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!

Join fellow runners on May 17, 2026 for the Great Bear Run. It's a fantastic 5K, 1.6K featuring a flat and fast course in Needham.