5K races near Nashua

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 Friends of the Poor 5K begins at the New Ipswich Congregational Church on Main Street in New Ipswich, New Hampshire, on a fall Saturday morning. It provides a timed 5K run and a 5K walk, both scheduled from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM. The run requires an adult entry fee and has a reduced youth price, while the walk is free. The course is a 5K planned to showcase peak fall foliage, and the event is intended for families as well as runners. All proceeds benefit the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to assist in feeding local families, and sponsor pledges are encouraged. Early registrants receive shirts; runners get a long-sleeve wicking shirt, and walkers receive a T-shirt. Following the race, attendees can remain for a prize raffle.

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.

Run for the Buns! is a 5K race in Boxborough, Massachusetts, benefiting the House Rabbit Network, a local organization for rabbit rescue and education. Participants can run or walk individually or as a team. A virtual option is available for those unable to attend in person. The morning's activities include 5K check-in, the race itself, and a kids' Bunny Hop race afterward. The event focuses on fundraising for the House Rabbit Network, with all proceeds supporting their rescue, adoption, and rabbit care education efforts. Following the 5K, attendees are invited to Craft Food Hall BXB on Beaver Brook Road for an after-party. The party will feature a raffle, music, family activities, food for purchase, and a complimentary drink with each registration.

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 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 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 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.

Walsh Middle School in Framingham, Massachusetts, hosts the 5K4Kids, a 5-kilometer run/walk held regardless of weather, connected to a family fair. A shorter family fun-run is also part of the day, making it suitable for children, parents, walkers, and casual runners, not just those aiming for a fast 5K time. The course begins at the middle school. Pets are not permitted unless they are service animals. The fair, featuring face painting, airbrush tattoos, a balloon clown, a bouncy house, and lawn games. Proceeds from registration fees, donations, and raffle sales benefit Wayside Youth & Family Support Network programs for young people, providing items such as emergency food and clothing, diapers and formula, school supplies, hot meals, holiday gifts, and winter wear. The raffle offers a practical incentive, with $5 tickets available on race morning for Visa gift cards, including two $1,000 prizes and three $500 prizes.

The Trick or Trot 5k runs through Washington Park in Albany, featuring Halloween props along the course: a witch's village, ghouls and ghosts, and a pumpkin patch. This Halloween-season 5k is for all ages; costumes are encouraged from the start, and ARE Event Productions provides chip timing. Friends, families, neighbors, and runners with strollers are welcome, though strollers should begin at the back. The event concludes with giveaways, vendors, decorations, a DJ, Best Costume prizes, age-group awards, random prize drawings, and a wicking fabric shirt for registered participants.