May Day Races

Home › Events › May Day Races

May Day Races

Lace up your sneakers and join us for one of the most exciting days of the year—the May Day Races, Sunday, May 3rd! This annual fundraiser is more than just a race—it’s a full-on celebration of movement, community, and outdoor fun for all ages.

Participants can choose from a 5K cross country, or a relaxed fun walk, while kids can dive into the action with our ½-mile Obstacles & Popsicles Race (yes, there will be popsicles!) or the 1-mile Splatter Sprint, where getting messy is half the fun. Whether you’re chasing a new personal best or just here for the laughs and good vibes, there’s something for everyone.

All proceeds from the May Day Races go directly toward supporting CRA programming throughout the year. Every step you take helps us keep our programs accessible, inclusive, and thriving for youth and adults across the community.

So grab your running buddy, your walking shoes, or your wildest costume—and join us for a day that’s as meaningful as it is memorable!

Registration

- Pre-Registration Closes: Thursday, April 30
  Sign up early to guarantee your spot and snag one of our wicking tees!
- PRE-REGISTER FOR YOUR RACE

- Day-of Registration:
  Opens Sunday, May 3 at 7:30 AM and closes 30 minutes before your race starts.
  We accept cash, check, credit cards and Venmo—whatever’s easiest for you!

5K Cross Country Race

Start Time 9:00am
Awards Male and Female in each age group.
Course 5K course behind Nessacus Middle School and Wahconah Regional High School.
Free short wicking shirt for the first 80 registrants

Obstacles and Popsicles Kids’ Race

Start time10:00 a.m.
Warm-up On the field at 9:40 a.m.
First race Ages 6 & under. Second race: Ages 7 & 8.
Awards Every participant receives a ribbon and a freeze pop at the finish line. Awards for top boys and girls in each age group.
Course 1/2-mile obstacle course behind Nessacus Middle School.

Splatter Sprint

Start Time Immediately following O&P races
Ages 8 & Up
Awards Top boys and girls in each age group (8-12).
Course 1-mile course behind Nessacus Middle School.
Sunglasses and white t-shirt included
Get colorful! A fun-filled 1-mile sprint through various terrain where you will be the canvas! Start out in a white t-shirt and pass through splatter zones where colorful corn starch powder will be tossed your way. At the end of the mile, show off your colors!

MayDay_RoadRace_5K10K_StartingLine_2025_1

Race Shirts

Short-sleeve wicking race shirts are guaranteed to the first 80 registered 5K runners.
We’ll do our best with sizes, but can’t guarantee specific availability—sign up early to get yours!

Race Packet Pick-Up

Early Pick-Up:
Saturday, May 2 from 8:00 AM–1:00 PM at the Community House
Race Day Pick-Up:
Starts at 7:30 AM at Nessacus Middle School

Fun Walk Course Description

Start at the tennis courts and exit the school lot south onto Fox Road
Turn right onto Rt 8 staying on the sidewalk
Turn right onto Old Windsor Road
Turn right into the farthest entrance of the high school driveway
Follow the driveway around the left side of the school
When the pavement ends, follow the red flags, keeping them on your right
At the end of the field, turn left, then right to cross the small wooden bridge over the stream
Walk straight on the trail through the woods
Exit the woods and follow the red flags to the gap in the wooden guard rail
Stay to the left of the school building, then turn right at the front entrance
Take a final right between the school and tennis courts to reach the finish line

Race Packet Pick-Up Locations

Community Recreation Association (CRA)
400 Main St, Dalton, MA: Get Directions

Early Pick-up Location

Nessacus Regional Middle School
35 Fox Rd, Dalton, MA: Get Directions

Race Day Pick-up Location (Behind the school)

Don't be late! - Race Kicks off at 9am

Nessacus Regional Middle School
35 Fox Rd, Dalton, MA: Get Directions

Start line is back by the tennis courts.

Community and Fund Raising Events

Events

Athletic Hall of Fame

Gib Kittredge Auction

Past Race Results

Full Race Results for 2025 — See Where You Crossed the Finish Line!

10K Road Race Results
5K Road Race Results
O&P 6 and up Results
O&P 5 and under Results
Splatter Sprint Results

This year’s Major Sponsor is Greylock Federal Credit Union!

2025 Platinum Sponsors

2025 May Day Sponsors

Are you interested in supporting a family-focused community event that brings neighbors together and celebrates healthy, active living? Partnering with the CRA’s May Day Road Race is a great way to showcase your business while making a meaningful impact right here in our community.

We welcome local businesses and organizations to get involved—whether through sponsorship, in-kind donations, or volunteering. It’s a fun and rewarding way to be part of a cherished Dalton tradition.

Contact the CRA today to learn more and add your business information here—we’d love to have you on board!