Roundup: June Road Races

Race photo via Shutterstock

Summer days are practically begging for time spent outdoors, and there are few better ways to do so than running one of New England’s countless June road races. Whether you’re looking to set a personal best or go out for an easy jaunt, there’s a race for you.

Waltham Tailgate Trot

This 4-mile race, run in honor of the late Waltham resident Michael Martin, splits its profits four ways to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association Massachusetts and New Hampshire Chapter, the American Cancer Society New England Division, National Multiple Sclerosis Society Greater New England Chapter, and Joslin Diabetes Center High Hopes Fund.

6/8. Race begins 9 a.m. at the Waverly Oaks Athletic Club, 411 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham. Visit tailgatetrot for information and registration.

Ashland State Park Trail Race

Tired of pounding the pavement? Head out to Ashland, where you can choose between 5K or 10K varied terrain courses around the Ashland Reservoir. Proceeds benefit the Boston Children’s Hospital League.

6/8. Race begins at 8 a.m. at Ashland State Park, Rte. 135, Ashland. Visit runhopkinton.org for information and registration.

Spectacle Island 5K

For a relaxing way to spend a weekend, try the Spectacle Island 5K. In addition to the race, there will also be a kids run, 3K walk, picnic lunch, music, and family activities, all on Boston’s scenic and historic Spectacle Island.

6/8. Race starts at 9:30 a.m. at Spectacle Island, Boston Harbor. Visit racedirectors.com for information and registration.

New Balance Heartbreak Hill 5K

Take on the legendary (and painful) hill in a low-pressure situation with this 5K that raises money for Franciscan Hospital for Children. The course begins at Boston College and ends in the heart of Boston.

6/15. Race begins at 9 a.m. at Boston college O’Neill Library, 140 Commonwealth Ave., Chestnut Hill. Visit franciscanhospital.org for more information.

Battle of Bunker Hill Road Race

Get your dose of history and site seeing with this 8-mile race through Charlestown, which passes stops like the Bunker Hill Monument and the U.S.S. Constitution and benefits the Charlestown Boys and Girls Club.

6/15. Starts at 9:15 a.m. at Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown. Visit bgcb.org for information and registration.

B.A.A. 10K Race

If you’re not quite up for a grueling 26.2-mile run, give the Boston Athletic Association’s 10K run a shot. This race is the second leg of the B.A.A. Distance Medley, which also includes the annual 5K and half marathon.

6/23. Race begins at 8 a.m. at the Boston Common. Visit baa.org for more information and registration.

Reggae Ramble Caribbean Music Festival 5K

What better way to complement a 5K run than with Caribbean music and an authentic Caribbean cook out? Plus, the route runs right along the Charles River, ensuring you’ll have something to look at the whole time.

6/27. Race begins at 6:30 p.m. at 5 Greenough Blvd., Cambridge. Visit baevents.com for more information and registration.