5K races near Plymouth

The Southcoast Health Cancer Care Nicole Podkowa 5k is a walk-and-run fundraiser supporting cancer care on the South Coast of Massachusetts. Taking place in October, participants are encouraged to be active throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The event offers a flexible format, allowing individuals to complete the 5K in person or virtually, either as runners or walkers. A free Kid's Dash for children 8 and under is also included, enabling families to participate without the day focusing solely on the main 5K distance. The funds raised benefit the Southcoast Health Nicole Podkowa Patient & Caregiver Fund. This fund assists cancer patients and their families with essential living expenses, including utilities, food, housing, transportation, cancer-related supplies, and other necessities. Consequently, the event emphasizes community support for patients undergoing treatment rather than competitive racing. In previous virtual iterations, participants could complete their 5K from any location, utilizing a printable bib and obtaining a long-sleeve Podkowa 5K shirt.

The Cape Cod Marathon Weekend, presented by Shipwrecked, takes place in Falmouth, Massachusetts. The half marathon begins and ends at Mullen Hall School. This half marathon is a coastal out-and-back course along Nantucket Sound, offering views toward Martha’s Vineyard. It features a single short hill, encountered once on the outbound leg and again on the return. The weekend also offers challenge events for participants seeking multiple races: the Lobstah Challenge combines the half marathon with the 5K, and the Clam Chowdah Challenge pairs the half marathon with the full marathon. The races are conducted on open roads, requiring runners to stay to the right and share streets with vehicular traffic. Strollers and dogs are prohibited. The half marathon has a participant limit of 2,000, and runners must maintain a pace faster than three hours, with a sweeper van monitoring the cutoff time. Along the course, participants will find six aid stations providing water and Gatorade, accompanied by portable toilets and music. The finish line offers a distinct Cape Cod atmosphere, with hot clam chowder and soup available in vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free varieties, alongside apple cider donuts. Participants completing the challenge events will receive special awards or gifts, and prize money is awarded to the overall and age-group winners in the half marathon.

The BMS Athletic Booster Club 5K is a community run in North Dighton, Massachusetts, taking place at 2700 Regional Road on the Dighton-Rehoboth High School cross country course. The primary event is a 5K (3.1 miles), and the same morning features a 1 Mile Fun Run for younger participants, families, or those preferring a shorter distance. Check-in is available throughout the morning; the 5K begins first, with the fun run starting an hour later. The course follows the high school's cross country layout, offering a school-sports environment rather than a typical road race. Awards are presented to the top three male and female finishers in 5K age groups from 7-10 up to 60+. The fun run also awards the top three male and female finishers and provides medals for all participants. Early registrants receive shirts, and proceeds support user fees for Unified programs at Beckwith Middle School and Dighton Middle School.

Sweater Weather 5K is a fall trail run at the Canmore Nordic Centre, with both 5K and 10K options. The race leans into the season: runners are encouraged to wear fall sweaters, and the date is set earlier than before to improve the odds of a snow-free course. It is still a young event, with its second edition on the calendar, but the previous race sold out quickly. The route runs on double-track dirt trails through pine forest, with enough elevation to make it more than a casual jog. The field is broad by design, from runners chasing a personal best to people happy to stroll the trails with friends. The mood is part race, part community hangout, with high-fives, group selfies, and occasional leaf fights fitting the theme. JK Bakery Cafe serves pie at the finish line, so the post-race snack is not an afterthought here.

The WHRHS Alumni 5K starts and finishes at the high school. It's a chance to catch up with friends and support the community.

The 5th Annual Katie's Grace + Grit 5K honors Katie Crowell, a community member, advocate, runner, and fundraiser. Diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, she campaigned for patients and research, raising over $100,000 through her love of running. Katie embodied "Grace Grit," qualities that continue to inspire. The race supports cancer patients and their families.

Evan's Run, a road race and walk, raises money for Autism awareness. Pre-register for a T-shirt.