Upcoming road races near Boston
[John Tlumacki / Globe Staff]
April means one thing to locals: it's marathon time. Watching all those runners whiz by can be uplifting and inspirational -- it may even make you want to go for a run. In honor of the Boston Marathon (above) on April 16, we look at some upcoming local races that will have you hitting the pavement.
April 15
Heartbreak Hill Road Race
A day before the marathon, runners of all ages can do a 1-mile fun run up and down the infamous heartbreak hill in Newton. Register here
April 29
James Joyce Ramble 10K
Irish novelist James Joyce was well-known for his verbose prose -- reading "Finnegan's Wake" is something of a literary marathon. This 10K race will take runners past historic buildings and costumed actors reading aloud from Joyce's works. Register here
May 12
Beach to Beach 5K
Starting at Devereux Beach in Marblehead, set out on a 5K loop away from the beach before turning around and heading back there again for the Junior Aid Society's annual Beach to Beach 5K walk and run. Register here
June 9
Gaspee Days 5K
Run through the streets of Cranston just prior to the annual Gaspee Days parade. Gaspee Days is a series of events held yearly to commemorate the Gaspee Affair, when a British ship -- the HMS Gaspee -- was run aground in Rhode Island and destroyed by the locals. Register here
July 28
The Color Run
Runners start out in plain white T-shirts and over the course of the 5 kilometer run are doused with various colored dyes during this wild, colorful race. Register here
Aug. 19
Run Gloucester! 7-miler
Long stretches of scenic ocean views are a welcome sight during this 7-mile race, now in its third year. More info
EVEN MORE RACES:
- May 20: Run-Walk to Home Base
- May 27: Run to Remember
- June 3: Covered Bridges Half Marathon
- June 16: Mount Washington Road Race
- Aug. 4: Beach to Beacon 10K
- Aug. 12: Falmouth Road Race
- Sept 30: Jack Kerouac 5K
Contributors
Stephanie Callahan is a native Bostonian who loves cooking, traveling, spa treatments, and being on the ocean.
Meghan Colloton is a Bostonian who loves traveling, channeling her inner Julia Child, and trying weird things -- from food to bungee jumping.
Milva DiDomizio is a New England native who's fond of cooking, singing, and Boston's arts and culture scene.
Rachel Raczka is a Bostonian who enjoys buttercream frosting, gin cocktails, and conquering cobblestone streets in high heels.
Emily Sweeney is a Boston native who goes out all over, from Irish pubs in Southie to the roller rink in Dorchester.
Emily Wright is a native Cape Codder who enjoys exercising, baking, and the occasional guilty pleasure action movie.