Big Cheese 5K

Welcome to the 2026 Athol Area YMCA's Big Cheese 5K!

Whether you’ve been with us from our humble beginnings in 2010 or are new to this “Cheesy Experience,” we are so glad to have you as a part of the race.

The Big Cheese 5K is a blast! You’ll feel accomplished. And most importantly, you’ll know that you’ve done your part to help build programs for others in need.

This year, we are raising funds to make exciting, much-needed improvements to our facilities, including a gym floor in our Main Street Gym, upgrading and expanding our Orange location, and adding new equipment and Healthy Living programs at both locations. The YMCA is a non-profit organization that partly relies on the community for continued support, which, in turn, can give back to the community by offering supportive, fun, and exciting healthy living activities such as the LiveStrong program (a supportive program to build back strength and spirit for cancer survivors), yoga, childcare, senior citizen exercise programs, swimming lessons, sports, weightlifting and so much more! 

As we gear up for the 2026 race, we are seeking your support. Donations will help offset the event's costs, including SecondWind Timing for a competitive or non-competitive race experience. Not only does this strengthen our event and community, but it also allows all of our race registrations to go directly to the important facility updates and community-strengthening causes we support. Please consider how you can help this year!

Please consider contributing your tax-deductible donation today by tapping "Donate" below.

Early Packet Pickup
Friday, April 10
5-7pm
Athol Area YMCA Wellness Studio
545 Main St., Athol

Race Day Registration / Packet Pickup

Saturday, April 11
8:00 a.m.
Athol Area YMCA Gymnasium
545 Main St., Athol

Race Start
School St. @ Prospect 9:30 AM

Finish Line
Town Hall

Results/Awards Ceremony
10:30 AM
Athol Area YMCA Gymnasium

The Big Cheese 5K starts on School Street and is the first division of the Annual River Rat Parade. The cheers from the parade crowd along Main Street make the first mile an adrenaline sprint and you’ll be shocked how quickly you come up on our split caller located on the corner of Union St. & Shore Dr.  The dreaded Exchange St. Hill looms ahead in Mile 2.  But, don't worry. This split ends with a recovery lap around Silver Lake Park and a respite water station. Local Girl Scouts man the water station and their encouragement is just what you’ll need as you head into Mile 3 and few more hills. The last half mile of this race is a downhill jog all the way down Crescent Street and back onto Main Street where you will finish strong in front of the Athol Town Hall. Follow the voices of the finish line team and they will guide you to cold water and snacks.

Thank you, Smith's Country Cheese and Timber Fire Pizza, for your Prize Donations!

Top Male / Female Overall

1st Male / Female in Each Age Category
14 & Under
15 – 19
20 – 29
30 – 39
40 – 49
50 – 59
60 – 69
70 & over
BEST COSTUME – Adult
BEST COSTUME – Youth