Great Bear Run
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Great Bear Run
The Great Bear Run takes place on Sunday, May 17, 2026, in Needham, MA. The event features multiple running categories:
- 5K Run
- 1 Mile Run
- 1 Mile Fun Run (not timed)
- Tiny Tot Bearathon - 26.2 meters (ages 0-3)
- 100 meter run (ages 4-5)
- 200 meter run (age 6)
- 400 meter run (ages 7-12)
The 5K course is USATF certified and sanctioned. Entry fees listed for main events include $39 for the 5K and 1 Mile (reduced fee for ages 0-14), a combined price for both timed events, and $29 for most youth distances. A water table is placed at the 2 mile point on the 5K course.
Location and logistics
The event base is Pollard Middle School, 200 Harris Avenue, Needham, MA 02492. Registration and packet pickup are held at Pollard Middle School on the weekend before and the day of the race. Participants are advised to arrive 45-60 minutes before their race. Parking notes include one-side street parking off Harris Avenue and additional parking at DeFazio Field with a walk through the field under the railroad bridge to the school. There is no parking on Harris Avenue from Great Plain Ave to Bradford Street and no parking on Bradford Street between Harris Ave and Dedham Ave. The race is held rain or shine. Refreshments include fruit, snacks, water/Gatorade, and pizza is available for sale for $4 per slice. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
