Great Bear Run
- Date
- May 17, 2026
- Distance
- 5K Run · 1M Run · 5K Run and 1M Run & more
From the Organizer
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.
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About This Sport
From Endurance Grid's Founder
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
More running races in MA
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Great Bear Run?
- Great Bear Run is a running event held in Needham, MA. Learn more about the different endurance sports here.
- When and where is the Great Bear Run?
- Sunday, May 17, 2026 in Needham, MA at Pollard Middle School, Needham, MA. Check the official event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Great Bear Run?
- Registration is handled through their official registration page. Confirm pricing, distances available, and sign up there.
Great Bear Run
May 17, 2026