• About Us
    • News From @RoadToWellness5K
    • About The Event
    • Our Partners
    • Celebrating Roxbury’s Rich History
  • Race Info
    • Walk/Run
    • Kids’ Fun Zone
  • Registration
  • Sponsorship
    • Corporate Sponsorship
    • Health & Fitness Pavilion
  • Train
    • Summer Training Series
    • Meet Our Coaches

The Road To Wellness 5K Run/2-Mile Walk

Embrace your journey. Walk or run with us!

How to get involved

April 25, 2016 By roadtowellness5k2

Walk/Run – 2-mile walk. 5K run.
Become a sponsor
Form a team
Participate in our Health and Fitness Pavilion
Kids Fun Run
Volunteer

Filed Under: Featured

Thank you to Presenting Corporate Sponsor Tufts Health Plan

February 25, 2016 By roadtowellness5k2

Road-to-Wellness-Final-040716-White-Background-Outlines

Would your organization like to host a table at our Health & Fitness Pavilion? As the central location of the start and finish of our Walk/Run in the heart of Roxbury, the Health & Fitness Pavilion is an interactive way to get in front of hundreds of community members interested in health and community engagement.

We are looking for local organizations to provide healthy snack samples, demos and health related opportunities to hundreds of community members during our event on September 10th. Cost to host a table is $100. For more information, please contact Kevin Hudson at khudson1@dimock.org.

Filed Under: Featured

From ‘Sick Kid’ to Olympian

September 4, 2015 By roadtowellness5k2

Ruben Sanca was born in Cape Verde and came to US in 1999 when he was 12 years old. While in his pre-teen years, being a runner never really crossed his mind. He loved the sport of soccer and dreamed of one day playing the World Cup. As a young child, he had several asthma attacks and was known in the family as the “sick kid” who always had some health issues. He was prescribed inhalers but never used them because he was afraid of becoming dependent on them. Ruben suffered a lot in his early years and albuterol syrup was often his only remedy.

Everything changed when Ruben came to the US. He found out my asthma attacks were related to a lot of the dust allergies in Cape Verde. When he was at the Dearborn Middle School, he was recruited by my middle school teacher to run track. He was one of the slowest guys on the team, as he still suffered from asthma. Once he made it to the John D. O’Bryant High School, his primary care physician mentioned that his asthma was becoming non-existent. During that time,  Ruben noticed a rapid improvement in his breathing and eventually his running.

Years later, Ruben found himself competing at the high school national track and field championships and the NCAA collegiate national championships. He returned to Cape Verde to win several track and road racing national championships. In 2011, he represented Cape Verde at the World Championships in South Korea, and in 2012 at the Olympic Games in England.

Ruben currently balances his running with his full-time job as a business manager in the division of student affairs at his alma mater, UMass Lowell. He plans to qualify for the Olympic Games again for 2016!

Filed Under: Featured, Fitness Profiles

If the Shoe Fits: Run

August 13, 2015 By roadtowellness5k2

running-shoe

The act of running doesn’t require a lot of equipment; you don’t need shoulder pads, shin guards, or a baseball glove. BUT it is crucial to invest in a quality pair of running shoes that correctly fit your foot.

Choosing a pair simply because of the colors and design can often times seem more desirable, but finding that right shoe can save you from a lifetime of injuries, pain, and blisters.The right pair of shoes should make your foot feel lighter when you run. Each person has a different footprint, just like no fingerprint is the same. It is important to understand this footprint, which can also be called your pronation. Pronation is the way your foot naturally rolls from heel to to when it strikes the ground. Each person has a unique pronation and it should determine what kind of shoe is a right fit for you. Questions to ask yourself when determining your pronation: Do you have a narrow foot? Do you have a flat foot? Do you have high arches? These  elements effect the way your foot hits the ground when you run, and your running shoes should be made specifically to support your unique footprint.

