Frank Nealon Boston Tune-up 15K

Lace up for an exhilarating challenge at the Frank Nealon Boston Tune-up 15K, set to take place on Saturday, April 4, 2026, in the scenic town of Upton, Massachusetts. This beloved 15K (9.32-mile) race is renowned as the ultimate preparation event for the Boston Marathon, with a dynamic course featuring a strategic blend of challenging uphills and invigorating downhills that mirror the marathon's demanding profile. Runners can expect a USATF-certified course predominantly on well-marked, rolling paved roads, winding through a beautiful country atmosphere. Typical race day conditions in early April offer pleasant running weather, with historical highs around 55F and lows around 34F, and a modest 16% chance of precipitation.

What makes this race truly unique is its rich history and reputation as a competitive event. Dedicated in memory of Frank Nealon, a founding member of the Tri-Valley Front Runners and race director for 34 years, the event has often been a USATF-NE Grand Prix 15K Championship, attracting a quality field of runners across all age groups. The start and finish lines are conveniently located at Nipmuc Regional High School, offering ample parking, indoor changing facilities, and restrooms. Runners are supported with aid stations along the course and mile markers at each mile.

Beyond the challenging course, the Frank Nealon Boston Tune-up 15K fosters a vibrant race day atmosphere. Participants can look forward to post-race refreshments, including soup and pizza, along with free photos of all runners. Early registrants are often rewarded with a commemorative soup mug. A portion of the proceeds from this event are dedicated to the Jimmy Fund / Pan Mass Challenge, adding a meaningful charitable component to your race experience. Whether you're fine-tuning for Boston or simply seeking a rewarding and scenic 15K, this race promises a day of camaraderie, competition, and accomplishment.