Congratulations and thank you to our 2026 Stepping Strong teammates who ran or walked the Boston 5K yesterday! We are so grateful for our team!
Join us on Marathon Monday!
The Stepping Strong team has an exclusive cheer zone at the ‘One Mile to Go Block Party’ in Kenmore Sq. (circled in pink on the map above)
Driving: There is limited/ no parking in Kenmore Sq. on race day and we suggest all supporters access Kenmore Sq. via public transportation. However, if a car is required, you should park as close to Agganis Arena/BU side of Commonwealth Avenue and walk to Kenmore Sq. Please obey all traffic stops, no parking signs, etc., as some places indicate you cannot park there.
If you take the MBTA, you have three options:
Kenmore Square MBTA Stop
Fenway MBTA Stop (~10-minute walk): The underground pathway between one side of Comm Ave to the other side of Comm Ave in Kenmore Square WILL be open to cross to the marathon route and get to the event.
Blandford St. MBTA Stop (~9-minute walk)
If you are traveling by commuter rail (Worcester-Framingham Line), Lansdowne Station is closest and is about a 10-minute walk.
Commonwealth Avenue will be open from Chestnut Hill Avenue MBTA Stop until Blandford Street MBTA Stop on the B Green Line. After that, the remainder of the road will be closed. Please keep this in mind when traveling.
Upon reaching Kenmore Sq. you will need to go through a check-point and then follow the pink dots to our cheering zone!
Dress appropriate for weather conditions.
We will not have food, water, or Porta Johns, at our cheering section. There will be public amenities available close by, or you can bring your own (subject to search).
REQUIRED ENTRY PASS
The following pass is required (electronically or printed) to enter the Kenmore Sq. Stepping Strong Cheer Zone Area:
The Beehive and Cosmica + Stepping Strong
Head on over to The Beehive or Cosmica restaurants on Marathon Monday! Both are convenient, great spots after cheering on Stepping Strong runners all day! Go to www.beehiveboston.com or www.cosmicaboston.com to make a reservation.
J.Crew + Stepping Strong
The Stepping Strong Center is partnering with J.Crew on Newbury Street for a shopping fundraiser the day after the marathon, Tuesday, April 21 from 9am to 1pm.
You, your families, friends, and anyone looking to shop are welcome to stop by the store, where all purchases will include complimentary embroidery. 15% of proceeds will be donated to the Stepping Strong Center.
Thank you once again for joining us for the Boston 5K with Stepping Strong! If you have any other questions, comments, or concerns, please contact team@bwh.harvard.edu or 857 505 1225.
We hope you had a wonderful time at the Boston 5K with the Stepping Strong Team today. It meant so much to us to know we were all out there together—running, walking, and showing up with a shared purpose of helping trauma survivors.
Having you by our side is what makes this group so special. You are truly part of our Stepping Strong family, and we are so grateful for you.
Thank you for being with us, and for helping us turn unexpected tragedies into hope.
Xo, Audrey, Steven, Danielle, Kyle, Elyse, Gillian, Matt, and baby Leo
We hope everyone is excited for the Boston 5K with the Stepping Strong Team TOMORROW! Please take a few minutes to review the information outlined below so you are prepared for race day!
Team FAQs – Please take a few minutes to review the information outlined below so you are prepared for race day, keeping in mind that details are subject to change. The Boston 5k home page will provide all general runner information, including race day logistics.
What are the plans for race day?
6:30am: Revere Hotel* (200 Stuart Street) Silver Ballroom & Liberty Hall (NEW LOCATION!) opens for runners; mix, mingle, and get ready for the 5K or to cheer on your friends and family!
7:30am: Team photo; walk to start line
8:00 am: Race starts
8:30am: Celebratory brunch and awards. All are welcome to attend!
*Parking is available at the hotel, and the cost is the responsibility of the runner.
What’s the easiest way to get to the start line on race day?
Review all race day information and logistics here.
Where can my family and friends cheer for me?
Will the Stepping Strong Team have a photographer?
Yes! Be on the lookout for Steve at the corner of Comm Ave. and Berkeley. Stay on the left hand side of the road and smile big!
I haven’t received my race day bib?