Running with the wrong type of shoe can cause injuries. A common injury from running without properly fitted shoes are shin splints. Shin splints start with an aching pain on the inside of the shin, near the border of the tibia and calf muscles. They are more common in less experienced athletes and can become extremely painful. They can be prevented by reducing the amount of stress put on the tibia, and by wearing a shoe fitted specifically for your foot!

So, how do you get fitted for a running shoe that’s made for you? Your foot can be sized and fitted at a local running store. The employees there may have more time to give advice and personal attention than at a large general sports store.

So if you are going to invest your time in running and exercise, also invest that time and effort in finding the right shoe for you to increase your running abilities while providing you with the best support!

Filed Under: Featured

‘Running is My Lifeline’

August 7, 2015 By roadtowellness5k2

Meet Hector Cruz, Regional VP for Winn Residential:

Hector’s story is an interesting one.  He never thought about or even imagined himself running.  “One day, August of 2007 my wife came home and said we’re joining the gym,” he explained.  Reluctantly, he agreed  and then his journey began.  At first he walked on the treadmill.  That was boring so he began to jog on the treadmill. A little better, but still boring, so he moved to the indoor track.  Finally, after a few weeks he decided to run a 5k, and immediately he was hooked.  In the years since that first race, Hector has run more than 100 5ks, and more than 20 half and full marathons.  In fact, he now act as a “pacer” for new runners. “I’m happy to say I often pace with some of my children and occasionally my wife, but that’s only if there’s some sort of shopping involved before or after the race,” he said.

“Running for me, is my lifeline.  It allows me to tune everything else out and focus on my own heartbeat. It’s amazing when you have a job and lifestyle as hectic as I do ( I’m a father of 6 and grandfather of 1) to be able to find that place to go to and reset your clock.  It makes me a better person around my family, and a much more productive and clear thinker at work. I’ve also been able to lose and keep off 35-40lbs without dieting!”

 

What’s his advice for new runners… “ don’t give up on yourself.  Let your body show you what it can accomplish.  Pace yourself and you’ll get there. We’re all beginners at some point.“

Filed Under: Featured, Fitness Profiles

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road2wellness5k

Empowered by @thedimockcenter, @hoodfitma & @teambaa | Inspiring fitness & celebrating community 🧡👟💚 | #Road2Wellness5K

Looking for a reason to move this weekend? We’ve Looking for a reason to move this weekend? We’ve got you covered. 

Meet us tomorrow, Saturday, June 14, at 8:45 AM at Malcolm X Park for another session of our FREE Summer Training Series! 

Walk, jog, run, stretch—whatever your pace, you're welcome here.

Sign up now at the link in our bio!

📌 Friendly reminder: You’ll need to fill out a separate registration form for each event you want to join. For example, that means one for Summer Training and another for the 5K Run or 2-Mile Walk on September 6.

Let’s do this together. 💪

#RoadToWellness5K #Road2Wellness5K #Road2Wellness2Mile #Road2WellnessRox #CommunityWellness #MoveWithUs #AllPacesWelcome #FreeFitness #FreeinBoston #TrainTogether #RoxburyMA
We kicked off the 2025 Summer Training Series this We kicked off the 2025 Summer Training Series this Saturday at Malcolm X Park in #RoxburyMA—and it was a blast! 🏃🏾‍♂️

Thank you to everyone who showed up, moved with us, and brought the energy. From warmups to pace groups and cool downs, we’re officially on the Road to Wellness together! 💪

Big shoutout to our expert coaches, community partners, and @stopandshop for keeping us fueled with free snacks and water. 🙌

📅 Couldn’t make it? Join us next Saturday and every weekend leading up to our 5K Run/2-Mile Walk on September 6! All paces and fitness levels are welcome, regardless of whether you’ve been to previous trainings. 

👉 Register now at the link in our bio!

