WORCESTER — There is no shortage of running races in the Worcester area, particularly 5Ks. Here are six particularly-established 5Ks that you can sign up for this year. If you’d like to go for a trio of 5Ks, consider the Tour de Worcester, which is a run of three of the races you see below.
On your marks, get set, go!
The Guinness Celtic 5K
The annual Guinness Celtic 5K returns to Worcester, running in conjunction with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 15.
The legendary road race starts at Elm Park at 11 a.m. and heads down Park Ave. It’s cheaper to sign up in advance, but you can register that day if you’re not so sure that your body and legs will be up for such a thing at that time. Everyone gets a T-shirt for entering, and there are medals for the winners. Oh, and there is a beer garden open at the start and finish line for everyone to enjoy.
This race is considered the first of three in the Tour de Worcester. The others are the Jay Lyons Memorial 5K and the Worcester Firefighters 6K. More on those below.
The Annual Tarentino Strong Road Race
Mark your calendars for the annual Tarentino Strong 5k Road Race, happening in Leicester on Sunday, April 26. All of the proceeds, and that means 100 percent, for this event goes to the nonprofit Officer Ronald Tarentino, Jr. Charitable Fund.
Officer Tarentino of the Auburn Police Department, and formerly of the Leicester Police Department, was shot multiple times and killed during a traffic stop on Rochdale Street in Auburn on May 22, 2016, at 12:30 a.m.
“This event is a family friendly way to honor all that Officer Tarentino continues to stand for along with the great work the charitable fund continues to do in his name,” said the announcement. “Officer Tarentino was a respected, well loved police officer who served with distinction in both the towns of Leicester and Auburn. He also was a true family man who loved spending time with his family and friends.”
The mission of the Officer Ronald Tarentino, Jr. Charitable Fund is to provide educational scholarships and to help people who have experienced catastrophic circumstances (illness, serious injury, death of a loved one, etc.) by providing financial support and/or donating items that can assist in their recovery.
The 2020 Lt. James “Jay” Lyons Memorial 5K Road Race
On Dec. 3, 1999, Lt. Jay Lyons became one of the “Worcester 6,” perishing along with five of his firefighter brothers in the Cold Storage Warehouse Fire.
In Lyons’s memory, his Doherty High School classmates (class of 1983) established a scholarship fund through the Greater Worcester Community Foundation. Established in January 2001, the Lt. James “Jay” Lyons Memorial Road Race has raised more than one hundred and fifty thousand dollars for the sole purpose of funding the Jay Lyons Memorial Scholarship.
This year’s Memorial 5K is Sunday, April 26, and starts at 551 Pleasant St., Worcester. You can join a team, create a team or run as an individual. Go here to do that. This is the second in the Tour de Worcester races.
The scholarship is awarded annually to a Doherty High senior at graduation.
Craft Brew Races 5K
The Craft Brew Races is coming back to Worcester for a fun 5k followed by a craft beer festival on Saturday, May 2, from noon to 3 p.m. Enjoy a relaxed run (or walk) through downtown Worcester and celebrate your achievement with an amazing craft beer event at Worcester Commons. As if it isn’t apparent, yes, the “race” starts and ends at Worcester City Hall.
Outstanding local and regional craft beers pour from the taps, making it for a sudsy afternoon you’ll talk to your friends about.
According to organizers: “It’s really quite simple — The Craft Brew Races are a series of timed 5k’s open to beer lovers of all speeds, and beer festivals highlighting the local craft brewing scene. The 3-hour post-race celebration features included sampling of more than 30 breweries, live music and food trucks.”
There are 5K, beer-festival only and designated driver tickets available.
The Worcester Firefighters Annual 6K
It’s not just a race; it’s a community event filled with spirit and support, and the third in the Tour de Worcester.
The WFD6K Road Race was started shortly after the devastating loss of six Worcester firefighters in the Worcester Cold Storage Fire, which happened on Dec. 3, 1999. The Worcester Firefighters 6K committee chose four primary, well deserving charities, that they “feel best represent the goals of the WFD6K”: NEADS, dogs for deaf and disabled Americans, Genesis Club, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
“For the past 20 years, the Worcester Firefighters 6K Road Race has touched more lives than we ever thought possible,” said the announcement.
The 2020 6K and event takes place on Sunday, June 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., centered in Institute Park, Salisbury Street, Worcester, where not only does the race start and end, but it’s filled with food, activities and lots of family-friendly entertainment.
“The race is unlike any other race around,” continued the announcement. “Our race day focus is not simply on the race itself, nor is it the focus on the charitable donations. It is more about the community and bringing the city and surrounding towns together as we celebrate the spirit of the day – block party style! Everyone is invited to join us at the finish line for a free BBQ, live music, beverages, clowns, moonwalk, massages, a silent auction and a post race party at (TBA) and so much more.”
Find out more and/or register for the race.
Canal Diggers 5K
The 14th Annual 5K benefits Worcester Charities and the Hibernian Cultural Center.
The Canal Diggers 5K takes place on Saturday, Sept. 12, starting at the Fiddler’s Green at 10 a.m. The event includes a kids race, the 5K, entertainment, refreshments and a 50/50 raffle. Go here to find out more about this day of community, fun and tradition.
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