Welcome to the 2026 Athol Area YMCA's Big Cheese 5K! Whether you’ve been with us from our humble beginnings in 2010 or are new to this “Cheesy Experience,” we are so glad to have you as a part of the race. The Big Cheese 5K is a blast! You’ll feel accomplished. And most importantly, you’ll know that you’ve done your part to help build programs for others in need. This year, we are raising funds to make exciting, much-needed improvements to our facilities, including a gym floor in our Main Street Gym, upgrading and expanding our Orange location, and adding new equipment and Healthy Living programs at both locations. The YMCA is a non-profit organization that partly relies on the community for continued support, which, in turn, can give back to the community by offering supportive, fun, and exciting healthy living activities such as the LiveStrong program (a supportive program to build back strength and spirit for cancer survivors), yoga, childcare, senior citizen exercise programs, swim
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Athol, MA. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
RaceHotelFinder earns a small commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Results are sorted by distance from the race venue.
Race weekend dates pre-loaded on Booking.com. RaceHotelFinder may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for April 10.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Athol, 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