#RoadToWellness5K #Road2Wellness5K #Road2Wellness2Mile #Road2WellnessRox #CommunityWellness #MoveWithUs #AllPacesWelcome #FreeFitness #FreeinBoston #TrainTogether @baa @hoodfitma
🚨 Training Kicks Off tomorrow! 🚨 Join us tom 🚨 Training Kicks Off tomorrow! 🚨
Join us tomorrow, Saturday, June 7 at 8:45 AM at Malcolm X Park as we kick off our free Summer Training Series—your weekly chance to get active, build community, and train for the Road to Wellness 5K Run/2-Mile Walk on September 6, 2025!

✅ All fitness levels welcome
✅ Expert coaches
✅ Warmup, walk/run, strength exercises, stretch, and cooldown
✅ FREE water & snacks from @stopandshop

 ☔ Training happens rain or shine, except for extreme weather conditions. There’s a chance of rain, so come dressed for the weather!

Register for training and the 5K Run/2-Mile Walk at the link in our bio.

We can’t wait to see you there!

#RoadToWellness5K #Road2Wellness5K #Road2Wellness2Mile #Road2WellnessRox #CommunityWellness #MoveWithUs #AllPacesWelcome #FreeFitness #FreeinBoston #TrainTogether #RoxburyMA
Ready to hit the ground running on your road to we Ready to hit the ground running on your road to wellness? 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

The 11th Annual Road to Wellness 5K Run/2-Mile Walk is coming up on September 6, and there’s no better way to get prepared than by joining our FREE Summer Training Series, kicking off this Saturday, June 7, at Malcolm X Park! 🎉

📝 Here’s how to register:
 1️⃣ Visit the link in our bio!
 2️⃣ Click “Register Today”
 3️⃣ Fill out a form for EACH event you are interested in. (For example, to participate in both the Summer Training Series and the 5K Run, you must submit TWO registration forms.)
 4️⃣ Show up, move with us, and feel good doing it 💚

We can’t wait to see you soon!

#RoadToWellness5K #Road2Wellness5K #Road2Wellness2Mile #Road2WellnessRox #CommunityWellness #MoveWithUs #AllPacesWelcome #FreeFitness #FreeinBoston #TrainTogether #RoxburyMA
The Road to Wellness Summer Training Series kicks The Road to Wellness Summer Training Series kicks off 1 week from today on Saturday, June 7, at Malcolm X Park!  We’re thrilled to introduce our incredible team of coaches! 🌟

From first-time walkers to marathoners-in-the-making, our coaches bring decades of experience, compassion, and motivation to guide you, no matter your pace, age, or ability. 👟

Join us Saturday mornings to train with Head Coach Yvel and Coaches Adam, Carla, Trevor, and Ivy, all summer long! 

Come for the movement, stay for the community 💛

Register online in advance and learn more at the link in our bio!

#RoadToWellness5K #Road2Wellness5K #Road2Wellness2Mile #Road2WellnessRox #CommunityWellness #MoveWithUs #AllPacesWelcome #FreeFitness #FreeinBoston #TrainTogether
Tune in on Monday, June 2 at 10 AM to @SparkFMonli Tune in on Monday, June 2 at 10 AM to @SparkFMonline’s “Saucy and Friends” Morning Show to hear from our amazing coaches about the Road to Wellness 5K Run/2-Mile Walk and Summer Training Series! 🏃🏾‍♀️

Head Coach Yvel and Coaches Carla and Adam join @IamMsHotSauce x @MsToni_BeKnowin and @RockstoneTrizz to talk about the FREE 12-week training program for walkers and runners of ALL fitness levels.

✨Want to get moving with us this summer? Registration is OPEN for our free Summer Training Series, kicking off Saturday, June 7—we’ll be training all summer long, leading up to race day!

Register at the link in our bio!

#RoadToWellness5K #Road2Wellness5K #Road2Wellness2Mile #Road2WellnessRox #SparkFM #SaucyAndFriends #CommunityWellness #MoveWithUs #AllPacesWelcome #FreeFitness #FreeinBoston #TrainTogether
Ready to move, but not sure where to start? Whethe Ready to move, but not sure where to start? Whether you walk, run, or just want to get active—the Road to Wellness Summer Training Series is for YOU!

Join us every Saturday morning from 8:45-10 AM for FREE guided training led by professional coaches.

Training kicks off on Saturday, June 7th, at Malcolm X Park in Roxbury! 

All ages, all abilities, and all paces are welcome—no experience needed! 🏃🏾‍♂️🚶🏽‍♀️👟

This is your summer to build healthy habits, connect with community, and get ready for the Road to Wellness 5K Run/2-Mile Walk this fall.

Learn more and register at https://www.roadtowellness5k.com/

Come as you are. Let’s train together!

#RoadToWellness5K #SummerTrainingSeries #AllPacesWelcome #FreeFitness #FreeinBoston #CommunityWellness #TrainTogether
Have you registered for our FREE Summer Training S Have you registered for our FREE Summer Training Series?

Join our Summer Training Series and train alongside professional coaches on Saturday mornings leading up to the 11th Annual 5K Run/2-Mile Walk—all ages and all abilities welcome. The Road to Wellness Summer Training Series kicks off Saturday, June 7 at Malcolm X Park in Roxbury!

But don’t just take it from us—hear from a 2024 Summer Training Series participant:

“The Summer Training Series is a fabulous way to learn, stay motivated, socialize, and work together as a team!”

Register and learn more by clicking the link in our bio or going to roadtowellness5k.com

#RoadToWellness5K #BostonFitness #SummerTraining #RoxburyMA #Road2Wellness5K #Road2Wellness2Mile #TrainWithUs #FreeFitness #BostonEvents
🏃🏾‍♀️Ready to hit the ground running? 🏃🏾‍♀️Ready to hit the ground running? The Road to Wellness 5K Run/2-Mile Walk is back on September 6, 2025, at 55 Dimock St. in Roxbury, and registration is FREE!

But why wait until race day? 💪 Join our FREE Summer Training Series and train alongside professional coaches on Saturday mornings leading up to the event—all ages and all abilities welcome! The Road to Wellness Summer Training Series kicks off Saturday, June 7 at Malcolm X Park in Roxbury!

Whether you're walking, jogging, or running your first 5K, we've got the tools and community to help you every step of the way. 🌞👟

Tap the link in our bio to sign up for the race AND the training series.

Let’s make this your strongest summer yet! 

#RoadToWellness5K #BostonFitness #SummerTraining #RoxburyMA #Road2Wellness5K #Road2Wellness2Mile #TrainWithUs #FreeFitness #BostonEvents
🎉 Congrats to the winners of our Road to Wellne 🎉 Congrats to the winners of our Road to Wellness Survey Raffle! 🎉

A big thank you to everyone who shared their experience about the  2024 Road to Wellness 5K Run/2-Mile Walk or Summer Training Series. We appreciate your feedback and support in helping shape this amazing community event. 🙌

And special congratulations to our raffle winners who each scored a $25 gift card to Marathon Sports! 🏃‍♀️👟💳

#RoadToWellness5K #Road2Wellness5K #CommunityHealth #RoxburyMA #SummerTraining #WellnessJourney
🏃🏾‍♀️ The Boston Parks Summer Fitness 🏃🏾‍♀️ The Boston Parks Summer Fitness Series is back! 🎉

Join the Boston community for the Kickoff Event on Wednesday, May 15th, from 5:30–7:00 PM at Christopher Columbus Park. Enjoy 2 free beginner-friendly fitness classes, grab some free fitness gear, and learn more about this amazing free summer program happening across Boston parks.

