First Day 5K
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Event overview
The First Day 5K takes place in Whitinsville, MA on January 1, 2026. The event is a USATF certified 5K held on closed roads with an out-and-back route on Linwood Ave and a start area near the Whitin Community Center. Early check-in and bib pick-up are available the day before at The Gray Barn, and on-site registration is available on race day. The race field is capped at 300 participants. Entry fees are $30 for early registration through November 29 and $35 thereafter; participants aged 70 and over may register for free. All registrations are final; there are no refunds.
Course, services and awards
The course includes a downhill running start, passage through Memorial Square, a loop into the Northbridge High School parking lot, a turnaround near the Linwood Mill area, and a finish at Memorial Square on Linwood Ave. One aid station is located at the high school entrance and is passed three times. Chip timing is provided by Baystate Timing Services. Registration for the first 225 entrants includes a custom hat; the event also provides hot chocolate, pizza after the race, and beer at The Gray Barn (proper ID required). Awards are given to the top three overall male and female finishers and top three in multiple age divisions; age-group awards use chip time. A $100 cash prize is offered for new course records; current times to beat are 15:31 and 17:04. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