U.S. residents were mailed their bib number and participant guide in late March. International residents, including Canada, and runners who did not receive their bib in the mail may pick up their bib number at the Boston 5K bib counter at the Boston Marathon Expo on Friday, April 17 or on 5k race day morning at the Athlete Services tent near the start area between 6:30am and 7:30am on race day. A government-issued photo ID is required to claim or replace your bib number.
For more information on the Boston 5k participant basics click here.
I lost/damaged by 5k bib. What do I do?
If you misplaced your bib or it gets damaged, access to replace your bib will be issued at the Athlete Services Tent near the start area on race day- just don’t forget a government-issued photo ID!
For more information on the Boston 5k participant basics click here.
Can I come to the Revere if I am a virtual participant?
YES! We hope you do!
When will I get my Stepping Strong team shirt?
Shirts were mailed via FedEx to the address you registered with on our fundraising platform, TeamRaiser, in early April. We WILL have shirts at the Revere to exchange sizes.
Help! I didn’t get/my Stepping Strong team shirt is too small/big, what do I do?
We will have limited shirts available on race morning at the Revere Hotel to exchange sizes or get a new one.
Do I get a Boston 5K shirt?
Yes! The Boston 5K shirt is different than our team shirt, and all registered in-person runners will receive one after completing the race. Shirts are not mailed to athletes, and sizes are while supplies last.
Do you have a sample of something I could text/email/post on social media for fundraising support?
Below, we offer a sample text that can be used on social media for fundraising support. There are also images created for social media use here.
“On Saturday, April 18, I will be participating in the Boston 5K with the Stepping Strong team to support The Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation. Our team’s goal is simple: turn tragedy into hope.
Insert photo and story of someone you are participating in honor or in memory of (if applicable).
Please consider supporting my run today with a donation. Together, we can help countless military and civilian trauma patients in Boston and beyond. Any amount will make a big difference!
Click here to donate today: insert link to your personal TeamRaiser fundraising page.
Thank you for your love and support!”
Are there fundraising incentives?
Yes! You can qualify for great incentives when you go above and beyond your fundraising commitment. Plus, everyone who kicks off their fundraising with a self-gift of $50 or more will receive one entry into a chance drawing for Red Sox Field Box tickets! Please note: If you are sharing a TeamRaiser page with other individuals, the total raised will be divided based on how many people are sharing the page for fundraising incentives.
When will I get my fundraising incentives?
Incentives will be mailed by the end of May to the address you entered while creating your TeamRaiser fundraising page.
How might inclement weather affect the event?
The B.A.A carefully monitors forecasts and prioritizes participant safety. Races will proceed rain or shine, and other weather conditions are typically met with adjustments made to the schedule and routes.
Are there any items prohibited by the B.A.A?
For safety reasons, the B.A.A prohibits strollers, in-line skates, skateboards (and any similar vehicles), and animals.
The Beehive and Cosmica + Stepping Strong
Head on over to The Beehive or Cosmina restaurants on Marathon Monday! Both are convenient, great spots after cheering on Stepping Strong runners all day! Go to www.beehiveboston.com or www.cosmicaboston.com to make a reservation.
Thank you once again for joining us for the Boston 5K with Stepping Strong! If you have any other questions, please contact us at team@bwh.harvard.edu or 857 505 1225.
We hope everyone is excited for the Boston 5K with the Stepping Strong Team on Saturday! Please take a few minutes to review the information outlined below so you are prepared for race day!
Fundraising Deadline: Thursday, April 16 at 6am EST
The deadline to raise the amount you agreed upon when registering on TeamRaiser is tomorrow, April 16 at 6am EST. If you have not met the fundraising amount you agreed to at this time, your credit card will be charged the difference to get you to your commitment. If you card does not go through, we will have the ability to process donations onsite at the Revere
Team FAQs – Please take a few minutes to review the information outlined below so you are prepared for race day, keeping in mind that details are subject to change. The Boston 5k home page will provide all general runner information, including race day logistics.
What are the plans for race day?
6:30am: Revere Hotel* (200 Stuart Street) Silver Ballroom & Liberty Hall (NEW LOCATION!) opens for runners; mix, mingle, and get ready for the 5K or to cheer on your friends and family!
