Upcoming #Boston Area Races... See you there?

I love to drink local so naturally running local is another of my favorite past times. Traveling for races is a treat, but sometimes you just want to walk out your door and stumble upon a 5k or obstacle course.

I also adore being part of an inaugural running event. I mean hello #DopeyChallenge anyone! ;)

While not EVERY 5k can happen down the end of my street - how RUDE - here are some of the local races I have on my docket this summer.

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I am taking part in the Boston 5k Summer Series, which spans over 6 Thursdays from May through September. What I like about this series is the Women's Only 5k option. That's right. This race has 2 5ks in one night for the ladies if you so desire.

Six Thursday evening 5K runs along the Charles River in Boston at the DCR’s Artesani Park on Soldiers Field Road w/ after-parties at The Boyne Pub. 

For example, this Thursday (May 29) the Series kicks off with the Women's Only 5k at 7 and the Open/Co-Ed 5k at 7:30. So if you ladies so desire, you can complete the first, turn around and head right back out for another. Which for now is my game plan - unless my training plan calls for something else.

You can get a deal by signing up for all 6 races at once - season pass - for $119, which works out to about $19.83 per race ... OR you can sign up for individual races for $25 each.

Aannndd as we all know I like a good post-race beverage! The Boston 5k Summer Series has connected with some spectacular breweries for post-race beer!

To sign up or to learn more information about this series, click here!

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My LOVE of the Cambridge 5k race series and it's race director Eddie are widely known. :) So I am happy to be running in the 2nd annual Freedom Run 5k on June 1st!

I proudly run with the Slumbrew Happy Soles. Now while our team may be full - YOU can still register to sign up for this one of a kind race.

Freedom Run is a patriotic summer "kick off" race through East Cambridge that's hosted by theEast Cambridge Business Association (ECBA) and sponsored by the CambridgeSide Galleria.

Registration includes a great shirt + post-race party in Canal Park that features free food, craft beer, great music + an epic costume contest & dance off!

See now - four local breweries (including one cider option) - ready to welcome you with open arms and a cold brew upon finishing a scenic 5k through Cambridge.

So click here and register! Oh and remember to rock some red, white and blue!

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The Runner's World Heartbreak Hill Half & Festival, which is hosted on the campus of Boston College, includes:

• Seminars
• Live music
• A keynote address by Sarah Reinertsen
• Pre-race dinner with Runner’s World editors

Now for the races, which has something for everyone:

Run with us, the editors of Runner’s World, from Boston College through beautiful Newton, Massachusetts and along the Newton Hills, some of the most storied roads in racing. We have a race for runners of all levels, including a free kids run. Half marathon runners will receive a technical running shirt and 5K/10K runners will receive an event T-shirt. All half marathon, 5K, and 10K runners will receive a finisher’s medal.

Saturday, June 7 5k – 7am 10k – 8:30am

Sunday, June 8 Half Marathon – 7:30am

There are three different codes available – all good for 10% off your registration for:

*Half Marathon - blogweightoffmyshouldersHalf

*Five & Dime - blogweightoffmyshoulders5&10

*Hat Trick - blogweightoffmyshouldersHat

Click here to register!

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Now that we've hit up Boston and Cambridge, it's time to head back to my hometown of Somerville for the inaugural Rock and Run Boston.

Yes I know the title says Boston, but technically it is Somerville - hey on a day with zero traffic I hit Fenway in about 7 minutes from my house. So close enough... :P

Introducing Rock and Run, Presented by Radio 92.9! Rock and Run is a brand new event featuring an awesome 5K obstacle race, live music, views of the epic Boston skyline and okay…Beer (21+ only). Don’t miss out on the only race around that features unique challenges, live music checkpoints, urban and water views, and one kickin’ after party featuring a live performance that you won’t want to miss!

Racers can participate in the Rock and Run as a solo artist or grab some buds and start a band. Plus, in addition to the a soon to-be-announced national recording artist at the Finish Line, the Rock and Run will feature three bands along the course and is sure to be unlike anything you’ve competed in before!

This 5k obstacle run is hitting the Assembly Row area on June 21 and will feature a post-race Sponsor Village, filled with activations, samples, demos, live music and Sierra Nevada Beer Garden (21+ only).

Each participant receives entry to the obstacle race, a shirt and two free beer tickets.

Care to join my girl Kelly and I at the race? Then register here!

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If you haven't seen a local race in the Boston area that you love, please pass along the word! I love to spread and share about as many races as possible!

Will I see you at one of the races listed above?