Lace up your shoes for the Danehy Park parkrun, a free weekly 5K event set to take place on January 31, 2026, in Cambridge, MA. This welcoming community run offers a unique experience across a 50-acre park, originally a redeveloped landfill, now transformed into a vibrant green space. The 5K course is run entirely on tarmac paths, beginning near the New Street parking lot with a gentle uphill start. Runners will then complete three laps around the park's perimeter, skirting athletic fields, before a final turn that involves a short ascent and slight descent to the finish line. Keep an eye out for the "pretzel course" shape and the sparkling recycled glass asphalt underfoot as you run, with a chance to catch a glimpse of the Boston skyline from the finish hill.

Danehy Park parkrun, established in 2021, is known for its friendly and supportive atmosphere, entirely organized by enthusiastic volunteers. It caters to all abilities, encouraging participants to walk, jog, or run at their own pace. While formal aid stations are not a feature of parkrun events, the park does offer drinking fountains and restrooms for convenience. Typical race day conditions for late January in Cambridge see highs around 38F and lows around 23F, with a 15% chance of precipitation, so dress accordingly for a brisk New England morning. After crossing the finish line, many runners gather for a post-parkrun coffee at the nearby Revival Cafe, fostering a strong sense of community.