7:30am: Team photo; walk to start line
8:00 am: Race starts
8:30am: Celebratory brunch and awards. All are welcome to attend!
*Parking is available at the hotel, and the cost is the responsibility of the runner.
What’s the easiest way to get to the start line on race day?
Review all race day information and logistics here.
Where can my family and friends cheer for me?
Will the Stepping Strong Team have a photographer?
Yes! Be on the lookout for Steve at the corner of Comm Ave. and Berkeley. Stay on the left hand side of the road and smile big!
I haven’t received my race day bib?
U.S. residents were mailed their bib number and participant guide in late March. International residents, including Canada, and runners who did not receive their bib in the mail may pick up their bib number at the Boston 5K bib counter at the Boston Marathon Expo on Friday, April 17 or on 5k race day morning at the Athlete Services tent near the start area between 6:30am and 7:30am on race day. A government-issued photo ID is required to claim or replace your bib number.
For more information on the Boston 5k participant basics click here.
I lost/damaged by 5k bib. What do I do?
If you misplaced your bib or it gets damaged, access to replace your bib will be issued at the Athlete Services Tent near the start area on race day- just don’t forget a government-issued photo ID!
For more information on the Boston 5k participant basics click here.
Can I come to the Revere if I am a virtual participant?
YES! We hope you do!
When will I get my Stepping Strong team shirt?
Shirts were mailed via FedEx to the address you registered with on our fundraising platform, TeamRaiser, in early April. We WILL have shirts at the Revere to exchange sizes.
Help! I didn’t get/my Stepping Strong team shirt is too small/big, what do I do?
We will have limited shirts available on race morning at the Revere Hotel to exchange sizes or get a new one.
Do I get a Boston 5K shirt?
Yes! The Boston 5K shirt is different than our team shirt, and all registered in-person runners will receive one after completing the race. Shirts are not mailed to athletes, and sizes are while supplies last.
Do you have a sample of something I could text/email/post on social media for fundraising support?
Below, we offer a sample text that can be used on social media for fundraising support. There are also images created for social media use here.
“On Saturday, April 18, I will be participating in the Boston 5K with the Stepping Strong team to support The Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation. Our team’s goal is simple: turn tragedy into hope.
Insert photo and story of someone you are participating in honor or in memory of (if applicable).
Please consider supporting my run today with a donation. Together, we can help countless military and civilian trauma patients in Boston and beyond. Any amount will make a big difference!
Click here to donate today: insert link to your personal TeamRaiser fundraising page.
Thank you for your love and support!”
Are there fundraising incentives?
Yes! You can qualify for great incentives when you go above and beyond your fundraising commitment. Plus, everyone who kicks off their fundraising with a self-gift of $50 or more will receive one entry into a chance drawing for Red Sox Field Box tickets! Please note: If you are sharing a TeamRaiser page with other individuals, the total raised will be divided based on how many people are sharing the page for fundraising incentives.
When will I get my fundraising incentives?
Incentives will be mailed by the end of May to the address you entered while creating your TeamRaiser fundraising page.
How might inclement weather affect the event?
The B.A.A carefully monitors forecasts and prioritizes participant safety. Races will proceed rain or shine, and other weather conditions are typically met with adjustments made to the schedule and routes.
Are there any items prohibited by the B.A.A?
For safety reasons, the B.A.A prohibits strollers, in-line skates, skateboards (and any similar vehicles), and animals.
The Beehive and Cosmica + Stepping Strong
Head on over to The Beehive or Cosmica restaurants on Marathon Monday! Both are convenient, great spots after cheering on Stepping Strong runners all day! Go to www.beehiveboston.com or www.cosmicaboston.com to make a reservation.
Thank you once again for joining us for the Boston 5K with Stepping Strong! If you have any other questions, please contact us at team@bwh.harvard.edu or 857 505 1225.
Head on over to The Beehive or Cosmina restaurants on Marathon Monday! Both are convenient, great spots after cheering on Stepping Strong runners all day! Go to www.beehiveboston.com or www.cosmicaboston.com to make a reservation.
J.Crew + Stepping Strong
The Stepping Strong Center is partnering with J.Crew on Newbury Street for a shopping fundraiser the day after the marathon, Tuesday, April 21 from 9am to 1pm.
