GNOCA 5K Run/Walk: Racing to Cure Ovarian Cancer

Join us in honor of Jackie Poor & Paula Holm to support local women and fund critical research.

Run, Walk, and Make a Difference

Whether you’re a competitive runner aiming for a personal best, a casual walker enjoying the harbor views, or bringing the whole family along, your participation directly supports local women facing ovarian cancer. Secure your spot today to take advantage of early-bird pricing! Select your registration tier below to get started.

The Essentials:

Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026

Location: Michael's Harborside, Newburyport, MA

Timing: NEW THIS YEAR: Official Chip Timing for All 5K Runners!

Adults (18+)

$30 – Early Bird (On or before May 31)
$35 – Standard (After May 31)
$40 – Race Day On-Site
Teens (12-17)

$15 – Standard Rate
(Price remains $15 on Race Day)
Includes official race bib & chip
Kids (Under 12)

FREE Registration
(Must run/walk with an adult)
Strollers are warmly welcomed

Sign Up & Secure Your Spot

Race Weekend Schedule & Logistics

Saturday, September 26 (Pre-Race Day)

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Bib Pick-up & Live Pre-Registration ($30) at Marathon Sports (27 Water St., Newburyport).
Bonus: Pre-registrants get 20% off full-priced items in-store during this window (excludes electronics).
Sunday, September 27 (Race Day at Michael's Harborside)

8:30 – 9:30 AM: Check-in, Bib Pick-up & Late Registration ($35)
9:45 AM: Welcome Ceremony
10:00 AM: 5K Run/Walk Starts
11:00 AM (approx.): Runner Prizes Presentation

Follow us on social media for the latest news and updates as race day approaches!

A huge thank you to the runners, walkers, volunteers, and sponsors who make this event possible! While crossing the finish line first is fun, every single person who steps up to raise awareness for ovarian cancer is a true GNOCA Hero.

Alternative Ways to Participate

Virtual 5K

Can't make it to Michael's? Choose your own route and run/walk anytime between Sept 20 – Oct 4, 2026.

Register for Virtual 5K
Volunteer

We need greeters, route guides, and setup help!

Sign Up to Volunteer
Donate

Support a specific runner, request a yard sign, or make a general contribution.

Donate Here

Cheer on your favorite participant!

Click the button below to find a specific runner or walker. Simply search for their name, and you’ll be directed to their personal fundraising page where you can make a donation and read their story.

Donate to a Runner or Walker

5K Run / Walk in honor of Jackie Poor & Paula Holm Supporting Ovarian Cancer Awareness

Sunday, September 27, 2026 ~ ~ Registration Opens: 8:30 am ~ Race & Walk Starts: 10 am

**5k Run Route!**
Start: Begin on Merrimac Street near Michael’s Harborside, just east of the Andrew J. Gillis Memorial Bridge (near Badger's Corner).
Leg 1: Head northwest on Merrimac Street, running parallel to the Merrimack River for the first major stretch of the race.
Turn 1: Take a left onto Jefferson Street.
Turn 2: Take a left onto High Street (MA-113).
Leg 2: Head southeast on High Street for a long, mostly straight stretch. You will eventually pass Newburyport High School on your right.
Turn 3: Shortly after passing the high school, take a left onto Kent Street.
Turn 4: Take a right onto Washington Street.
Turn 5: Take a left onto the Rail Trail.
Turn 6 / Final Stretch: Take a right at the river and sprint the final short stretch southeast under the bridge to return to the Finish line!

**5k Walk Route!**
Start: Begin on Merrimac Street (which transitions into Water Street here) at the start and finish line, near the Andrew J. Gillis Memorial Bridge.
Leg 1: Head southeast on Water Street, walking past the downtown waterfront area.
Turn 1: Make a right to head down Federal Street.
Turn 2: Catch a quick right to get onto Liberty Street.
Turn 3: Hang a left to go up State Street, bringing you straight through the center of town.
Turn 4: When you meet the main road, make a right onto High Street (MA 113).
Leg 2: Head northwest on High Street for a long, straight stretch.
Turn 5: Take a right to go down Broad Street, pointing you back toward the river.
Turn 6: Take a right onto Merrimac Street for a short distance.
Turn 7 (Park Loop): Make a left onto Sally Snyder Way to enter Cashman Park. Follow the path as it curves to the right, taking you on a loop along the Merrimack River.
Final Stretch: Follow the Harborwalk heading southeast. Walk this last straight stretch directly back to the finish line just under the bridge!

Share your Photos

Share the fun! Post your 5K photos using the hashtag #GNOCA5K and tag us so we can see them: @OCAwareness on Facebook and @gn_ocawareness on Instagram.