The 14th Annual Set the Pace 5K & 1 Mile Walk is a premier regional athletic event held at Wompatuck State Park in Hingham, Massachusetts. Scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 9:00 AM EDT, the race serves as a vital fundraiser for the Friends of South Shore Health Cardiovascular Care. The proceeds specifically support the Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Center, which manages over 10,000 patient visits annually, focusing on the detection and treatment of heart disease.
Race Logistics and Award CategoriesThe event offers multiple distances, including a timed 5K, a 1-mile walk, and a Fun Run for younger participants. The 5K course is professionally timed and features an extensive awards ceremony honoring the top three overall finishers and first-place winners across 10 distinct age brackets, including a category for participants aged 80 and over. To ensure a commemorative experience, the event guarantees a participant shirt for all those registered by the April 12th deadline.
| Category | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Race | 8:00 AM | Registration & Packet Pickup Opens |
| Main Event | 9:00 AM | 5K Race & 1 Mile Walk Starts |
| Awards | 10:15 AM | Overall and Age-Group Recognition |
Hingham is an affluent coastal town in Plymouth County, located on the South Shore of the Massachusetts Bay. As of 2026, the town has a population of approximately 25,000 residents. The community is known for its colonial history and vast recreational spaces like Wompatuck State Park. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hingham's demographic profile is approximately 91.4% White (non-Hispanic), 2.9% Asian, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, and 1.1% Black or African American. The town is characterized by a high median household income and a strong emphasis on health and wellness.
The local culture on the South Shore is deeply tied to community-based philanthropy and high-quality healthcare. South Shore Health is the largest independent health system in the region, and its cardiovascular programs are a point of local pride. The "Set the Pace" event reflects the region's commitment to active lifestyles, utilizing the thousands of acres of woodland trails in Wompatuck to bring together families and professional athletes. Residents frequently participate in these events not just for fitness, but to support the medical infrastructure that serves their families and neighbors.
Social Impact and Fundraising ProgressAs of April 2026, the event has already raised $648.91, reaching 93% of its current fundraising milestone. These funds are essential for the Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Center’s work with over 30 specialized physicians and surgeons. By participating, runners directly contribute to the "prevention and detection" mission of the center, which is a critical resource for a region with an active aging population.
For the participants, the morning at Wompatuck provides a scenic and challenging environment for personal achievement. Whether aiming for a first-place finish in their age group or walking the mile with friends, the "Set the Pace" 5K remains a cornerstone of the Hingham spring calendar. It represents a successful partnership between South Shore Race Management and the healthcare community, ensuring that the heart of the South Shore remains healthy and vibrant for years to come.
May 02, 2026
Distance — 1mi
Type — Running
09:00
$22.60
May 02, 2026
Distance — 5km
Type — Running
09:00
$33.90
May 02, 2026
Distance — 5km
Type — Running
09:00
$22.60
May 02, 2026
Distance — 1km
Type — Running
09:00
Free
May 02, 2026
Distance — 1km
Type — Running
09:00
$11.30
May 02, 2026
Distance — 5km
Type — Running
09:00
$28.25
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Hingham.
Learn more about the host city, Hingham.
Hingham is a coastal town in the South Shore region of Massachusetts about 15 miles south of Boston.
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