The Gallop is a casual, social run / walk. This is not a race. Think Zone 2 long run (or walk) with friends. Both courses start at the Robbins Farm Park lookout and head downhill from there, with optional stops to warm up, hydrate and socialize. Runners go long and finish at Boston Children's Hospital. Walkers loop through Cambridge and back up to Arlington Heights.
Assigned guides lead both the Runners and Walkers groups so nobody gets lost. Mostly.
Start at the lookout with the whole Boston skyline in front of you, then it's all downhill (literally) to the Minuteman Bike Path. Cruise past Spy Pond and Alewife, pick up the Somerville Community Path, and roll into Union Square with pockets full of gift cards and plenty of people to give them to. First stop: Aeronaut. Warm up, hydrate, high-five.
A short, flat hop through Somerville's back streets and over the line into Cambridge. Busy sidewalks, coffee shops, people walking dogs: this is prime gift-giving territory. Second stop: Lamplighter, right by Kendall. Refuel, regroup, and get ready for the big finish.
The victory lap. Cross the Charles with the city skyline on one side and MIT on the other, wind past Fenway Park, and finish at the front door of Boston Children's Hospital, the whole reason we do this. Hand out every last gift card you've got, squeeze in for the group photo, then find a spot nearby to celebrate or grab a ride share back.
Runners, this is a one-way ticket. There is no shuttle or transportation back to the start. Once you reach Boston Children's, you're on your own for getting back to Robbins Farm or home. A ride share from Longwood to Arlington Heights is about 20–30 minutes; the Green Line and the 77 bus also work. Plan ahead, bring a card, and maybe don't leave your keys in the car at the park.
Start at the lookout and it's downhill from there. The first mile has a stretch of trail through Menotomy Rocks Park (not technical, just watch the roots), then it's down past Spy Pond to the Minuteman Bike Path and a long flat glide to Alewife. Lots of pedestrians, lots of chances to play Santa. First stop: Craft Food Hall. Warm up and grab a bite.
Back up the bike path into East Arlington and along Mass Ave, the busiest, friendliest stretch of the whole walk. This is where the gift cards really fly. Second stop: Punjab in Arlington Center for something warm.
The final push: a gentle climb up Mass Ave to Arlington Heights and the finish at The Heights Pub. Pull up a stool, order something, and toast a job well done.
Walkers, this is a one-way ticket too, but a short one. There's no shuttle back to the start, but the Heights Pub is only about 0.7 miles from Robbins Farm Park. It's uphill, but you've already walked seven, so what's one more hill?
Please note: this is an open course without markers (bring your sense of adventure and direction) or official timing (bring your own watch if you really care). You'll be running or walking through neighborhoods, trails, roads and sidewalks while navigating pedestrians, wild animals, bikes, cars, trucks, motorcycles, reindeer, etc. All participants must abide by state and local laws. All stops are optional and require personal financing if you want food or hydration beyond water; these businesses are not sponsors of or affiliated with this event.
Plenty of on-street parking around Robbins Farm Park, along Eastern Ave or any of the neighborhood side streets. Runners: remember you won't be coming back to your car on foot.
No shuttles. Walkers finish 0.7 miles from the start. Runners finish in Longwood; a ride share back to Arlington Heights is 20–30 minutes, or take the Green Line to Alewife and the 77 bus.
Totally fine. Stop at any point, or join us at a stop. Just check in with a guide before you leave so we aren't counting heads for a ghost.
