Great Bear Run

Pollard Middle School, Needham MA

Sunday, May 18th, 2025

🏃‍♂️ Great Bear Run - Event Info

IMPORTANT! GREAT BEAR RUN RACE INSTRUCTIONS

🗓️ Schedule

5K Run: 10:00 AM
1 Mile Run: 11:45 AM
1 Mile Fun Walk Run: 11:47 AM

👦 Kids Races

26.2 M: 12:45 PM
100 meters: 1:00 PM
200 meters: 1:15 PM
400 meters: 1:30 PM

🚗 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 is held at Pollard Middle School on Saturday 10 am - 1 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.

📊 Results

5K AND 1M RESULTS will be available online after the race www.greatbearrunresults.org.

💰 Prize Purse

$3000 USATF-NE Championship Race Prize Purse. Must have USATF-NE membership number to be eligible for a cash prize.

🗺️ Getting Here

🛣️ Driving Directions to DeFazio Field

Route: Take route 95 to Exit 32 - Dedham Ave
Turn: Turn onto MA-135 W/Dedham Ave toward Needham
Destination: Turn RIGHT into De Fazio Field, 380 Dedham Ave, Needham

🛣️ Driving Directions to Pollard School

Route: Take route 95 to Exit 33 - Great Plain Ave.
Turn: Turn onto Great Plain Ave toward Needham
Turn: Turn LEFT onto Harris Ave (divided street) at Hazel's Bakery
Destination: 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 to Bradford Street.

🌦️ 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.

🏆 Certification

USATF Certified & Sanctioned 5K – The 2024 Great Bear Run will be the Official 5K of the New England Road Race Grand Prix series. It is a great honor for our event to be selected. Learn More about the Grand Prix.