🗓️ 25 weekly classes | 🌳 All summer long | 💪 Open to all fitness levels

✅ Registration encouraged: boston.gov/fitness

Let’s get active and stay healthy together this summer! 🌞💙

 #BostonFitness #HealthyCommunities #FreeFitnessBoston #SummerWellness #RoxburyMA
🚨 Last chance! 🚨 If you participated in the 🚨 Last chance! 🚨

If you participated in the 2024 Road to Wellness 5K Run/2-Mile Walk or Summer Training Series, we want to hear from you! 

Time is running out! Fill out the Road to Wellness Survey by tomorrow, Friday, April 25, for a chance to win one of two $25 gift cards to Marathon Sports!

Click the link in our bio or: https://ow.ly/L64350VHfv2 

Your feedback helps shape the future of this incredible community event. Don’t miss your chance to be heard—and to win! 🧡

#RoadToWellness5K #CommunityHealth #RoxburyMA #Road2Wellness5K #Road2Wellness2Mile #SummerTraining
How have you been since the 10th Anniversary of th How have you been since the 10th Anniversary of the Road to Wellness? 🏃

We want to hear from you! Click the link in our bio to fill out the Road to Wellness Survey by April 25 for a chance to win one of two 25$ gift cards to Marathon Sports.

Your feedback helps us make each year of this amazing event even better! Thank you for your continued support. 🧡

#RoadToWellness5K #CommunityHealth #SummerTraining #RoxburyMA #Road2Wellness5K #Road2Wellness2Mile
Registration is open for the 11th Annual Road to W Registration is open for the 11th Annual Road to Wellness, and we want YOU to be part of the action! 🌟 Join us for an unforgettable day of fitness, fun, and community! 🏃‍♂️

🗓️ Mark your calendars for Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at @TheDimockCenter—whether you're running the 5K or walking the 2 miles, there's a spot for everyone, no matter your age, pace, or ability.

Plus, join us this summer for FREE coaching in our Summer Training Series, and get race-ready with expert support every step of the way! Trainings kick off Saturday, June 7 at Marcella Park in Roxbury. 💪

🌍 Let's come together to celebrate health, wellness, and the strength of our community. Ready to take the next step? Sign up today at roadtowellness5K.com or tap the link in our bio!

#RoadToWellness5K #CommunityHealth #SummerTraining #RoxburyMA #Road2Wellness5K #Road2Wellness2Mile @hoodfitma @teambaa
It’s been one week since registration opened for It’s been one week since registration opened for the 11th Annual Road to Wellness, and the countdown to race day is on! 🚨

🏃‍♀️ Join us for the 5K Run/2-Mile Walk on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at @TheDimockCenter! It’s a celebration of community health and wellness, and ALL ages and fitness levels are welcome! 🌟

👟 Want to get race-ready with other runners and walkers? Our Summer Training Series gives you FREE coaching all summer long to help you walk, jog, or run your best on race day!

👉 Don’t wait—sign up now at roadtowellness5K.com or click the link in our bio!

Let’s unite for health, wellness, and the power of community! 💪

 #RoadToWellness5K #CommunityHealth #SummerTraining #RoxburyMA #Road2Wellness5K #Road2Wellness2Mile @hoodfitma @teambaa
The Reggie Lewis Track & Athletic Center is celebr The Reggie Lewis Track & Athletic Center is celebrating its 30th Anniversary! 🎉

Join them for a Road Race & Walk at Franklin Park's Shattuck Picnic Grove this Saturday, April 5th! Whether you're ready to race 🏃‍♂️ (4.2 miles) or enjoy a scenic walk 🚶‍♂️ (2.1 miles), this is a fantastic event to be a part of.

✨ Use Promo Code: DHL100 for FREE registration!

Let’s support this incredible milestone and be part of the celebration. We hope to see you there!