You, your families, friends, and anyone looking to shop are welcome to stop by the store, where all purchases will include complimentary embroidery. 15% of proceeds will be donated to the Stepping Strong Center.
The 2025 Stepping Strong Impact Report is out now, and we encourage you to use the stories and impact within as you head into the final stretch. Share the link with your donors, post it on social, or include it in a personal ask. Your networks will see exactly what you’re supporting and how your run is helping change the lives of trauma survivors.
You’ve put in the miles. Now let’s make every dollar count. We’re so grateful for each of you, and so are the patients whose lives you’re helping transform.
We hope everyone is excited for the Boston 5K with the Stepping Strong Team in ONE WEEK!! We are honored to have you part of our Stepping Strong family. Please take a few minutes to review the information outlined below so you are prepared for race day!
Resources:
B.A.A Info for Athletes: The Boston 5k home page provides all general runner information, including race day logistics.
Runner Portal: Here, you are able to access team updates, fundraising tips and tricks, instructions about receiving donations, key program dates, and much more.
TeamRaiser Participant Center & Fundraising Page:Customize your personal fundraising page and use the online tools to send emails to your friends and family asking for their support. Click here and then select LOGIN in the upper right corner. Make sure to share your personal fundraising page on social media to reach your commitment!
Team FAQs – Please take a few minutes to review the information outlined below so you are prepared for race day, keeping in mind that details are subject to change.
What are the plans for race day?
6:30am: Revere Hotel* (200 Stuart Street) Silver Ballroom & Liberty Hall (NEW LOCATION!) opens for runners; mix, mingle, and get ready for the 5K or to cheer on your friends and family!
7:30am: Team photo; walk to start line
8:00 am: Race starts
8:30am: Celebratory brunch and awards. All are welcome to attend!
*Parking is available at the hotel, and the cost is the responsibility of the runner.
What’s the easiest way to get to the start line on race day?
Review all race day information and logistics here.
I haven’t received my race day bib?
U.S. residents were mailed their bib number and participant guide in late March. International residents, including Canada, and runners who did not receive their bib in the mail may pick up their bib number at the Boston 5K bib counter at the Boston Marathon Expo on Friday, April 17 or on 5k race day morning at the Athlete Services tent near the start area between 6:30am and 7:30am on race day. A government-issued photo ID is required to claim or replace your bib number.
For more information on the Boston 5k participant basics click here.
I lost/damaged by 5k bib. What do I do?
If you misplaced your bib or it gets damaged, access to replace your bib will be issued at the Athlete Services Tent near the start area on race day- just don’t forget a government-issued photo ID!
For more information on the Boston 5k participant basics click here.
Can I come to the Revere if I am a virtual participant?
YES! We hope you do!
When will I get my Stepping Strong team shirt?
Shirts were mailed via FedEx to the address you registered with on our fundraising platform, TeamRaiser, in early April. We WILL have shirts at the Revere to exchange sizes.
Help! I didn’t get/my Stepping Strong team shirt is too small/big, what do I do?
We will have limited shirts available on race morning at the Revere Hotel to exchange sizes or get a new one.
Do I get a Boston 5K shirt?
Yes! The Boston 5K shirt is different than our team shirt, and all registered in-person runners will receive one after completing the race. Shirts are not mailed to athletes, and sizes are while supplies last.
When is the fundraising deadline?
The deadline to raise the amount you agreed upon when registering on TeamRaiser is Thursday, April 16 at 6am EST. If you have not met the fundraising amount you agreed to at this time, your credit card will be charged the difference to get you to your commitment. If your card does not go through, we will have the ability to process donations onsite at the Revere. More fundraising tools and information can be found here.
Do you have a sample of something I could text/email/post on social media for fundraising support?
Below, we offer a sample text that can be used on social media for fundraising support. There are also images created for social media use here.
“On Saturday, April 18, I will be participating in the Boston 5K with the Stepping Strong team to support The Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation. Our team’s goal is simple: turn tragedy into hope.
Insert photo and story of someone you are participating in honor or in memory of (if applicable).
Please consider supporting my run today with a donation. Together, we can help countless military and civilian trauma patients in Boston and beyond. Any amount will make a big difference!
