From First Steps to Finish Lines
Join the YMCA of Greater Boston for a family-friendly 5K Race Series designed for every pace and every age! With seven races from July through November, this series celebrates the journey, whether it’s your very first steps toward fitness or your next strong finish. Walk, jog, or run alongside friends, families, and neighbors as you build confidence, stay active, and celebrate 175 years of impact. Wherever you’re starting, you belong here — and every finish line is worth celebrating.
COME RACE WITH US!
Join us for our 5K Race Series
Our Race Series Includes:
- Seven 5K Races throughout our communities
- Affordable Entry Fees
- Professional Chip Timing
- Scenic Routes
- Multiple Award Categories
- Friendly Competition
- Runners, Walkers and Strollers Welcome
- Race Day Swag
- Kids under 12 run for free*
*Does not include timed race bib or t-shirt
NEW for 2026! 3 and 5 Race Passes!
Maximize the value of your Race Series experience! Take advantage of our Multi-Race pass to ensure you receive the best deal on registration fees and secure your spot in each event before race registration opens.
Multi-race passes include:
- Chip-timed entry into 3 or 5 races of your choosing (select at checkout)
- Race Day Swag + bonus Race Pass Exclusive Swag items
Highlights from our 2025 5K Race Series
Kids Run Free in our 5K Race Series!
The YMCA of Greater Boston invites young runners to join in on the fun! Show your kids how fun staying active can be! Challenge yourself and your family, embrace the joy of running, and experience the thrill of our seven exciting 5K races. Perfect for families aiming to stay active and healthy together!
Our Sponsors
Hero ($5K)
Leader ($2.5K)
Biotech Search Partners
Eastern Bank
The Kluge Family
Parlance Corporation
Eastern Bank
The Kluge Family
Parlance Corporation
Reynders, McVeigh Capital Management
Rotary Club of Waltham
R.W. Holmes Commercial Real Estate
Rotary Club of Waltham
R.W. Holmes Commercial Real Estate
Advocate ($1K)
Dedham Savings
Needham Running Club
Watertown Savings Bank
Needham Running Club
Watertown Savings Bank
Friend ($500)
Briarwood Rehab and Healthcare Center
Elliot Physical Therapy
Elizabeth Russ Family Dental
Needham Exchange Club
Elliot Physical Therapy
Elizabeth Russ Family Dental
Needham Exchange Club
Needham Rotary Club
Reading Rotary Club
Samoiloff Family
Reading Rotary Club
Samoiloff Family
Sponsor a Race
From first steps to finish lines – the YMCA of Greater Boston is committed to improving overall wellness by making fitness accessible, inclusive, and impactful for everyone. Through this 5K Race Series, we’re actively addressing health disparities by bringing equitable access to wellness programs into communities that have historically had fewer opportunities for health-focused resources.
This year, we’re expanding into new communities to reach even more people, remove barriers to participation, and help individuals and families build healthy habits that last beyond race day. By sponsoring our 5K Race Series, your organization will play a direct role in creating positive community change by supporting healthier lifestyles, stronger communities, and greater access to wellness opportunities for those who need them most.
Become a Sponsor
GROUP FITNESS CLASSES
Group Exercise
Explore all the fitness classes and reserve a space by logging into Motionvibe. Get your blood pumping with classes like HIIT and Zumba or tap into your mindfulness with yoga, Barre or Pilates.
WATER FITNESS
Water Fitness classes are an excellent choice to give your heart and muscles a great workout. The Y offers a range of Water Fitness classes, find the perfect one for you by logging into Motionvibe!
Locations
Adult Pickleball
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong and is also fun, social, and friendly.
Parkway Community
Youth Sports
5-10 weeks
YMCA youth sports programs give kids the opportunity to learn and grow through a variety of exciting activities, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, and gymnastics. With experienced coaches and a focus on teamwork, sportsmanship, and fun, your child will develop athletic skills and confidence in a supportive, inclusive environment. Sign up today and let them thrive through the joy of sports at the Y!
Youth Swim Lessons
5-10 weeks
YMCA swim lessons for youth ages 6-12 provide a safe, fun, and engaging environment where kids build confidence in the water while learning essential swimming and water safety skills. Guided by trained instructors, participants progress through six swimming stages, focusing on techniques such as floating, stroke development, and endurance, all while fostering a love for swimming and lifelong water safety awareness.
GROUP FITNESS CLASSES
Group Exercise
Explore all the fitness classes and reserve a space by logging into Motionvibe. Get your blood pumping with classes like HIIT and Zumba or tap into your mindfulness with yoga, Barre or Pilates.
WATER FITNESS
Water Fitness classes are an excellent choice to give your heart and muscles a great workout. The Y offers a range of Water Fitness classes, find the perfect one for you by logging into Motionvibe!
Adult Pickleball
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong and is also fun, social, and friendly.
Parkway Community
Youth Sports
5-10 weeks
YMCA youth sports programs give kids the opportunity to learn and grow through a variety of exciting activities, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, and gymnastics. With experienced coaches and a focus on teamwork, sportsmanship, and fun, your child will develop athletic skills and confidence in a supportive, inclusive environment. Sign up today and let them thrive through the joy of sports at the Y!
Youth Swim Lessons
5-10 weeks
YMCA swim lessons for youth ages 6-12 provide a safe, fun, and engaging environment where kids build confidence in the water while learning essential swimming and water safety skills. Guided by trained instructors, participants progress through six swimming stages, focusing on techniques such as floating, stroke development, and endurance, all while fostering a love for swimming and lifelong water safety awareness.
