In September, The Dimock Center’s Roxbury campus came alive with the energy of 1,200+ runners, walkers, volunteers, and community members marking the 11th Annual Road to Wellness 5K Run/2-Mile Walk as the largest event in the program’s history.
Founded in 2015 through a partnership between HoodFit, the Boston Athletic Association (BAA), and The Dimock Center, the Road to Wellness has grown from what was once an idea into a year-round movement dedicated to health, fitness, and community empowerment. Inspired by community advocate Thaddeus Miles’ vision for accessible wellness, the program remains free and welcomes participants of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels.
Year after year, we are filled with gratitude and pride in hosting an event that means so much to so many. Watching this community show up for themselves, for each other, and for Roxbury, is an ongoing reminder of why this work matters.
At the 11th Annual Road to Wellness:
1,013 runners and walkers crossed the finish line
100+ volunteers brought energy, care, and support to every corner of the event.
34 exhibitors at the Health & Fitness Pavilion offered free community resources and health screenings.
A Look Back at the 11th Annual Road to Wellness
The Power of Partnership
At the heart of the Road to Wellness is a partnership rooted in shared purpose. For over a decade, HoodFit and the Boston Athletic Association have stood alongside Dimock in a shared belief: every person, regardless of background or ability, deserves a path to wellness.
This event is only made possible through that commitment. Together, we are broadening access, building belonging, and encouraging people of all ages and abilities to take that next step forward on their Road to Wellness.
We are also deeply grateful to the sponsors who make this work possible. Lead sponsor John Hancock’s generous commitment ensures that the Road to Wellness remains free and accessible for everyone in our community. And thanks to Stop & Shop, participants at every Summer Training Series session and on race day were fueled with healthy snacks and hydration.
Because of partners like these, we are building something bigger than a race—a healthier, stronger Roxbury.
Thanayi’s Road to Wellness
Three years ago, Thanayi, a local teacher, received a critical warning from her doctor about her weight and blood pressure. She took action, losing 100 pounds, but she found her true “stride” when she joined the Road to Wellness Summer Training Series. What started as a health journey evolved into a community movement. Through the Summer Training Series, Thanayi connected with other running groups, and today, she has competed in over 30 races and four marathons.
“Running gave me freedom,” Thanayi says. “It reminded me why I started—to stay strong and inspire others who look like me.”
Now, Thanayi brings that resilience back to her classroom. “I tell my students that health is something you practice every day…you don’t have to run marathons to achieve a healthy lifestyle or find joy in fitness,” she says. “You just have to keep moving!”
Our Sponsors
Support from these top sponsors makes it possible for community members to participate in the Road to Wellness Summer Training Series and race day free of charge.
- John Hancock
- Beth Israel Lahey Health
- Boston Athletic Association
- HoodFit
- The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company
- Point32Health
- Trefler Foundation
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
- State Street
- Boston Children’s Hospital
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
- MassHousing
- Peabody Properties
- WinnCompanies
- High Output
- Spark FM