A Mother’s Day tradition; 3.5 mile women’s road race shirts available to first 400 to register; all proceeds to benefit Melrose Alliance Against Violence
A Mother’s Day tradition continues on May 14 with the 26th running of the Melrose Run for Women presented by Fitzgerald Physical Therapy Associates. The Melrose Run for Women is a 3.5-mile road race that takes runners and walkers through the peaceful and scenic Swain’s Pond section of Melrose.
The day begins with a family-friendly Kid’s Race at 8:30 a.m. on the Pine Banks Park track, across from the start of the women’s race. The four-and-under ages will be running the 50 meter dash; five to seven year olds will be running the 100 meter dash; and kids ages eight to 10 will be running a quarter mile loop around the track.
The 3.5-mile race can be run individually or in a mother-child team. The race starts at 9 a.m., and finishers are greeted by children giving out flowers at the finish line. After the race, participants can enjoy music, coffee, water, fresh baked goods, fresh fruit and other tasty treats donated by local businesses. It is truly a celebration of women that is enjoyed by the whole family.
Please be advised that parking in the area is limited. Participants and spectators are encouraged to carpool, bike or walk to the starting tent at the Sylvan Street entrance to Pine Banks Park. Early arrival is also recommended.
The race is made possible through the generous support of title sponsor Fitzgerald Physical Therapy Associates and major sponsors like Eastern Bank Foundation and The Residence at Melrose Station. Dozens of other local businesses also support the race through donations and in-kind contributions. The race is presented and organized by the Melrose Running Club, a nonprofit organization started in 1996 to promote the sport of running while making positive contributions to the local community.
Race proceeds support the important work of the Melrose Alliance Against Violence (MAAV). Since starting the race in 1998, this single road race has raised over $313,000 for MAAV.
Race Information: Sunday, May 14, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. (first Kid’s Race to begin at 8:30 a.m.) at Pine Banks Park, Melrose, Mass. To learn more or register, visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Melrose/MelroseRunForWomen or follow on Facebook @MelroseRunforWomen. Online registration is open through Sunday, May 14, 2023. Race day registration is available with credit cards only. No checks or cash. Shirts to the first 400 entrants!
Race packets will be distributed at Marathon Sports (401 Main St., Melrose) on Thursday, May 11, from 3 to 6 p.m., Friday, May 12, from 3 to 6 p.m. and Saturday, May 13, from 12 to 4 p.m. Participants may also pick up their race packets at Pine Banks Park the morning of the race beginning at 7 a.m.
More about the Melrose Running Club: Over the years the club has grown into a social, supportive group of local runners ranging from new runners just developing a routine to seasoned veterans training for their next marathon. The Club organizes two major road races each year: the Melrose Run for Women on Mother’s Day and the Mount Hood Nutcracker Challenge in early December. Weekly runs are held each Tuesday, departing from the Melrose Knights of Columbus at 7 p.m. Organized long runs are held at 8 a.m. on Sundays during spring and fall marathon training seasons. New members are always welcome. Visit www.melroserunningclub.com for more information.
About Melrose Alliance Against Violence (MAAV): Founded in 1995, MAAV is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing bullying, teen dating violence and domestic violence through awareness, education and outreach. All race proceeds benefit MAAV’s prevention programs with youth and support services for victims of domestic violence. Learn more at www.maav.org.