Big Cheese 5K

Big Cheese 5K 2026

Welcome to Athol Area YMCA's Big Cheese 5K! Whether you’ve been with us from our humble beginnings in 2010 or are new to this “Cheesy Experience,” we are so glad to have you as a part of the race. The Big Cheese 5K is a blast! You’ll feel accomplished. And most importantly, you’ll know that you’ve done your part to help others in need. This year proceeds will be donated towards the "Prescribe the Y Programming" which allows exercise programming to support the community focused around health and wellness initiatives. So whether you’re a hard core runner or a happy-go-lucky walker, please join us and bring a friend, or even the whole family (strollers welcome). And if you’re so inspired, feel free to wear a wacky costume. We love wacky costumes! We hope you will join us to celebrate our little town and show community pride with two unique races, The Big Cheese 5K and the River Rat Race . All you have to do is show up and chase the cheese. You might even catch yourself a block of award-winning Smith’s Country Cheese to take home with you. That and bragging rights, definitely bragging rights! See you at the race!

Schedule

• Early Packet Pickup Friday, April 10 5-7pm Athol Area YMCA Wellness Studio 545 Main St., Athol
• Registration 8:00 a.m. Athol Area YMCA Gymnasium 545 Main St., Athol
• Start School St. @ Prospect 9:30AM
• Finish Line Town Hall
• Results/Awards 10:30 AM Athol Area YMCA Gymnasium

Course Description

The Big Cheese 5K starts on School Street and is the first division of the Annual River Rat Parade. The cheers from the parade crowd along Main Street make the first mile an adrenaline sprint and you’ll be shocked how quickly you come up on our split caller located on the corner of Union St. & Shore Dr. The dreaded Exchange St. Hill looms ahead in Mile 2. But, don't worry. This split ends with a recovery lap around Silver Lake Park and a respite water station. Local Girl Scouts man the water station and their encouragement is just what you’ll need as you head into Mile 3 and few more hills. The last half mile of this race is a downhill jog all the way down Crescent Street and back onto Main Street where you will finish strong in front of the Athol Town Hall. Follow the voices of the finish line team and they will guide you to cold water and snacks.

Prizes

• Top Male / Female Overall
• 1st Male / Female in Each Age Category 14 & Under, 15 – 19, 20 – 29, 30 – 39, 40 – 49, 50 – 59, 60 – 69, 70 & over
• BEST COSTUME – Adult
• BEST COSTUME – Youth

Sponsors

Professional Race Timing by: Race Contact Info