Great Bear Run
When is Great Bear Run?
Great Bear Run takes place on Sunday, May 17, 2026 in Needham, MA.
What distances does Great Bear Run offer?
Great Bear Run offers 8 events: 1M Run, 1M Fun Run - not timed, 5K Run, 5K Run and 1M Run, Tiny Tot Bearathon (ages 0-3), 100 Meter Run (ages 4-5), 200 Meter Run (age 6), 400 Meter Run (age 7-12).
| Event | Distance | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1M Run | 1.0 mi | $39.00 | Register |
| 1M Fun Run - not timed | 1.0 mi | $39.00 | Register |
| 5K Run | 5.0 km | $39.00 | Register |
| 5K Run and 1M Run | 5.0 km | $54.00 | Register |
| Tiny Tot Bearathon (ages 0-3) | 26.2 mi | $29.00 | Register |
| 100 Meter Run (ages 4-5) | 100.0 mi | $29.00 | Register |
| 200 Meter Run (age 6) | 200.0 mi | $29.00 | Register |
| 400 Meter Run (age 7-12) | 400.0 mi | $29.00 | Register |
How much does Great Bear Run cost?
Registration for Great Bear Run starts at $29.00. Prices vary by event distance.
Where is Great Bear Run held?
Great Bear Run is held in Needham, MA at Pollard Middle School.
About Great Bear Run
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!