First Day 5K
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First Day 5K
The event is a USATF-certified 5K held in Whitinsville on January 1, 2027. The course is described as fast and flat and uses closed roads on an out-and-back route along Linwood Avenue. The route starts near the Whitin Community Center, passes through Memorial Square, includes a short section through the Northbridge High School parking lot, turns around near the Linwood Apartments, and returns to the finish at Memorial Square. A single aid station at the high school entrance is passed three times.
Registration is available online until December 31, with early bib pickup at the Gray Barn on December 31 and additional on-site registration and bib pickup on race day. Entry fees are $30 through November 30 and $35 thereafter; entrants aged 18 and under and those 70 and older pay $15. Registration includes a custom hat for the first 225 registrants, plus pizza and a complimentary beer at the Gray Barn after the run. Field size is limited to 300 participants. All registrations are final; there are no refunds.
The event is chip timed by Baystate Timing Services. Prize structure awards top three overall male and female finishers and top three male and female finishers in standard age groups (Under 15; 15-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70-79; 80+), with no duplicate awards. A $100 cash bonus is available for new course records; current record times are 15:31 for men and 17:04 for women. Strollers, joggers, and pets are not permitted on the course. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