Click here to donate today: insert link to your personal TeamRaiser fundraising page.
Thank you for your love and support!”
Are there fundraising incentives?
Yes! You can qualify for great incentives when you go above and beyond your fundraising commitment. Plus, everyone who kicks off their fundraising with a self-gift of $50 or more will receive one entry into a chance drawing for Red Sox Field Box tickets! Please note: If you are sharing a TeamRaiser page with other individuals, the total raised will be divided based on how many people are sharing the page for fundraising incentives.
When will I get my fundraising incentives?
Incentives will be mailed by the end of May to the address you entered while creating your TeamRaiser fundraising page.
How might inclement weather affect the event?
The B.A.A carefully monitors forecasts and prioritizes participant safety. Races will proceed rain or shine, and other weather conditions are typically met with adjustments made to the schedule and routes.
Are there any items prohibited by the B.A.A?
For safety reasons, the B.A.A prohibits strollers, in-line skates, skateboards (and any similar vehicles), and animals.
Thank you once again for joining us for the Boston 5K with Stepping Strong! If you have any other questions, please contact us at team@bwh.harvard.edu or call/text 857 505 1225.
We are one month away from the Boston 5K and are looking forward to participating alongside you in-person on April 18 AND supporting you from afar if you are participating virtually between April 17-19! We appreciate your commitment to fundraising on behalf of The Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation.
Team Shirts
Shirts were mailed yesterday via FedEx to the address you registered on TeamRaiser with – get excited! If your shirt is too small or too big, you can bring your shirt to exchange on race morning at the Revere Hotel. Or, if you don’t receive your shirt by Monday, March 23 please let us know so we can look into it!
Resources:
B.A.A Info for Athletes: The Boston 5k home page will provide all general runner information, including race day logistics.
Runner Portal: The runner portal is your one-stop shop for all things 5K! Here, you are able to access team updates, fundraising tips and tricks, instructions about receiving donations, key program dates, and much more.
TeamRaiser Participant Center & Fundraising Page:Customize your personal fundraising page and use the online tools to send emails to your friends and family asking for their support. Click here and then select LOGIN in the upper right corner. You can also share your personal fundraising page on social media to reach your commitment!
Team FAQs – Please take a few minutes to review the information outlined below so you are prepared for race day, keeping in mind that details are subject to change.
When is the fundraising deadline?
The deadline to raise the amount you agreed upon when registering on TeamRaiser is Thursday, April 16 at 6am EST. If you have not met the fundraising amount you agreed to at this time, your credit card will be charged the difference to get you to your commitment. If your card does not go through, we will have the ability to process donations onsite at the Revere. More fundraising tools and information can be found here.
What are the plans for race day?
6:30am: Revere Hotel* (200 Stuart Street) opens for runners; mix, mingle, and get ready for the 5K or to cheer on your friends and family!
7:30am: Team photo; walk to start line
8:00 am: Race starts
8:30am: Celebratory brunch and awards in the ballroom at the Revere Hotel. All are welcome to attend!
*Parking is available at the hotel, and the cost is the responsibility of the runner.
What’s the easiest way to get to the start line on race day?
All race day logistics from the B.A.A will be found here.
MBTA: For a complete map and schedule, please visit www.mbta.com. Boylston and Arlington are the closest Green Line stops, while Chinatown is the closest Orange Line station.
PARKING: The B.A.A. recommends that participants park at the Garage at 100 Clarendon in Boston’s Back Bay. Street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhoods but is limited.
RIDESHARE: Charles Street will close at 5:00 a.m., and drop-off access near the start line will be blocked. If you plan on being dropped off on race morning, please plan to do so on Tremont Street or Beacon Street.
I haven’t received my race day bib?
U.S. residents will be mailed their bib number and participant guide in late March. International residents, including Canada, and runners who did not receive their bib in the mail may pick up their bib number at the Boston 5K bib counter at the Boston Marathon Expo on Friday, April 17 or on 5k race day morning at the Athlete Services tent near the start area between 6:30am and 7:30am on race day. A government-issued photo ID is required to claim or replace your bib number.
For more information on participant basics click here.
