HOLDEN 5K Road Race

"The official running shoe store of the Holden Road Race"

Location:

Holden Commons (Big Y Parking Lot) – 160 Reservoir St. – Holden, MA

Packet Pick-Up Times:

Saturday, Nov. 19th from 11-5 we will be at Sneakerama
Sunday, Nov. 20th from 1-4pm we will be at Sneakerama
Tuesday, Nov. 22nd from 5-9 pm we will be at Showcase North Cinemas
Wednesday, Nov. 23rd from 5-9 pm we will be at Showcase North Cinemas

Address for Pick Up Locations:

Sneakerama, 12 Lake Ave Worcester, MA 01604

Showcase North Cinemas,135 Brooks St, Worcester, MA 01606

Registration:

Online registration is open until Nov 20th at 10:00pm! See our registration page for more info on online registration, walk-in registration, and race packet pickup times. We will sell out at 2000 registrations which may prevent walk-in registration. (Note: If you register after November 6, you are not guaranteed a race t-shirt.)

On site registration will open at 7:00 am the morning of the race and will close promptly at 7:45 am.

Elite Runners:

Runners with a confirmed 5K result under 21 minutes will be allowed to start at the front of the starting area. Qualifying runners will be given special bib #’s that allow them to start in the elite runner area.

Course:

The HRR course begins and ends in the Big Y parking lot. The course circles around downtown Holden where runners pass residential neighbourhoods and many local businesses. The USATF certified 5k course has been called a “challenge” by many of its participants due to its uphill climb that peaks on Jamieson Rd (about the half-way point of the course). As all Holden runners know, you can’t run anywhere in this town without encountering a few hills. But with the ups also come the downs and runners are treated to a long downhill section that that winds back to Main St during the latter half of the course. Parts of the course have you facing the morning sun so sunglasses are recommended. See our race map for more info.

Benefit:

The Holden Road Race supports multiple charities in the Wachusett region. Our primary benefactors are the Wachusett Food Pantry and the Joseph’s Project. Both non-profit organizations have a mission to see that nobody goes hungry in central Massachusetts. We will also support Be Like Brit and Hearts for Heat as benefactors. See our race proceeds page for more info.

T-Shirts:

We are only ordering 1350 T-shirts in fixed quantities per size. Please make sure to sign up early to get a race T-shirt! T-shirts are New Balance Unisex specific fit tech shirts. Tech shirts are generally a more fitted cut than regular shirts. If you registered too late to get T-shirt and really really want a shirt, read this before contacting us.

Awards/Prizes:

$100 cash will be given to 1st place male/female. The top ten finishers will receive a free registration for the 2017 Holden Road Race. (Must have provided a valid email address during registration. coupon code will be emailed the following September).

Timing:

Disposable B-Tag timing will be provided by Fast Finishes! A starting mat and a finish line mat will be provided to give runners gun and net time. Bib number must be visible and timing tags must not be bent or folded in order to get timed correctly.

Parking:

Parking is tight and it is recommend that all participants arrive early. If you arrive before 7:20 you will most likely be able to park in the Big Y shopping plaza or one of the surrounding lots. Overflow parking is available at the Val’s Restaurant Parking Lot (.25 mi from race start) and at Holden Chapel (.35 mi from race start). Shuttle service will be available from the Holden Chapel parking lot. Volunteers will be available to help direct cars to the best available parking.

Walkers/Strollers:

Since this is a family-friendly event, walkers and strollers are welcome; we just ask that you start at the back. Registration is not required for children riding in strollers (although you can still register them if you would like to see their name in the race results).

Dogs:

Dogs are not allowed on the race course (sorry). We discourage dogs-walkers since not everyone is comfortable around dogs and we need to be mindful of everyone. The starting area is also very tight and there is not extra room for our canine friends. Runners in the starting gate with a dog may be asked to leave.

Course Certification:

The HRR course is USATF certified as being exactly 5 kilometers (3.10686 miles) in length. http://www.usatf.org/events/courses/maps/showMap.asp?courseID=MA11038JK

Bikes/skateboards/rollerblades:

Only runners, walkers and strollers are permitted on the course. No bikes, skateboards, rollerblades or other mobility devices are allowed.

***Tips & Tricks***

· Register before cutoff date to ensure a tech shirt

· Register before day of race to make processes easier

· If signing up last minute download/print waiver form to bring with you and cash is faster! (**credit card acceptable)

· Arrive early J

· Volunteer to bless! Many hands make light work!

PLATNUM SPONSORS:

THE OFFICIAL RUNNING SHOE STORE OF THE HOLDEN ROAD RACE

GOLD SPONSORS: