Festivus 5K for Autism - Festivus 5K for Autism 2026
External Event
Distance
3.1 mi
Pace
All paces
Terrain
Road
Difficulty
All Levels
About this run
Help the Northshore Education Consortium raise money for students by joining us for the 15th running of the Festivus 5K for Autism on December 13, 2026 in historic downtown Salem, MA! We are expecting 500 runners! In fourteen years this race has raised over $325,000 for children with autism. With your support, we will be able to purchase much-needed technologies to assist and educate children with autism at the Northshore Education Consortium* (NEC). Race Info Date: Sunday, December 13, 2026 Time: 10 AM Location: Race start and finish are on Derby Street. Entry Fee: $35 in advance and $40 on race day. Race day registration is at Finz Seafood & Grill from 8:30-9:45 AM in Salem, MA. Parking: Public parking available in lots, garages, and on streets Course Fast, flat course with one water stop Click here for course map T-Shirts Race shirts for the first 400 applicants (sizes cannot be guaranteed). Packet Pickup Saturday, December 12, 2026 from 10AM - 4PM New England Running Company 43 Enon Street, Beverly, MA Awards Overall Male & Female: Festivus pole trophies for Age Group: Awards given to top three finishers in: Youth (13 and under), 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, Masters (40-19), Senior Masters (50-59), (60-69), (70 and over). Team Award: Average time of Top 5 teammates - must include 1 female runner Best Costume: Male and Female. Festivus Post-Race Party for Runners Hosted by Finz Seafood & Grill, 86 Wharf Street, Salem, MA * The Northshore Education Consortium is one of the largest providers of special education programs for children with emotional, behavioral, and developmental disabilities on the North Shore. (www.nsedu.org) "Every student. Every day. Whatever it takes."
Typical conditions
For events around December 2026 in Salem, MA, United States: Typical mid-winter / cooler season in this region — dress in layers and check the official page for weather-related changes.
How to prepare
Most runners can prepare for a 5K with a few weeks of easy runs and one short faster session per week. Focus on consistency, not volume, and rest the day before race day.
Beginner's guide to your first 5KGetting there
This event is listed in Salem, MA, United States. Confirm the exact start venue, parking, and transit options on the official registration page.
Registration is handled by the official event organizer
Know a local group? Host a community run in Salem






