Great spring running events in Wellesley (and beyond)

On your mark, get set, register! Spring is road race season, and Wellesley and area towns welcome runners of all talent levels for a host of runs. There’s still plenty of opportunity to train, so hop off that couch and put in the miles.

NCLS Dragon’s Path & CAAN Newton AAPI 5K/1K Race

DATE: Sunday, May 11
LOCATION: 154 Wells Ave., Newton
DESCRIPTION: Join us for a vibrant celebration of Mother’s day, AAPI Heritage Month, healthy living, and the unbeatable spirit of community. Lace up your sneakers and hit the flat and fast, tree lined course on Wells Ave loop in Newton. You’ll enjoy fresh spring air, blossoming trees, and a lively community atmosphere. All ages and abilities are welcome. This event is co-hosted by Newton Chinese Language School and the Chinese American Association of Newton.
REGISTER HERE

Dash for Dane Family Day & 5K Trail Run—Dover

DATE: Saturday, May 17
LOCATION: Powisset Farm, 39 Powisset Street, Dover
DESCRIPTION: Not into trail running/walking? There will be activities for all: 1K kids run @ 11:30am, Magic Shows, crafts, tie dye, face painting, live DJ, local pizza and drinks! This event serves to honor Dane’s competitive spirit and passion for gathering his friends and family, and to raise awareness and bring an end to Crohn’s & Colitis and colorectal cancer.
REGISTER HERE

WonderRun—Wellesley

DATE: Sunday, May 18
START LOCATION: Wellesley High School track, 50 Rice St.
DESCRIPTION: The Wonder Run is a celebrated part of Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend. Proceeds directly support community groups, scholarships for deserving local students, and grants to organizations and programs that provide education, enrichment, and essential services to our local population. Sponsored by the Wellesley Hills Junior Womens Club.
REGISTER HERE

Schofield 5k—Wellesley

DATE: Sunday, June 1
LOCATION: Schofield Elementary School, 27 Cedar St., Wellesley
REGISTER HERE

DESCRIPTION: 9:30m 5K (USATF Certified Course); 10:30am Kids Fun Run & Award Ceremony; 10:45am-12:45am Fun Fair

Healthy Kids Running Series

Healthy Kids Running Series is a five (5) week running program in the spring and fall for kids pre-K through 8th grade. Each HKRS Series takes place once a week and offers age-appropriate running events including the 50 & 75 yard dashes, the 1/4 mile, the 1/2 mile and the 1 mile run. Kids will earn points for each race they complete based on their finish.

The below events have passed:

Please help The Swellesley Report run with a tax-deductible donation.

Walk to End Homelessness—Natick

DATE: Sunday, May 4
LOCATION: Natick High School, 15 West St.
DESCRIPTION: Join Family Promise Metrowest at Natick High School for a 2.3 mile walk on May 4 to help raise funds and awareness about the impact of lack of affordable housing on families in our community. All funds raised support programs that help families stabilize their housing and build brighter futures.
PERKS: Food, music, and fun are free!
REGISTER HERE

Jr’s Paws for a Cause Dog-Friendly 5k walk/run—Natick

DATE: Sunday, April 27
LOCATION: Natick High School Football Field parking lot (corner of Windsor Ave. and West St.)
DESCRIPTION: Proceeds go to various non-profits that benefit canines.
PERKS: Meet adoptable dogs!
REGISTER HERE

Dana Chang Foundation 5k Run/1k Walk—Natick

DATE: Sunday, April 27
LOCATION: Walnut Hill School for the Arts, 12 Highland St., Natick
DESCRIPTION: The Dana Chang Foundation 5K for Heart Anomalies is dedicated to raising awareness about congenital heart conditions. The Foundation was created in loving memory of Dana Chang, an exceptionally gifted young artist and musician who passed away suddenly in April 2024 from an undiagnosed heart condition.
REGISTER HERE

New Life 5k/10k—Medfield

DATE: Sunday, April 27
LOCATION: McCarthy Park & Fields, Medfield
DESCRIPTION: Lace up your running shoes for a course that winds through picturesque tree-lined streets, past rolling fields, and along serene nature trails, offering a mix of paved roads and well-maintained paths. Runners will experience gentle hills and open stretches that showcase the town’s natural beauty, making for a dynamic and enjoyable race experience. Participants of all abilities—from seasoned runners to casual walkers—can enjoy a fun day out. 9am Fun Run for ages 4-10.
REGISTER HERE

Boston Marathon—comes right through Wellesley

LOCATION: Starts in Hopkinton, ends on Boylston St., Boston
WATCH IN WELLESLEY: The runners will speed through Wellesley via Washington St. Great places to watch—we like the Wellesley College Scream Tunnel; Wellesley Square; in the Town Hall area; near the Hunnewell tennis courts; Sprague Clock Tower area; at the Rec Center.
DESCRIPTION: Although registration has closed for the storied 26.2-mile race, you can cheer on the runners and get inspired for next year.

DONATE to runners supporting the following Wellesley non-profits: Wellesley Theatre Project; Wellesley Education Foundation; Wellesley Conservation Land Trust; Friends of Wellesley METCO; War Memorial Scholarship Fund; Sustainable Wellesley; Community Investors; Wellesley Scholarship Foundation; Wellesley Community Children’s Center; Friends of the Wellesley Free Libraries; Human Relations Service;