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Best Upcoming Races In Boston Area

Boston is one of the fittest cities in the country, so it is no wonder that there are so many races and competitions to choose from. This summer, try one of these races for a great cause. No matter your skill level — triathletes to slow walkers — there is something here for you!

home-base
(Photo from @HomeBaseProgram/Twitter)

Run To Home Base
Red Sox Foundation
4 Yawkey Way
MA 02215
(617) 226-6012
www.runtohomebase.org

Date: July 23, 2016 at 8:00 a.m.

Aside from the Boston Marathon, the Run to Home Base is the most quintessential annual Boston race. The race, hosted by the Red Sox Foundation and New Balance, requires race participants to raise a minimum of $1,000 to support "Home Base," which supports veterans and their families. And since the race ends at historic Fenway Park, runners are not only supporting a worthy cause, but have the rare chance to run across home plate in America's favorite ballpark.

Escape The Cape
Escape The Cape race. (Photo Credit: Max Performance)

Escape The Cape Triathlon
184 Onset Ave.
Onset Village, MA 02558
www.maxperformanceonline.com

Date: June 4, 2016 at 8:30 a.m.

Triathlons are true tests of athleticism. They require endurance and skill in not one, but three separate sports, back to back to back. But for those brave enough to take on the challenge, there is no better place to bike, run and swim than Cape Cod. Plus, this race is shorter form than Olympic style triathlons, so it is a great way for first-timers to try out the experience. Traditional Olympic triathlons require participants to swim 1.5 km, bike 40 km, and finish by running 10 km. Escape the Cape, on the other hand, is a .5 km swim, 16 km cycle and 5-mile run. The race is shorter, but not easy by any means!

AIDS Walk Boston
(Photo Credit: AIDS Walk Boston)


AIDS Walk And 5K Run

75 Amory St.
Boston, MA 02119
(617) 424-9255
www.aidswalkboston.org

Date: June 5, 2016 at 9:00 a.m.

Those of us who aren't as athletically inclined can still join in all the fun of a big race with the AIDS Walk and 5K Run. The walk is a great way to support an important cause and get out and exercise with friends. A 5K is the perfect distance for first-time racers. The 5K atmosphere typically isn't as competitive as most longer races, and as long as you aren't at the front of the pack, it isn't frowned upon to walk when you need to — especially during this race, which really highlights the cause, not the competition!

Related: Boston's Best Art Classes for Adults

Twin Lobster Half Marathon
Gloucester High School
32 Leslie O Johnson Road
Gloucester, MA 01930
www.yukanrun.com

Date: June 5, 2016 at 8:30 a.m.

This race is the epitome of New England. New Englanders are fit, competitive and love the ocean. If that description sounds like you, make sure to register for the Twin Lobster Half Marathon up on the north shore which supports, of course,  The Gloucester Fisherman's Athletic Association. The race is called a "twin" because there are two races back to back —a one-mile fun run and a more serious half marathon. Participants can run both races or just one of their choice! But there is an incentive to run both because competitors who complete the full "twin" challenge are entered to win a bunch of amazing prizes!


High Heel Dash

Assembly Red
340 Canal St.
Somerville, MA 02145
projectsmile.redpodium.com

Date: Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at 6:00 p.m.

This year, Project Smile is excited to host the Boston area's first high heel dash. Participants will run a 50-yard dash in heels that are at least three inches in height. Of course, anyone who can run in heels deserves a cocktail, so the race is followed by a party with included drinks and appetizers. All proceeds from the race registration and silent auction will go to benefit Project Smile, which provides toys and clothing to New England children in need.

Related: Boston's Best Wedding Photographers

Cameron Bruns is the founder of BostonGreenBlog.com and co-author of Just Us Gals Boston. She lives in Boston's North End, where her goal is to promote ethical, stylish, and sustainable lifestyle choices to all Boston residents. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
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