I lost/damaged by 5k bib. What do I do?
If you misplaced your bib or it gets damaged, access to replace your bib will be issued at the Athlete Services Tent near the start area on race day- just don’t forget a government-issued photo ID! For more information on participant basics click here.
I am a virtual participant, what do I need to do?
Simply complete your 5K April 17-19 and send us a photo at team@bwh.harvard.edu!
Can I come to the Revere if I am a virtual participant?
YES! We hope you do!
When will I get my Stepping Strong team shirt?
Shirts were mailed via FedEx to the address you registered with on our fundraising platform, TeamRaiser. If you do not receive your shirt by Monday, March 23 please let us know.
Help! My Stepping Strong team shirt is too small/big what do I do?
You can bring your shirt to exchange on race morning at the Revere Hotel!
Do I get a Boston 5K shirt?
Yes! The Boston 5K shirt is different than the Stepping Strong team shirt, and all registered in-person runners will receive one after completing the race. Shirts are not mailed to athletes, and sizes are while supplies last.
Do you have a sample of something I could text/email/post on social media for fundraising support?
Below, we offer a sample text that can be used on social media for fundraising support. There are also images created for social media use here.
“On Saturday, April 18, I will be participating in the Boston 5K with the Stepping Strong team to support The Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation. Our team’s goal is simple: turn tragedy into hope.
Insert photo and story of someone you are participating in honor or in memory of (if applicable).
Please consider supporting my run today with a donation. Together, we can help countless military and civilian trauma patients in Boston and beyond. Any amount will make a big difference!
Click here to donate today: insert link to your personal TeamRaiser fundraising page.
Thank you for your love and support!”
Are there fundraising incentives?
Yes! You can qualify for great incentives when you go above and beyond your fundraising commitment. Plus, everyone who kicks off their fundraising with a self-gift of $50 or more will receive one entry into a chance drawing for Red Sox Field Box tickets! Please note: If you are sharing a TeamRaiser page with other individuals, the total raised will be divided based on how many people are sharing the page for fundraising incentives.
When will I get my fundraising incentives?
Incentives will be mailed by the end of May to the address you entered while creating your TeamRaiser fundraising page.
How might inclement weather affect the event?
The B.A.A carefully monitors forecasts and prioritizes participant safety. Races will proceed rain or shine, and other weather conditions are typically met with adjustments made to the schedule and routes.
Are there any items prohibited by the B.A.A?
For safety reasons, the B.A.A prohibits strollers, in-line skates, skateboards (and any similar vehicles), and animals.
Thank you once again for joining us! If you have any other questions, please contact us at team@bwh.harvard.edu or 857 505 1225.
If you have not yet created your personal TeamRaiser fundraising page, please do so now by following the instructions in your welcome email to ensure you receive the correct size race day shirt. If your page is not created by March 9, we will be unable to guarantee shirt availability and/or sizing. If you need help, email team@bwh.harvard.edu.
Sharing Information about the Stepping Strong Center
We want to make it easy for you to talk about the Stepping Strong Center and the amazing work they do. Find their elevator pitch and definition of traumatic injury to help you in conversations where donors ask for more information.
Elevator Pitch:
Founded by survivors of the Boston Marathon bombing, The Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation transforms how we prevent, treat, and recover from traumatic injury—the number one cause of death for people under 44 in the United States. Through research grants, educational programs, and patient-focused initiatives, the center unites healthcare professionals to develop innovative treatments that revolutionize trauma care and rebuild lives.
Definition of Traumatic Injury:
Traumatic injury is sudden intentional or unintentional exposure to an external force, object, or substance resulting in severe or life-threatening bodily harm. Examples include, but are not limited to, injuries from motor vehicle crashes, violence, blasts, drownings, natural disasters, and falls.
Be sure to check out the following one-pagers as they have great information for you and your donors:
Use social media to bring people along on your fundraising journey! Share why you chose to run for the Stepping Strong Center and post reminders to support your efforts as race day gets closer. The more you share your story, the more others will want to be part of it. Tag us on Instagram,Facebook, Linkedln, and Twitter so we can follow along!
Thank you once again for joining us. If you have any questions, please contact team@bwh.harvard.edu or 857 505 1225.
