First Day 5K
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First Day 5K : Whitinsville, MA
The First Day 5K is scheduled for January 1, 2026 in Whitinsville, MA. Early check-in and bib pick-up are available the day before at The Gray Barn, and race-day check-in is also at The Gray Barn. The race field is capped at 300 participants. Registration fees are $30 for early registration through November 29 and $35 from November 30 through race day; participants aged 70 and over may register for free. There is a no-refund policy.
Course and logistics
The course is a USATF-certified, out-and-back 5K on closed roads in downtown Whitinsville. The route starts near the Whitin Community Center, passes through Memorial Square and Linwood Ave, goes into the Northbridge High School parking lot, turns around near the Linwood Mill, and returns to finish at Memorial Square on Linwood Ave. A single aid station at the high school entrance is passed three times. The event is chip timed by Baystate Timing Services. Roads will be closed for the duration of the race.
Awards and extras
Awards are given to the top three overall male and female finishers and to the top three in listed age groups; awards are based on gun time and duplicate placements are not allowed. A $100 cash prize is offered for new course records. Registration includes a custom hat for the first 225 registrants, hot chocolate, pizza after the race, and a beer at The Gray Barn with proper ID. Strollers, joggers, and pets are not permitted on the course. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
