By Mitch M. Rosenthal
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It’s time to lace up your running shoes and join the historic trek through Bear Cage Hill as the Mayor’s Cup Cross Country celebrates its 35th year at Franklin Park, with a tradition that dates back to 1990 when legendary Boston coach Bill Squires aimed to reignite the spirit of open cross country racing, starting from humble beginnings with just nine participants to now, nearly a thousand runners pounding the park’s storied pathways. The event has blossomed into a highlight on Boston’s athletic calendar, bringing together a diverse group ranging from the energetic youth to international runners with their eye on the prize.
With a variety of races, the event is designed for runners of all ages and skill levels, the categories include youth races for those 14 and under and the Franklin Park 5K All-Comers races for both women and men, ensuring that everyone from the fastest whippersnappers to those seasoned athletes who still have the fire in their bellies can have their day under the sun; top finishers don’t go home empty-handed, with medals up for grabs for individuals and teams that show their speed and teamwork.
To join the fray, runners need to register ahead of the races, entrants can’t just show up on the day expecting to hit the trails, a little bit of planning goes a long way to secure a spot and possibly a place on the podium. Pre-registration is a must, so consider this your nudge to sign up and secure your bib number for an event that’s as much about community and camaraderie as it is about competition.
For those looking to know more about the event, to pick the brains of the organizers or simply to find more reasons to get pumped about the races, the Boston Parks and Recreation Department is the nexus of information, reachable at (617) 961-3047 or through their website, which features a smorgasbord of information on the races, park news, and other happenings that keep Boston’s green spaces buzzing with life all year round; and for those digitally savvy folks, updates are as close as a follow on social media including X, Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky where the latest on Boston’s parks and sports is just a click away.
Don’t forget to visit the official City of Boston website for additional details or to slap that register button—they’ve made it as easy as pie, but remember, no one wants to be the one left tying their shoelaces when the starting gun goes off.
