2026 Shrewsbury Trails 5K

Join us on Saturday, October 3, 2026, for the Annual Shrewsbury Trails 5K amongst the trees, fields, and bog bridges of Lake Street Park.

The mission of Shrewsbury Trails Committee is to Preserve, Promote, and Protect Shrewsbury’s open spaces in partnership with Town Planning, Parks & Recreation, and Engineering Departments.

Participants will have the opportunity to run or walk on a variety of surfaces and trail conditions, from wide cart paths on the meadow loop to challenging single-track trails along Meadow Brook. You’ll pop in and out of heavily forested sections and run past visible beaver activity that are shaping our environment.

Lake Street Park offers ample parking, a large field for gathering and watching the racers. In addition to the 5k trail race and walk, there will also be a Kid Run (age 12 and under) on the lacrosse field.

Saturday, October 3rd, 5K race/walk start time 9am. Kids Race 10:15am

430 Lake St. Shrewsbury, MA 01545

$30 fee for trail race/walk

$12 fee for age 12 and under field run

Question: When should I arrive?

   Answer: 45-60 mins before the start of the race to park, pick up your bib, warm up and hit the porta-john one last time.

Question: Can I pick up someone else’s bib and shirt?

   Answer: Yes

Question: Are dogs allowed to run with me during the race.

   Answer: Due to the tightness of the trails and safety for all, no dogs are allowed to run with you. The trails will be opened back up for public     after the race. Well behaved dogs and owners are always welcome on our public trails.

Question: Can I walk the course?

   Answer: YES! New in 2026 we are accepting walkers as part of the event. Walkers will start a few minutes behind the runners. 

Question: Can a parent or guardian run with their child in the Kid Fun Run?

   Answer: Yes, we encourage it especially for the youngest runners.

Question: Will there be a bag drop?

   Answer: No, we ask that you keep all personal items in your vehicle or with a spectator.

Question: Is the event Rain or Shine?

   Answer: YES

Question: Where should I go on the starting line?

   Answer: The runners who think they are among the fastest should get a spot on the actual line. Pick a spot that roughly matches how fast       you think you are. If you think you’re a mid-pack runner line up somewhere in the middle. Talk to runners around you, move closer or further     from start line as needed.

Question: Is there are course time limit?

   Answer: Yes, the 5k run AND walk has a one-hour time limit.

Question: Will there be portable toilets available?

   Answer: Yes, portable toilets will be available in the parking lot near start line. You pass them again around mile 2 if needed.

Question: How do I volunteer?

   Answer: We’d love you to volunteer. Please email us at trailscommittee@shrewsburyma.com and let us know your availability on race day.

Question: How long is the Kid Fun Run?

   Answer: The kid run will be ~ ¼-mile in length

Question: Will there be same day registration available?

   Answer: Yes, you can register on race day, at the event. It will be cashless, and you'll need to sign a waiver. Please arrive as early as possible to avoid start time conflicts.

2026 Course updates: Due to current beaver activity and nature's way of always changing, modifications to the 2025 course may occur prior to the race date. Check back for course changes closer to race day. Thank you!

General notes:

• Race will start on LAX field, heading South briefly before turning West and leaving field (maroon lines)
• You turn North behind a stand of trees before turning East and appear back on the field (maroon lines), skirt the edge of the parking lot and continue on the paved 'Story Walk" path until turning North on top gravel service road (magenta line)
• Cross bridge #1 on gravel road before turning West into the woods (Northern most and outside most blue line)
• On the outer most blue line, mostly single track, will pass 1-mile in woods, before approaching bridge #2
• You'll continue on the outer most trail (blue turning to yellow), crossing bridge 3 & 4, eventually climbing up to the meadow loop (Maroon, south of LAX field)
• You'll turn south, onto a loop (shown as orange), stay right and running it counterclockwise, crossing bridge #5 returning back onto the meadow loop and heading right (East).
• As you approach the 2-mile mark running counterclockwise on the meadow loop, port-a-pottys will be available again in the parking lot.
• Continue past the LAX field and your first turn, look for volunteer directing you North-ish. This blue line will take you above the LAX field on a ridge trail. Follow that, drop down, and then climb again back into the North woods, popping out on the gravel service road once more. Cross bridge #1 again
• Final leg (shown as yellow) will take the Story Walk paved path South-west, onto parking lot briefly, back on to LAX field for the finish.

Dear Shrewsbury Community Member,

The Shrewsbury Trails Committee is excited to host the annual Shrewsbury Trails 5k on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 9:00am. The Trail Race/Walk and Kids Fun Run will begin and end at Lake Street Park in Shrewsbury.

We are seeking financial or in-kind support from potential sponsors for this event.

The attached page outlines our sponsorship details. Please contact us if you have any questions about sponsorship.

The mission of Shrewsbury Trails Committee is to Preserve, Promote, and Protect Shrewsbury’s open spaces in partnership with Town Planning, Parks & Recreation, and Engineering Departments.

Participants will have the opportunity to run on a variety of surfaces and trail conditions, from wide cart paths on the meadow loop to tight single-track trails along Meadow Brook. You’ll pop in and out of heavily forested sections and run past visible beaver activity that are shaping our environment.

Through this race we endeavor to showcase one of our well-established trails systems and promote the use for a variety of activities. The Town of Shrewsbury is no stranger to successful and well attended run/walk/race events. With this trail race/walk, we aim to bring the participants closer to nature with challenging terrain and chill vibes.

As you know, run/walks and races are wonderful community events that bring people together in a positive environment. As a local organization, your sponsorship for this race would be a great way to reach the local community and show your support for Trails and all open spaces in Shrewsbury.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a meaningful impact in Shrewsbury. We are truly grateful for the possibility of your generous support!

Sincerely,

Shrewsbury Trails Committee