Great Bear Run 2026 — Needham, MA
The Great Bear Run in Needham, Massachusetts starts at 10:00 AM, giving traveling athletes a reasonable window to arrive and settle in before racing. Held at Pollard Middle School, the event offers a wide range of distances to suit different training phases and goals: sprint distances of 100M, 200M, and 400M, a 1-mile option, a 5K, and the full marathon distance of 26.2 miles. Entry fees run from $29 to $60 depending on distance selected. Whether you're building speed work, testing a longer training effort, or tackling the full 26.2-mile distance, the variety of offerings makes this May race accessible to runners at multiple experience levels. The mid-morning start time works well for athletes who prefer not to wake before dawn on race day.
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Needham, MA. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
Great Bear Run 2026 — Needham, MA
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for May 17.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Needham, MA. A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing. Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it, and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run 5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no additional coverage needed.
- Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
- Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
- Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
- Emergency medical up to $250,000
- Cancel For Any Reason add-on available
- 24/7 real-time support
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Coverage terms vary by state and plan. Review policy details before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Great Bear Run 2026 — Needham, MA?
Great Bear Run 2026 — Needham, MA takes place on May 17, 2026. The race is held in Needham, Massachusetts.
Where is Great Bear Run 2026 — Needham, MA held?
Great Bear Run 2026 — Needham, MA is held at Pollard Middle School in Needham, Massachusetts.
Where can I find hotels near Great Bear Run 2026 — Needham, MA?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Needham. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.