Great Bear Run

Sun, May 17, 2026, 10:00 AM EDT

Location: Needham, MA; Pollard Middle School, 200 Harris Avenue, 02492
Type: RUN

At a glance

A vibrant event in Needham, MA, blending a certified 5K with delightful, bear-themed races for all ages and a focus on fun.

Fun
Competitive
Quirky

The Great Bear Run in Needham, MA, offers a dynamic race day for all ages. Featuring a USATF Certified & Sanctioned 5K, it also includes a 1 Mile Run, a 1 Mile Fun Run, and several engaging dashes for younger participants, including a unique 26.2 Meter Bearathon for ages 0-3. Expect a lively atmosphere with opportunities for both competitive racing and family-friendly fun, complete with awards and teddy bear-themed elements.

What to expect

Run a USATF Certified & Sanctioned 5K course.
Enjoy a water table at the 2-mile mark and post-race refreshments like fruit, snacks, and drinks.
Kids can participate in age-specific dashes, including a 26.2 Meter Bearathon.

Standout details

USATF Certified & Sanctioned 5K
Multiple youth races, including a Bearathon
Awards for top finishers
Post-race fruit, snacks, and drinks

Auto-drafted from the public listing — confirm details on the official event page before signing up.

Distances & registration

8 options

Registration for all distances is through the official signup link above.

26.2m
Sun, May 17, 12:30 PM EDT · From $32.69
Opens Jan 5, 2026, 7:00 PM EST · Closes May 15, 2026, 7:59 PM EDT
100m
Sun, May 17, 12:45 PM EDT · From $32.69
Opens Jan 5, 2026, 7:00 PM EST · Closes May 15, 2026, 7:59 PM EDT
200m
Sun, May 17, 1:00 PM EDT · From $32.69
Opens Jan 5, 2026, 7:00 PM EST · Closes May 15, 2026, 7:59 PM EDT

+ 5 more options

400m
Sun, May 17, 1:15 PM EDT · From $32.69
Opens Jan 5, 2026, 7:00 PM EST · Closes May 15, 2026, 7:59 PM EDT
1 Miles
Sun, May 17, 11:45 AM EDT · From $43.29
Opens Jan 5, 2026, 7:00 PM EST · Closes May 15, 2026, 7:59 PM EDT
1 Miles
Sun, May 17, 11:47 AM EDT · From $43.29
Opens Jan 5, 2026, 7:00 PM EST · Closes May 15, 2026, 7:59 PM EDT
5K
Sun, May 17, 10:00 AM EDT · From $43.29
Opens Jan 5, 2026, 7:00 PM EST · Closes May 15, 2026, 7:59 PM EDT
5K
Sun, May 17, 10:00 AM EDT · From $59.19
Opens Jan 5, 2026, 7:00 PM EST · Closes May 15, 2026, 7:59 PM EDT

Vibe Check

Easygoing

Rolling area

Based on terrain, weather, and distance data.

The course

Rolling
Timed race

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.

More Races! More Awards! More Fun! More Teddy Bears!

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