Register today at: https://www.rcc.mass.edu/reggie-lewis/30th-anniversary-road-race.html 

#CommunitySupport #RoadRace #AnniversaryCelebration #GetMoving #wellness #RoxburyMA #FreeInBoston
🚨 Registration is NOW OPEN for the 11th Annual 🚨 Registration is NOW OPEN for the 11th Annual Road to Wellness! 🚨

🏃‍♀️ Get ready for the 5K Run/2-Mile Walk on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at 55 Dimock Street, Roxbury! Join us for a celebration of community health and wellness–ALL ages and fitness levels are welcome! 🌟

👟Preparing for the race? Register for our Summer Training Series to walk, run, and train with professional coaches for FREE all summer long! Let’s train together and get ready for race day! 

👉 Sign up for FREE at roadtowellness5K.com or click the link in our bio!

Join us to celebrate health, wellness, and the power of community! 💪

#CommunityHealth #SummerTraining #RoadToWellness5K #CommunityWellness #RoxburyMA #MakeGoodTrouble #Road2Wellness5K #Road2Wellness2Mile @hoodfitma @teambaa
🏃‍♀️💪 This Women's History Month, we s 🏃‍♀️💪 This Women's History Month, we shine a spotlight on the trailblazing Black women in sports whose resilience and perseverance have shattered barriers and inspired generations. From Wilma Rudolph's legendary three gold medals in the 1960 Olympics to Venus and Serena Williams transforming tennis, these women have redefined the boundaries of what’s possible.

As we prepare for the Road to Wellness 5K Run/2-Mile Walk this September, let's honor the trailblazers who have paved the way, like Althea Gibson, who broke barriers in tennis, and Mo’ne Davis, who made history when she pitched in the Little League World Series.

Their stories remind us that every step we take toward wellness is built on the courage and determination of those who came before us. 

Want to learn more about these incredible women? Read more: https://ow.ly/ZNRN50VnGyP

Let’s run, walk, and celebrate the legacy of women who changed the game. 🏅✨ 

#WomensHistoryMonth #BlackWomenInSports #TrailblazingWomen #RoadToWellness5K #CommunityWellness #RoxburyMA #MakeGoodTrouble #Road2Wellness5K #Road2Wellness2Mile @hoodfitma @teambaa
The Road to Wellness 5K Run/2-Mile Walk was founde The Road to Wellness 5K Run/2-Mile Walk was founded by activist, storyteller, and community leader, Thaddeus Miles. 

In 2014, Thaddeus launched the HoodFit 5K because he saw an urgent need for a community-focused approach to wellness. The following year, he partnered with @TheDimockCenter and the @teambaa to bring the Road to Wellness to life—the first race of its kind in Roxbury—empowering community members to take manageable steps toward better health while celebrating the vibrant neighborhood. 

Last year, the Road to Wellness celebrated its 10th anniversary, cementing Thaddeus’ legacy and impact in our community. When looking towards the future of this amazing event, Thaddeus said, “I'm hoping in 10 years, this community, this race, will ensure that our ancestors are still proud of who we are, that people will recognize that our ancestors are here with us, that this thriving community will be proud of what's happening in year 20.”

Thaddeus recently accepted the Congressman John Lewis Social Justice Award at The Dimock Center’s Annual Meeting. He has spent his career dedicated to advocacy, social justice, and fostering environments where joy, justice, and healing can thrive.

Congratulations Thaddeus, and thank you for your incredible leadership and inspiring vision for the future! 💙

#CommunityWellness #RoxburyMA #MakingAnImpact #MakeGoodTrouble #Road2Wellness5K #Road2Wellness2Mile @hoodfitma @teambaa
🌟 There’s still time to enjoy the Boston Park 🌟 There’s still time to enjoy the Boston Parks Fitness Series! Presented by @bostonparksdept and @healthyboston, this free fitness program is here to keep you active all winter long! ❄️ 

Whether you're joining in person or virtually, their free fitness classes are led by certified instructors and open to all fitness levels. Go to boston.gov/fitness for more info!🏃‍♂️💪 

With the Road to Wellness Summer Training Series coming up this June, start early and get moving at home or your local park! 🌳

 #Fitness #StayActive #RoxburyMA
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