MEDFORD, MA — The annual Run Medford race event is returning later this month, bringing several road closures and traffic restrictions to streets throughout the city.
The fifth annual event will take place on Friday, Sept. 25, and Saturday, Sept. 26, with the main 5K and 10K races scheduled for Saturday morning. Road closures are expected to be in effect from 7:30 to 9:45 a.m. According to the Medford Police Department, roads will reopen on a rolling basis as the last runners pass through each section of the course.
Traffic restrictions will be implemented on several streets along the race route. Salem Street will be fully closed from the Route 60 Rotary to Forest Street, while Riverside Avenue will be fully closed from Ring Road and Clippership Avenue to Medford Square. City Hall Mall will also be fully closed, with no access available to the Atrius Health parking garage.
The following streets will be impacted during the event:
Run Medford is hosted by the City of Medford and the Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation. The event was launched as a way for longtime race director and Medford native Dave McGillivray to give back to his hometown through running. McGillivray graduated as valedictorian of Medford High School in 1972 and gained national attention in 1978 when he ran across the country from Medford, Oregon, to Medford, Massachusetts, to raise money for the Jimmy Fund.
The weekend will begin with the Kids' Fun Run at the Dave McGillivray Track at Hormel Stadium on Friday. Registration opens at 3 p.m., with the races beginning at 5:15 p.m. Distances are based on age, ranging from one lap around the track for children 6 and younger to four laps for children between 11 and 12 years old.
Saturday's events will begin with the Celebrity Mile and Para Mile at 7:45 a.m., followed by the High School Mile at 8 a.m. Jerry's Run for All Ages 5K and the 10K will begin at 8:15 a.m. Both races will start and finish at Medford City Hall and take runners through the city. The 10K is being offered for the first time this year.
Jerry's Run for All Ages 5K is returning for its second year and is named in honor of Jerry Panarese, a longtime member of the New England 65+ Runners Club who served as director of the Run of All Ages in Wakefield for 25 years. Run Medford incorporated the race into its weekend after the original event was set to end. Runners 65 and older receive discounted registration, while participants 80 and older can enter for free. Awards will also be presented in five-year age groups for runners 65 and older.
Participants in the 5K and 10K will have 90 minutes to complete their courses before they may be asked to move to the sidewalk as streets reopen. Water stations will be available along both courses and at the start, finish, and post-race celebration.
The post-race celebration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and include food, refreshments, music and other activities. Registered participants will receive a finisher's medal, T-shirt and a copy of McGillivray's illustrated book, "Running Across America." Participants 21 and older will also receive two drink tickets for the post-race celebration.
Awards will be presented to the top three overall male, female, and masters finishers in both the 5K and 10K.
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