The Hollis-Brookline Rotary originally hosted the “Apple Country 5 Mile Road Race” on a Saturday morning each spring. In 2005, motivated by dwindling entrants, they identified two issues: a crowded New England race calendar and a challenging racecourse. Their solution was to create a unique experience, offering something different from most area races (it's not called Hillsborough County for nothing). Thus the idea for a fast, all downhill 5K on a weeknight became a reality.
Known as "New England’s fastest 5K," the Hollis Fast 5K is ideal for all abilities – from walkers, joggers, runners and Olympic dreamers! Entrants have ranged in age from 4 years to 88. When the starting gun goes off, perhaps the most heart-warming sight is to see entire families and communities participating. As we like to say, “it’s all downhill from here”!
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Current course records:
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Men: 13:47, Nate Jenkins, 2013
Women: 15:31. Erica Jesserman, 2013
In 2024, the Gate City Striders and the Hollis-Brookline Rotary announced a partnership which would see Gate City take over much of the operational day-to-day aspects of the race, with the Rotary continuing to play an important advisory role. Proceeds from the race will continue to support the local community.
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After 19 years of dedicated service for the Hollis Fast 5K, George LeCours has stepped down as race director. He will continue to serve in an advisory role in order to help maintain the standard of excellence and community pride in this event that he has helped established.
George's impact on the running community cannot be overstated and our thanks is boundless.
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