5K races near Hadley

Run Stanley takes place in October at Stanley Park, featuring a 5K trail run/walk. It offers distinct options for children, dog owners, walkers, and individuals using wheels. The event includes a standard 5K, a 5K K9 run/walk, the Dunkin’ Donuts Munchkin Run for children, and the Stroll & Roll. This format makes it function more like a family park gathering than a race exclusively for runners. The Stroll & Roll is a 1-mile, non-competitive route on Stanley Park’s accessible paths, designed for wheelchair users. Dogs have their own 5K category, children receive a warmup and a short race, and the school with the highest number of Munchkin Run participants earns the Stanley Cup School Spirit Trophy. The event also generates funds for the care and maintenance of the Frank Stanley Bever.

The Hartland Harvest Run is a 5K road race beginning and concluding at Bethany Lutheran Bretheran Church. Race-day registration and packet pickup are available in the morning, with the 5K commencing at 9:00 AM. A 2 Mile Walk is also offered, including a T-shirt for participants and race swag for 5K runners. The church provides the event's base location. Awards recognize the top male and female finishers, along with the top three runners in age groups ranging from 12 and under to 80+. T-shirts are contingent upon advance registration, and recipients must collect them in person.

The Happy Valley Half Marathon & 5K takes place in Northampton, Massachusetts, during peak fall foliage. Runners can choose between a half marathon or a 5K. The course follows New England roads at the season's most colorful point. The route showcases the roads around Northampton. Afterward, the event includes a finish-line gathering with live music, food trucks, breweries, and drinks. Local runners support the event, and many participants return annually. The race also collaborates with a selected charity partner beyond race day.

The Bass Pro Shops Conservation Marathon Weekend begins outside Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, Missouri, and concludes at Wonders of Wildlife. Participants can choose from four race options: a Boston-qualifying marathon, the Maynard Cohick Half Marathon, the stroller-friendly CMC Recycling 5K, or a five-leg relay (10K, 5K, 10K, 5K, and 12K). The marathon, a 26.2-mile course with flat sections and Ozarks-style rolling hills, is suitable for both new marathoners and those aiming for a personal best. The race courses traverse Springfield neighborhoods, paved trails, a segment of historic Route 66, Missouri State University, downtown streets, and local parks. The half marathon follows the marathon course for its initial 10 miles before heading through downtown, parks, past Mother's Brewery, and onto a portion of the Ozark Greenways Trail. The 5K route winds behind Bass Pro Shops and through adjacent neighborhoods, finishing at Wonders of Wildlife. Runners and walkers from local to international levels participate, with all finishers receiving race shirts, medals, swag, and recovery provisions.

The Monson Memorial Classic offers a hilly half marathon and a 5K in Monson, Massachusetts. Both races conclude at Memorial Hall on Main Street, located in the town’s historic district. Held annually in late October on a USATF-certified road course, the half marathon begins at noon, with the 5K starting 15 minutes later. This is a smaller event, typically attracting 100 to 500 participants, giving it the feel of a local New England race day rather than a large urban event. The race was established to honor sisters Kathy Waldron Perry and Kelly Waldron, who passed away from cancer within months of each other. Proceeds benefit cancer-related charities, presently Griffin’s Friends, which supports children undergoing treatment for pediatric cancer. The half marathon route follows rolling rural roads and town streets. Participants face sustained climbs for approximately the first 10 miles, followed by a long downhill stretch in the final 5K. Regular participants often mention the "nasty vert" and the rewarding descent near the finish. The course is also recognized as a Boston Marathon qualifier. Late October weather in Monson can be cool, with average high temperatures around 55°F and lows near 35°F. Participants can expect about seven aid stations, course volunteers, finisher medals, long-sleeve tech shirts, and cash prizes for the top five finishers. The post-race atmosphere is notably intimate, featuring bagpipes, live music, massage services, and homemade food served by volunteers.

Gordy's First Race is a New Year's Day road race in Westfield, Massachusetts, offering 5K and 10K distances. Participants begin the year by running up West Silver Street, often in winter conditions, with the event benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield. The race honors Gordon Bates, a member of the Empire One Running Club who previously organized races for the same club benefit. This tradition dates back to an annual half marathon and 10K held with the Boys & Girls Club, which saw 141 runners in its first half marathon. The current race maintains its focus on local running club heritage and its charitable mission: participants run a manageable distance on New Year's Day, with proceeds supporting the club.