proceeds go toward the American Liver Foundation, and joining a fundraising team will allow you to raise even more money for the cause on your own! Be warned: This course is no simple “jog” in the park—the course is designed to be challenging (hills are involved)—but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun! Look into joining a fundraising team.
What: Marathon Spots Gobble Gobble Gobble
Distance: 4 Miles
When: 9:00a.m., Thursday 11/24/2011
Where: 40 Holland Street, Davis Square, Somerville MA
Cost: $27
About: Staying in Boston for Thanksgiving? Then this is the perfect race to train for and compete in right before you indulge in the feast you will certainly have that night. At just four miles, this is the perfect race for the intermediate runner. Plus, you’ll be helping to benefit Project Soup, New England’s first free supper program fighting to combat hunger, offering meals to the homeless several times per week at different Somerville locations. Plus—there are post-activities!
What: Martha’s Vineyard 20-miler
Distance: 20 Miles
When: 11:00a.m., Saturday, 2/18/2012
Where: Vineyard Haven Steamship Authority Terminal, 1 Water Street, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
Cost: $40 before 12/31/2011
About: Whether your racing for time or recreation, the Martha’s Vineyard 20-miler is a challenging race along the New England coast for all levels, and definitely requires a good amount of training beforehand. Luckily, the course is mostly flat, and includes beautiful scenery the entire way. Held by the Martha’s Vineyard Boys and Girls Club, this race has been named a top 100 race of the year by New England Runner Magazine numerous times. Runners are encouraged to register soon, though, as the race has sold out every year.
What: Hyannis Half Marathon & Marathon
Distance: 13.1 Miles or 26.2 Miles
When: 10:00a.m., Sunday, February 26, 2012
Where: Resort & Conference Center at Hyannis, West End Circle, Hyannis
Cost: Half Marathon: $60 before 12/31/2012, Marathon: $50 before 12/31/2012
About: Put yourself to the ultimate challenge by running the Hyannis Half Marathon or Marathon this year. Taking place at the end of February, the experienced runner has plenty of time to start training for the half marathon today! Located on the Cape, you’ll be sure to have plenty of easy-on-the-eye scenic views along your way. Last year, the race was sold out by February, so be sure to sign up soon!