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Cape Cod Central Railroad Depot - various times Pick
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Cape Cod Central Railroad Depot - various times Pick
Harvard Museum of Natural History - 9:00 AM
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Museum of Science - 9:00 AM
Harvard Museum of Natural History - 9:00 AM
Conway Scenic Railroad - 4:30 PM Pick
Granite State Scenic Railway - 4:30 PM Pick
Cape Cod Central Railroad Depot - various times Pick
Granite State Scenic Railway - 4:30 PM Pick
Conway Scenic Railroad - 4:30 PM Pick
Cape Cod Central Railroad Depot - various times Pick
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Marathon Inspired: 8 Family-Friendly Spring Races in Massachusetts
On Monday afternoon, inspired by the runners in the Boston Marathon, I started a Couch to 5K running program. When I got home after my first training session, I heard the terrible news of the tragedy at the marathon. At first, I thought about giving up on the 5K program. But then I made a completely different decision: Although I am in the worst shape of my life – I can’t even run a mile (seriously, but please don't judge) – I am going to start with a 5K, and then keep going all the way to next year’s Boston Marathon. Every race I run will be for all the people who are no longer able.
Races have always been a family affair for us. Over the years, my kids have done several fun runs and kids races while one of the adults in the family runs the “big race”. I plan to continue our tradition. If you’d like to give a race a try, either just for fun, or in honor of the Boston Marathon runners and their loved ones, take a look at my round up of upcoming family-friendly races in Massachusetts this spring.
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Some of these races have fun runs for kids while the adults sweat out a 5K, 10K or more, and others have kids’ races or are designed to accommodate both adults and kids (whether on foot or riding in a jogging stroller). Most are for a good cause, and many have spectacular settings. For races further afield from home, you may want to make a day of it or even turn the race into a family weekend getaway.
1. Keeping the Beat for Kids - April 21, 2013 at 204 Nantasket Beach, Hull MA. Benefiting Boston Children’s Hospital. There will be a 5K race/walk, a 1K Fun Run, a toddler dash on the beach, kid-friendly activities and music, all on DCR's Nantasket Beach.
2. Dunning Dash - April 27, 2013 at Dunning Elementary School, 48 Frost Street, Framingham, MA 01701. To support Dunning's Physical Education Program and local families in need. 5 K, kids’ races, fun run, kids’ activities,
3. Grafton Gazebo Race - May 4, 2013 at 28 Providence Rd, Grafton, MA. Benefits the Grafton Recreation Scholarship Fund and Kai's Village. This year a 1.5-mile family walk has been added. There will also be music, snacks, refreshments, and games surrounding the Municipal Center; before, during, and after the race!
4. Westford Road Race - May 5, 2013 in Westford, MA. Includes a Family Fun Run. You'll find lots of good info in this post on Cool Running.
5. LMS 5K Run/Walk & Kids' Fun Run - May 11, 2013 at Lexington Montessori School, Lexington, MA. Register by April 26 to be entered for prizes that include a week of Summer Camp at the Waltham Boston Sports Club and a Birthday Party from Barefoot Books in Concord. Kids' Fun Run registrants will receive a goodie bag, and there is a Post Kids' Fun Run Party with Jenny the Juggler!
6. Stow Conservation Trust's 15th Annual Run for the Woods - May 19, 2013 (rain or shine) at Hale Middle School in Stow, MA. To benefit the Stow Conservation Trust's land conservation program. Includes a 1 Mile Kid’s Fun Run, recreational walk, walking race, dog walk, and 5K running race. Trophies are awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th place boys and girls in the 1 Mile Kid's Race.
7. 2013 Spectacle Island 5K Road Race and Kids Fun Run – June 8, 2013 on Spectacle Island. The Boston Harbor Island race day festivities feature a 5K Race, a half-mile Kids Fun Run, 3K Walk, picnic lunch for participants, music, and kids' activities.
8. 12th Annual Brendan's Home Run 5K - Sunday, June 16, 2013 (Father’s Day) at the Belmont High School Track in Belmont, MA. This wonderful family and community event includes a charity walk, 5K road race, and youth races. Awards in several categories, including fastest parent/child teams.
Photo: Westford Road Race
Do you have a favorite family-friendly race? Leave a comment!
