REGISTER TO RUN/WALK
SPONSOR A RUNNER/WALKER
SPONSOR 5K EVENT
TIME REMAINING
$0.00
Raised
$15,000.00
Goal
0
Donors
$15,000.00 left to reach our goal!
About Us
NECPAD was created in the early 1990s to meet the need of several families in the New England area who were starved for information on PKU and other metabolic disorders. At the time, the Internet was not around as a source of information as it is today.
Therefore, parents of children with PKU and similar conditions were very dependent on their metabolic clinics for information and resources. They had little opportunity to speak with and interact with others in similar situations, especially from different clinics.
A small support group was started by two parents getting together to talk about their children’s conditions, then it became three parents, and then four and so on. These informal get-togethers continued to grow and it didn’t take long to realize there was a significant need for an organization to provide support and information to families and individuals with these conditions in New England.
In 1995, the official New England Connection for PKU and Allied Disorders was established and became a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. And the rest is history... so Welcome to the Family.
NECPAD benefits and supports individuals and their families with inherited metabolic disorders including:
Phenylketonuria (PKU)
Homocystinuria (HCU)
Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD)
Organic Acidemias
Tyrosinemia (TYR)
Urea Cycle Disorders (UCD)
For more details or to get updates, please visit our website or follow our Facebook page.
Event Details
What:
The Annual Fast Feet for Phreedom 5K will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the Artesani park in Brighton, MA. After hugely successful events in the past, our goals are again to kick-off National PKU Awareness Month, raise PKU/AD awareness as well as funds to support our PKU/AD community, and most importantly, to gather families, friends and community members together for a competitive and fun morning including a 5k, Kids Fun Run, Music, Low Pro Food Trucks and more!
When:
The race will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2026. The event will start with the ‘Kid’s Fun Run’ starting at approximately 9:45am. The 5k will start at approximately 10:30am. After the race itself concludes at approximately 11:30am, the race crew will break down the race equipment, store all race materials and ensure the grounds are clean. The 5k will start at approximately 10:30. The race and all post race activities will be done by approximately 1:00pm.
Where:
The event will be held at DCR Artesani Park at 1255 Soldiers Field Road, Brighton, MA. Please see the attached diagram for a detailed course map. The race course starts at the large parking lot and general meeting area and proceeds along the Charles River until it loops back to the starting area. The race is done entirely on sidewalks or public grounds so runners have an obstacle free run. It also negates the need for police details, road closures and additional volunteers. There will be a water stop at approximately the one and a half mile area.
Race Design:
The race will be split into two segments. The first will consist of the ‘Kid’s Fun Run’ for all kids under the age of 7. The race will be a short dash of about 100 yards. After the Fun Run has commenced, the official 5K will begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I begin?
Want to Participate? Click the Home option and click the Register to Walk button.
Once you have registered, you can customize and manage your own fundraising page, share your page through social media, and get sponsors.
Do you want to sponsor a participant? Click the Home option and scroll down to the Fundraisers window. Search for the participant and choose to Donate on their behalf.
If you have further questions, please contact us at [email protected].
2. What are the Race Options and Schedules?
The race will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026. The event will start with the ‘Kid’s Fun Run’ starting at approximately 9:45am. The 5k will start at approximately 10:30am.
3. What Does Pledging to the Run Mean, Exactly?
By committing to this event, and pledging to raise money for its success, you are helping raise invaluable funds to support NECPAD, the PKU and AD Community.
4. How can my sponsors submit payment?
Online contributions can be made by credit card on the runner's personalized page found on this website. Just make sure to tell your sponsors to select your name from the list of runners.
5. I am concerned that I might not be able to raise the required funds. Will I be able to do it?
Even if you've never raised money before, our materials and strategies will make it easy for you to solicit and collect sponsorships from friends, family, colleagues, neighbors, and others. Experience has shown that it is not only possible, but enjoyable, to set and reach your goals. Please refer to the sample letters found on your personal fundraising page center, that explains the programs the Run supports, and you will be surprised to see how quickly friends, family, and co-workers will respond to your request to help this wonderful cause. Just remember to make it personal as well, as you want them to know that they are sponsoring YOU and YOUR efforts! And, as many companies offer charitable donation matching programs, make sure to ask your sponsors to check with their employers, as it will help you meet your goal ever more quickly.
6. Is the Run only for Runners?
No! The Run is designed as a day of fun and fitness for the whole family.
7. Do You Run Alone or as a Team?
Either! Participants can run alone or create their own team to run a route through a relatively flat course.
8. I have never run a race. Will I be able to finish a 5K?
Absolutely! Many of our participants are first-timer runners or not runners at all.
9. Is there a refund/exchange policy?
Yes. If a donation was made accidentally or for the wrong amount, simply make us aware of the issue and we will be happy to make any necessary refunds, changes or corrections. Race registration fees are not refundable.
10. Is parking available?
Please note that the large parking lot will be available. Please allow sufficient time for parking and registration.
Please note that the large parking lot will be available. Please allow sufficient time for parking and registration.
Contact Us
New England Connection for PKU and Allied Disorders (NECPAD)
Race Day Director/Coordinator:
Tanya Parrazzo
781-858-9966