Pollard Middle School, Needham MA
Sunday, May 18th, 2025
🏃♂️ 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 -- NEW TIME
- 100 Meter Dash: 12:45 pm - age 4-5 -- NEW TIME
- 200 Meter Dash: 1:00 pm - age 6 -- NEW TIME
- 400 Meter Run: 1:15 pm - age 7-12 -- NEW TIME
🚗 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.
📊 5K AND 1M RESULTS
Will be available online after the race www.greatbearrunresults.org.
🗺️ GETTING HERE
🚙 DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO DEFAZIO FIELD
- Step 1: Take route 95 to Exit 32 - Dedham Ave
- Step 2: Turn onto MA-135 W/Dedham Ave toward Needham
- Step 3: Turn RIGHT into De Fazio Field, 380 Dedham Ave, Needham
🚘 DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO POLLARD SCHOOL
- Step 1: Take route 95 to Exit 33 - Great Plain Ave.
- Step 2: Turn onto Great Plain Ave toward Needham
- Step 3: Turn LEFT onto Harris Ave (divided street) at Hazel's Bakery
- Step 4: 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 Street: 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!
Join us for the Great Bear Run on May 18, 2025, at Pollard Middle School, Needham, MA. For more information, visit Great Bear Run Registration.
Starting Line Map
Coaching
Race Strong, Smart & Healthy with Online or In-Person Coaching!
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