Do I need to pre-register?

Yes, pre-registration is required for the 5K. It must be done by midnight on June 15, 2010. The 5K race is limited to 1,800 participants. If it fills up prior to June 15, registration will be closed. So we encourage early registration!

There will be no race-day registration!

Is there a limit to the number of participants?

The 5k is limited to 1,800 participants. We expect the race to sell out and encourage early registration.

How do I get to the race?

The race is held at Hopkinton High School, 90 Hayden Rowe Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748. From Rte. 495, take Exit 20 toward Hopkinton (Rte. 85 North). Proceed approximately 3 ¾ miles. Hopkinton High School is on the left. Race volunteers will direct you to parking areas.

Is parking available?

Yes. However, due to the size of the event, we expect parking to be limited. We encourage carpooling and advise you to arrive early. We have satellite parking lots, which could involve walking as much as ½ mile to the starting line. Make sure to allow enough time to park, register, and warm up, if you are planning to run the race.

Will I get a t-shirt?

T-shirts are guaranteed to those registered for the 5K by May 19. After that, t-shirts will be provided as available.

Kids running the 1-mile race will be given t-shirts.

T-shirts will be available for purchase for those children running the mini-marathon.

How do I pick up my race packet?

Race packets can be picked up prior to the race at PR Running, 18 Lyman Street in Westboro, from noon to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 17, or from noon to 6 p.m. Friday, June 18.

Packets may also be picked up on race day behind Hopkinton HS beginning at 7 a.m.

Can I pre-register my child for the Kids' 1 Mile Run?

Yes, registration for the Kids' 1 Mile Run (for 7-10 year old children) is available online or by mail. You may also register the day of the race until 9:15 a.m. However, the kids' 1-mile race is limited to 200 participants, so race-day registration for this event will only occur if space is available.  The Kids' 1 Mile Run begins at 9:45 a.m.

Can I pre-register my child for the mini-marathon?

Registration is available online or via mail. You may also register your child the day of the event. The Mini-Marathon is intended for children ages 2-8. Held at the Hopkinton HS track at 11:15 a.m., race distances range from a half-lap to a half-mile, depending on the age of the child.

Can I attend the Family Fun Day if I'm not running in the race?

The Family Fun Day is open to all. While we do not charge a set fee to attend the Family Fun Day events, we encourage and appreciate donations to The Angel Fund.

Will the race provide me my net time?

Yes, we will be using a starting mat, which ensures net timing. In addition, we are using the D-Tag system to expedite the timing and results process.

Can I push a baby jogger in the race?

No. Because the race is a USATF-NE sanctioned event, baby joggers, bicycles, inline skates, etc. are not permitted.

Can I walk in the race?

Yes, walkers are welcome to participate.

What happens if there is inclement weather?

The race is held rain or shine. The Family Fun Day, the awards ceremony, and all post race activities will be held indoors if necessary.

What if I register and cannot attend?

There are no refunds. In addition, t-shirts and race bags cannot be held for registered runners/walkers who are unable to participate.

Can I volunteer for the race?

Yes! Many hands are needed to pull off this event. Different volunteer opportunities are available starting days before the race or during the event. There are many opportunities to volunteer. Please contact Colleen Allen, Volunteer Director at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

How can I donate or raise money?

We have created a fun and easy way to raise money or donate. All donations go to The Angel Fund, whose mission is to support research and scientific investigations at the Cecil B. Day Laboratory for Neuromuscular Research, internationally recognized for its ground-breaking work in the fight against this devastating illness. Please visit www.firstgiving.com/sharontimlinrace for more details.

How do I train for my first 5K?

Many 5K training plans for beginners can be found online. Hal Higdon, a respected running expert and coach, has a training plan on his website, www.halhigdon.com . Runner's World -- www.runnersworld.com -- and Running Times -- www.runningtimes.com -- magazines also have training plans.