5K races near Hampstead

The Fun(d) Run is Front Runners New York’s weekly social group runs, with options on Tuesday nights in Brooklyn, Wednesday nights in Manhattan, and Saturday mornings in Manhattan. Tuesday runners gather at the Grand Army Plaza Arch by the fountain at 7:00 PM, starting a Prospect Park loop by 7:15 PM. On the second Tuesday of each month, the group meets at Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park for the free NYRR Open Run, which begins at 7:00 PM. Wednesday and Saturday runs convene in Central Park across from the Daniel Webster Statue, at 7:00 PM and 10:00 AM respectively. The Brooklyn run shifts location monthly between Prospect Park and Brooklyn Bridge Park. The Manhattan runs use Central Park as the regular meeting point and running base. Wednesday typically sees the largest runner turnout of the week, and Saturday draws runners and walkers, including newcomers and visitors from other cities. Bag drop is available for the NYRR Open Run, varies for Tuesday Prospect Park runs, and is handled through Rutgers Church before the Manhattan runs. The social aspect is part of the routine: a different member selects a restaurant after Tuesday runs, Wednesday runners often go to dinner, and Saturday concludes with a light breakfast social.

The Witch City 5K is a 5K road race through Salem, Massachusetts, held during October's Haunted Happenings. It begins at 9:00 AM from Salem Willows Park on Fort Avenue, placing the race within the city's busiest Halloween season, not on a quiet race weekend. The route follows Salem streets and permits strollers and well-behaved dogs, positioning it as a community race rather than a competition exclusively for serious runners. Runners may obtain a race tee while supplies last. Shirts must be collected before the start. Free parking is available at the Willows main lot and along Fort Avenue.

The Breast Cancer Awareness 5K Run/Walk is a 5K and virtual run/walk held at Pine Banks Park in Melrose, Massachusetts. It begins at 9:00 AM EDT in October, coinciding with the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and is organized by the Tufts Medical community. The in-person 5K is a local park event, while the virtual option allows participation in support of the cause from outside Melrose. This marks the second annual running, positioning it as a developing community race rather than an established regional event. Its objective is clear: to raise awareness and offer support to patients, families, and friends impacted by breast cancer. The event also highlights the scope of the issue, stating that approximately 1 in 8 women in the United States receive a breast cancer diagnosis annually. There is no rain date; the race proceeds on its scheduled day regardless of weather conditions.

Micky's Run is a 5k charity road race in Lowell, Massachusetts, held in May from late morning into early afternoon. The race raises money for Team Micky Ward charities, connecting the event to Lowell’s best-known boxing figure and local fundraising. Race day begins at the Blue Shamrock on Market Street, where runners check in before proceeding to the starting line. The pub also hosts the post-race party, making the event centered around this downtown spot as much as the 5k. Registration is managed via RunSignup.

The New England Ostomy 5k is a 5 km run and walk at Wallis Sands State Park in Rye Beach, New Hampshire, for Ostomy Awareness Day. The event offers open and ostomate 5k divisions, and a kids’ fun run for children ages 12 and under, allowing runners, walkers, wheelchair users, families, and supporters to participate. The course runs along the Atlantic coast, starting at Wallis Sands State Park. Race morning activities include packet pickup, a raffle, greetings, announcements, stretching, and a timed run. All proceeds benefit the United Ostomy Associations of America, a nonprofit supporting ostomy awareness and community education; donations are tax deductible.

The Great Island 5K begins and ends at Great Island Common, located at the mouth of the Piscataqu River in New Castle, New Hampshire. This 5K road race takes place on Great Island, utilizing local roads that wind through the town’s coastal and historic landscape. The event offers more than just the 5K race: three children’s fun runs are available, along with a playground for families. Post-race food will be provided, and the first 700 registered runners will receive a race hat. Additionally, a large free raffle is held, with all proceeds from the Great Island 5K benefiting a charity.

The Howl-O-Ween 5K Run/Walk begins at Fisher Cats Stadium in Manchester, New Hampshire. The event starts at 10 AM and has a Halloween theme. It is a timed 5K run/walk managed by Second Wind Timing. Families, walkers, runners, and leashed dogs are welcome. The event supports the Animal Rescue League of NH, aligning with its dog-friendly nature. Costumes are encouraged for both people and dogs. The race will feature event photography, with a portion of digital photo sales benefiting ARLNH. Those who register early will receive a race shirt. The event fosters a community atmosphere for animal enthusiasts.

The Devils Chase 6.66 & Creepy Clown 3.33 is a Halloween-themed race morning in Historic Salem, Massachusetts, starting and finishing at Salem Willows Soccer Field on Fort Avenue. The main run uses the 6.66-mile distance, while the Creepy Clown option is 3.33 miles. Both races begin at 8:00 AM and attract over 1,000 runners, with nearly all participants in costume, many dressed as devils with horns and pitchforks. The course goes by Salem Common, the Salem Witch Museum, the Custom House, Derby Wharf, the House of the Seven Gables, Winter Island, and includes a haunted-house aid station. Two out-and-back sections allow runners to see others approaching, a notable feature since costumes are integral to the race. The Devils Chase is a top costume run, drawing participants to Salem from outside Massachusetts for its blend of racing, local history, and a foggy, atmospheric finish.

The Apple Harvest Run takes place in West Newbury, Massachusetts, a town located a few minutes from downtown Newburyport. This event features USATF-certified 5-mile and 5K races, along with a 1-mile fun run for children. The day is suitable for runners seeking an official course and families with younger participants. The race benefits the Page School, connecting the running event with local school spirit. Now in its 37th year, it has established itself as a community tradition rather than a singular fundraising effort.

The Greater Beverly YMCA Fly By 5K Road Race is a fall running event held at Beverly Regional Airport in Beverly, Massachusetts. The Greater Beverly YMCA organizes the race, offering 5K or 10K distances, plus a Kids Fun Run for families. The airport location distinguishes it from a standard town road race. The course follows L P Henderson Road adjacent to the airport, centering the event on a straightforward local route instead of a downtown loop or trail run.

The Pink Angels Lynn Woods 5K Trail Run is a 3.1-mile trail run and walk held in October within Lynn Woods, originating near Great Woods Road in Lynn, Massachusetts. The event separates participants by activity: runners start at 9:00 AM, followed by walkers at 9:15 AM. This is a community race supporting The Pink Angels, an organization that funds breast cancer research and outreach. The course covers 5K on Lynn Woods trails, making the natural setting as appealing as the distance itself. Since 2005, The Pink Angels have generated over $2 million for breast cancer initiatives, with the race highlighting this mission through themes of remembrance, current support, and future prevention. The event offers awards for the leading female and male runners, and all entrants receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win various prizes.