GREAT BEAR RUN - EVENT INFO
IMPORTANT! GREAT BEAR RUN RACE INSTRUCTIONS
SCHEDULE
5K Run - 10 am - all ages
1 Mile Run - 11:45 am - all ages
1 Mile Fun Run - 11:47 am - all ages
26.2 Meter Bearathon - 12:30 pm - age 0-3
100 Meter Dash - 12:45 pm - age 4-5
200 Meter Dash - 1:00 pm - age 6
400 Meter Run - 1:15 pm - age 7-12
YOUR ARRIVAL - Arrive at least 45-60 minutes before your race at Pollard School, 200 Harris Ave, Needham 02492
RACE WEEKEND REGISTRATIONS - We recommend bringing a phone for in-person registrations(via a QR Code). Registration (and packet pickup) is held at Pollard Middle School on Saturday 10 am - 12 pm & Sunday starting at 8 am!
5K COURSE- Our course is a USATF Certified & Sanctioned 5K.
WATER TABLE- There will be a water table at the 2 Mile point in the race
GETTING HERE
DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO DEFAZIO FIELD
- Take route 95 to Exit 32 - Dedham Ave
- Turn onto MA-135 W/Dedham Ave toward Needham
- Turn RIGHT into De Fazio Field, 380 Dedham Ave, Needham
DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO POLLARD SCHOOL
- Take route 95 to Exit 33 - Great Plain Ave.
- Turn onto Great Plain Ave toward Needham
- Turn LEFT onto Harris Ave (divided street) at Hazel's Bakery
- Proceed to Pollard School, 200 Harris Ave, Needham
PARKING - Needham Residents: We suggest walking or running to Pollard this year due to higher-than-usual registration numbers.
For anyone that is driving please park your car on any side street off Harris - one-side parking only. Parking is also available at DeFazio Field - just walk through the field under the railroad bridge and go to the front of Pollard School.
NO PARKING on Harris Ave from Great Plain Ave to Bradford Steet;
NO PARKING on Bradford Street between Harris Ave and Dedham Ave.
WEATHER - The race is held rain or shine. Consider bringing a water bottle to the race.
REFRESHMENTS - Fruit, snacks, and water/Gatorade will be provided. Pizza for sale $4 per slice.
More Races! More Awards! More Fun! More Teddy Bears!
May 17, 2026
Distance — 5K
Type — Running
10:00
$39.00
May 17, 2026
Distance — 5K
Type — Running
10:00
$54.00
May 17, 2026
Distance — 1 Miles
Type — Running
11:45
$39.00
May 17, 2026
Distance — 1 Miles
Type — Running
11:47
$39.00
May 17, 2026
Distance — 26.2m
Type — Running
12:30
$29.00
May 17, 2026
Distance — 100m
Type — Running
12:45
$29.00
May 17, 2026
Distance — 200m
Type — Running
13:00
$29.00
May 17, 2026
Distance — 400m
Type — Running
13:15
$29.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Needham.
Learn more about the host city, Needham.
Needham is a town in Massachusetts, near Boston with a population of 32,000 (2020). Home to Olin College, it features a number of upscale and ethnic restaurants have turned it into a rather unlikely culinary destination.
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location_on Brighton, Massachusetts, US
calendar_today Sep 27, 2026
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