Roundup: Boston Spring Road Races

Not a marathoner? We’ve got you covered. Photo via Shutterstock

It may seem like the Boston Marathon is all anyone in the running community can talk about these days, but there are tons of races a little less grueling (and, may we say, more fun) going on in the Boston area in the next couple months. Leave Heartbreak Hill to the pros and the masochists and try one of these unique Boston road races instead.

Walk Like Madd

This 5K walk/run benefits Mothers Against Drunk Driving, but it’s also a day of fun. The race route circles Lake Quannapowitt, and there will be plenty of music, food, family events, giveaways, and raffles. Pets are welcome, too.

4/27, starts at 11 a.m. Visit support.madd.org for more information and registration.

The Common Man’s “Marathon”

If the idea of running a marathon makes you want to cry, this is the race for you. This 2.62-mile race around the Common is good for even the most casual of runners, and it benefits Sole Train and Rookie Runners, two running and mentoring organizations for the city’s youth.

4/28, starts at 9 a.m. Visit commonmansmarathon.com for more information and registration.

Wediko Climb For Hope

Not much of a runner? No problem. Wediko Children’s Services, an organization that focuses on children’s mental health, is hosting the Climb For Hope, an event in which participates climb 46 flights of stairs at Boston’s One International Place to raise money for the organization’s programs.

4/28, starts at 8 a.m. For information and registration visit wediko.org. 

GlowRun Boston

This night-time illuminated fun run is just as much about the fun as the run. After finishing the 5K race, participants enter the Afterglow, an after party complete with live music, food, and drinks. (Pictured below)

5/4. For more information, visit glowrun.com.

Run 4 Your Life

This 4-mile run, 2-mile run/walk, and kids fun run benefit Team Maureen, a non-profit that raises money for gynecological cancer research and awareness in partnership with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. In addition to helping a good cause, the race also takes participants through the beautiful scenery of North Falmouth on the Cape.

5/4, races begin at 9:30 a.m. Visit teammaureen.org for more information and registration.

Harpoon 5-Miler

The 12th annual Harpoon Brewery 5-mile road race benefits the Angel Fund, a group devoted to ALS research. And as if a good cause and getting some exercise wasn’t enough, the race ends back at the brewery for beer, music, and food.

5/19, race starts at 10 a.m. Visit harpoon5miler.com for more information and registration.

Boston’s Run to Remember

Sponsored by the Boston Police Department and Boston Police Runner’s Club, this race, which can be run either as a half marathon or a 5-miler, is an event to honor and remember officers killed in the line of duty.

5/26, half marathon starts at 7 a.m., 5-miler starts at 7 a.m. Visit bostonsruntoremember.com for information and registration.

Photo via Glow Run Facebook page