About the Needham Running Club New Year’s Day 5K 2027
The course runs fast and mostly flat, with a couple of short climbs that come later in the route and clear quickly. It starts and finishes at the Charles River YMCA on Great Plain Ave, which gives the whole morning a grounded, neighborhood feel. The race benefits local scholarships and community organizations, so the field tends to include people who actually live nearby.
Bib pickup runs the afternoon before at the YMCA, with race-morning pickup opening well ahead of the start. Parking on the street around the start area is generally easy, and a couple of free public lots within walking distance give you options if the nearest spots are taken.
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Distances & Start Times
3.1 Miles1/1/2027 11:00$35
Going for a Time?
Set a goal and get a pace band: every mile split on a card sized for your phone lock screen, so race morning needs no math.
Not sure what to aim for? The 5K pace chart lists the pace for every finish time.
Where to Stay
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