Join us on Sunday May 17, 2026 for the
11th annual Run for Recovery 5K & Tribute
This event was established in 2016 to celebrate recovery and build community in support of wellness, while honoring those we’ve lost to addiction. Our 2026 event features distance options of 3.1 miles (5K) or 1.55 miles (1-course loop) and a virtual 5K option.
The event includes a Festival of community partners and local businesses that support our mission of wellness and recovery. The event’s program also includes a moving Tribute for participants and family members to honor those we have lost to addiction.
REGISTRATION
Online registration will remain open for the live event until race day Sunday, May 17. Registration will also be available at pre-race bib pickup locations (see below) and on-site at Franklin Park on Sunday, May 17. Registration for virtual runners will stay open through Sunday, May 17.
Race shirts are guaranteed only to live or virtual participants who register by Wednesday April 29. The registration form will also allow you to create a team for family and friends, donate to the Boston Bulldogs or set up your own fundraising page. Sponsored registration is available for those who cannot manage the race fee.
Fundraising options are available for both teams and individuals on your Race Roster registration page. As always, we greatly appreciate your support in doing this, as the funds raised will directly support the vital programs we offer. For any questions regarding fundraising, please email meaghan@bostonbulldogsrunning.org
TRIBUTE
Lauren Kennedy will be speaking at the tribute portion of our event which honors the lives we’ve lost to addiction — including her father, Jack Kennedy. A longtime member of the recovery community, Jack dedicated much of his life to helping others struggling with addiction.
Lauren is a committed member of the Boston Bulldogs Running Club. What drew Lauren to the Bulldogs was the same value her dad lived by — showing up for others in the recovery space and building real community.
Lauren is honored to share her father’s story and stand with a community that believes in supporting one another through recovery.
GETTING THERE
Public transportation to the race is available via the MBTA.
Driving: Put 25 Pierpont Rd, Dorchester, MA 02121 in your maps app or GPS. Note there is also a 25 Pierpont Rd in West Roxbury (02132) – that is the wrong location.
If you need assistance or HP parking, please check in with one of our parking volunteers at the entrance to the parking lot. Please cooperate with Park Rangers and avoid parking in spaces dedicated to the golf club or Franklin Park Zoo.
PACKET/T-SHIRT PICKUP
Advance bib/T-shirt pickup will be available at Marathon Sports in Brookline and in Plymouth for all runners who select the pickup option when they register. Pickup will also be available for live event runners on race day.
- Marathon Sports Brookline
1638 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA 02445
Saturday May 16: 10 AM – 1 PM - Marathon Sports Plymouth
9 Court Street, Plymouth, MA 02360
Saturday May 16: 4 – 6 PM
FESTIVAL
The 2026 Run for Recovery Festival of Community Programs and Supporters will once again be part of the live event at Franklin Park.
If your organization is interested in participating, fill out this form or reach out to info@bostonbulldogsrunning.org.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteers are an important part of this event each year. Sign up for a specific time slot or assignment on the volunteer form on the registration site.
Note: If you want to run/walk on race day and also volunteer, register as a volunteer first — we’ll accommodate your volunteer assignment and we’ll waive your registration fee. Then, register for the race using the comp code sent in your volunteer confirmation email. Thank you for being part of the Boston Bulldogs community of support!
COURSE AMENITIES
- Portable toilets will be available at the Franklin Park Playstead.
- Water stops will be available along the course.
- Refreshments will be provided at the finish line.
VIRTUAL RUNNERS
Interested in supporting the Boston Bulldogs and being part of a truly special event, but unable to join us on race day? Consider registering as a virtual runner, and run the race on your own terms, at a time and location of your choice.
If you’re running virtually, don’t forget to tag us on social media!
Facebook: Boston Bulldogs Running Club
Instagram: @bostonbulldogsrunning
LinkedIn: Boston Bulldogs Running Club
AWARDS
Results/times will be captured on-site at the live event and can be self-reported for virtual runners. Awards will be given to the top three male and female runners overall, as well as age group categories.