Charles River Center Road Race Nov. 6

Number pick-up and early registration available on Saturday, Nov. 5.

The Charles River Center, a social services and advocacy group for children and adults with developmental disabilities and autism, is organizing its first annual road race to benefit and support the 500-plus families they serve in the Metro West region. This 5K road race, a USA Track and Field-certified course, will be held on Sunday, Nov. 6 at 11:00 a.m. Robin Fabiano, co-chairman of the event, said that everyone is welcome to participate—whether they be runners, walkers, families or people with strollers or dogs. Food, festivities and facility tours will be available after the race. “Our goal is to raise 1000 participants, which I think is a lofty goal,” she said. The Charles River Center, founded in 1956, offers employment services, …

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Patch Snap: Help Charles River Center Help Families

5K run/walk fundraiser is coming up on Nov. 6.

Emme Sterpe of Newton, Charles River Center's 2011 Youth Participant of the Year award winner, benefits from the family support programs and services available through the Charles River Center in Needham. Charles River supports more than 500 children and adults each year through housing, employment, therapeutic and recreational programs in Needham, Newton, Dedham, Wellesley, Natick and about 15 other MetroWest communities.  You can show your support at the Charles River Center 5K road race/walk to be held on Sunday, Nov. 6 at 11:00 a.m. The race will start and end at the Charles River Center located at 59 East Militia Heights Road, Needham. Participants will enjoy food, festivities and facility tours after the event. Registration is open …

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Images from Needham's Fourth of July 5K

Runners of all ages and levels took to the streets before Monday's parade.

About an hour before the fire engines, bands and floats took to the streets for Needham's Grand Parade, a group of dedicated runners kicked off the day's events by competing in the Charles River YMCA's annual Fourth of July Road Race. The 5K event featured runners of all ages and levels, starting and ending at the Needham Free Public Library parking lot. Placing in the top 10 were: See a complete list of runners and their times here.

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Viewfinder

Cubs Hit Their Stride

Kids put their best feet forward in Needham Track Club's 21st Great Bear Run on May 15.

A heavy downpour didn't deter Needham's little runners from showing off their speed in a series of youth races held Sunday, May 15 as part of the Needham Track Club's Great Bear Run. Now in its 21st year, the annual race day held at Broadmeadow Elementary School featured eight events, from a 26.2-meter walk/run/waddle for ages 0-3 to a traditional 5K race for all ages. The Great Bear Run was started in 1991 by Needham resident John Hrones. In 2010, they added a 3-mile Prostate Cancer Walk, donating proceeds from the day to prostate cancer research, a tradition continued at this year's event. Though some of the events can get competitive, everyone ends a winner—receiving a medal no matter where they finish. Winners of each heat in the 200- …

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Get Out

Five Things to Do This Weekend: May 14-15

Shop a yard sale, watch a table float in midair or support a great cause with Saturday, Sunday events.

It’s Thursday, and the weekend is right around the corner. Patch has your back with a few fun things to do. Check our picks for the activities to hit and some places to explore. Here's what's happening in and around your town. Community Yard Sale and Electronics Recycling   Magic and Beyond with Magician David Garrity   Great Bear Run   Needham Party to Benefit the Jimmy Fund   Waterfall Productions’ “Courtship Tea” With Rita Parisi

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