Mayor’s Cup Cross Country Returns to Franklin Park for 36th Year

The event will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2026, continuing a proud tradition of competitive and community cross country racing in Boston’s largest green space. 

“From young runners to seasoned athletes, Mayor’s Cup Cross Country brings generations of Boston’s running community together,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “For 36 years, Franklin Park has hosted this beloved tradition, and we look forward to welcoming runners from across Boston and beyond to compete, cheer each other on, and celebrate the spirit of our running community.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome runners back to Franklin Park for the 36th annual Mayor’s Cup Cross Country Tournament,” said Diana Fernandez Bibeau, Commissioner of the Boston Parks and Recreation Department and Deputy Chief of Open Space.“This iconic event brings people of all ages together to race through Frederick Law Olmsted’s historic landscape and battle for the title of ‘Best in Boston’. We can’t wait to see you at Franklin Park!”

“Franklin Park is one of Boston’s great public parks and is widely considered one of the best cross-country courses in America,” said Jack Fleming, President and CEO of the Boston Athletic Association. “Grassroots local running is at the heart of our youth and community initiatives, and the Mayor’s Cup is an important part of our year-round programming. We’re proud to partner with the Boston Parks and Recreation Department and USATF New England to continue our commitment to running at Franklin Park and support a hometown event that athletes look forward to each fall.”

Founded in 1990 by legendary Boston coach Bill Squires to bring open cross country racing back to Franklin Park, the inaugural Mayor’s Cup began with just nine entrants. Today, the event draws nearly 1,000 participants each year, ranging from youth runners to international-caliber athletes. Each race takes on Franklin Park’s Bear Cage Hill.

This year’s Mayor’s Cup features a full slate of races, including:

• Youth races (8/U, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14)
• Franklin Park 5K All-Comers Men and Women combined

The youth races will include medals to the top 3 individuals in each division and medals to the 3 scoring members of the top 3 teams in each race (Team scoring will combine 8/U and 9-10 in one race).  The Franklin Park 5K All Comers will feature age divisions (15–18, 19–39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+). The overall race winners earning the Mayor’s Cup award and the top teams winning the Bill Squires Cup.

Pre-registration is required for all races. Registration is now open at boston.gov/parks-sports. 

youth registration

adult registration

To stay up to date with news, events, and improvements in Boston parks visit boston.gov/parks, call (617) 635-4505, join our email list, and follow our social channels at @parks.boston.gov on Bluesky and @bostonparksdept on Facebook and Instagram.

more information

###