Event Information
Race Overview
We are excited to introduce the first annual Boston Bulldogs 5K Run for Recovery at Franklin Park on Sunday, May 22nd. A tribute to those who have lost their lives to addiction and the family and friends who love them, the event was established to look back and honor those that we've lost, and to move forward in support of wellness and recovery.
Club History
The Bulldogs were founded in 2008 by Clinician and “Coach” Michael Ferullo, as the HopeFound Bulldogs at the Shattuck Hospital shelter. The Bulldogs were “adopted” by Pine Street in 2012 and established as an independent 501c3 through the Road Runners Club of America in October 2015.
Coach Mike’s vision for the Club is to reach out to all those adversely affected by addiction – those in recovery, their friends and family, the various clinical communities, and to the community at large, especially the running community -- to promote the importance of wellness in recovery. The Club offers support by building a sense of community, anonymity and encouragement to facilitate discovery of the physical, emotional and social benefits of wellness and “community”.
Course Location and Description
The Franklin Park Playstead (Pierpont Rd, Boston, MA 02119)
The Boston Bulldogs 5K Run for Recovery will follow Franklin Park's premiere 5K cross-country course. The race incorporates three, approximately 1-mile loops through Franklin Park's picturesque fields and open trails.
The first loop kicks off on the Franklin Park Playstead cross-country style, with the course cutting across the field towards Pier Point Road. After following Pier Point Road, participants merge onto Playstead Road, loop around George White Schoolboy Stadium, and re-enter Franklin Park's Playstead field. The second loop begins the same as the first, although with a detour up and over historic Bear Cage Hill. After returning to the Playstead from Playstead Road, the third lap goes across the field and into the winding and scenic trails of Franklin Park's Wilderness. After exiting the trails, the course then finishes off with a speedy dash around the Playstead's perimeter, with the final stretch parallel to Pierpont Road.
Course Amenities
Portable toilets in the Franklin Park Playstead
Two water stops available along the three loop course
T-Shirts
All race participants will receive a commemorative race T-shirt along with their registration! Our athletic styled T-shirts will come in unisex sizing, ranging from x-small to x-large. In order to guarantee T-shirt sizes, please plan on picking up your race bib early at the Friday and Saturday packet pickups held at Marathon Sports. Sizing of T-shirts is not guaranteed for race day pickup/registration.
Awards
An award ceremony will directly follow the race, at approximately 10 a.m. Awards will be given to the the top three male and female overall, as well as to the top three male and female in the following age-group categories:
14 & Under
15-19
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
70 +
We will also be having race-day raffle with fabulous prizes generously donated to us by local businesses and our sponsors.
Tribute/Vigil
All attendees are invited to participate in a post-race tribute/vigil to commemorate and honor those we have lost to addiction. The stigmas associated with substance disorders and other addictions often prevent those who are struggling - and their friends and families - from getting the compassion and support they need and deserve. This vigil will recognize and honor our losses, and give participants a chance to get the support and loving kindness they need to move forward while recognizing and honoring their loved ones.
Packet Pickup
Pre-race packet pickup will be held at Marathon Sports in Brookline (1638 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02445), and registrants will receive a 20% off shopping discount in the store during number pickup hours (some exclusions may apply). Packet pickup will take place from 3-7 PM on Friday, May 20th, and 10-3 PM on Saturday, May 21st. Along with bib numbers, participants will be able to pickup their T-shirts during these two dates. Arrive early to guarantee T-shirt sizing.
Race-Day Volunteers
If you or a group of individuals are interested in volunteering on the day of the race, there are many opportunities to do so! Volunteer roles include, but are not limited to, race set-up and break-down, registration table assistance, course marshals, cheering squads, water stop assistants., etc.
Please contact us at BulldogsRunning@yahoo.com with your interests, we'd love to have you!
Virtual Runners
Interested in supporting the Bulldogs cause and being part of a truly special event, but unable to join us on May 22nd? Consider signing up as a virtual runner, and run the race on your own terms, at a time and location of your choice. All virtual runners will receive a commemorative race T-shirt along with their registration! We encourage all virtual runners to share their experiences with us through social media!
Directions
FROM BOSTON:
U.S. Route 1 South to Route 203
Follow 203 for one mile to rotary
Go .75 miles and follow signs to Franklin Park
The course is then .75 miles on the left
FROM NORTH OF BOSTON:
Route 93 South to Exit 15 (Columbia Road)
Follow three miles to Franklin Park
FROM SOUTH OF BOSTON:
Route 93 North to Exit 11B (Route 203; Granite Avenue)
Bear right and follow Route 203 for four miles to rotary
Follow signs to Franklin Park/Franklin Park Zoo
Or, take U.S. Route 1 North to Route 203
FROM WEST OF BOSTON:
Take the Massachusetts Turnpike to Route 93 South
At Exit 15, follow directions “FROM NORTH” (above).
VIA SUBWAY:
Take the MBTA’s Orange Line to Forest Hills
Walk one mile to Franklin Park
Parking
Public transportation to the race and vigil is available and highly encouraged
Parking is available at two lots along Circuit Drive, leading to The Playstead, and on Circuit Drive
Please cooperate with park rangers giving directions
Please do not park in spaces dedicated to the golf club or Franklin Park Zoo
Park legally!
