Organizer and Corrib Charitable Trust representative Tony Bligh said this year’s race won’t be stopped by the construction on Billings Field; however, they will have to make some changes to accommodate the work.

“The Y has graciously and kindly allowed us the use of their two parking lots, and so we’ll have the post-race celebration there,” he said.

Signups will also be affected, taking place in the parking lot just behind Billings Field. Bligh said runners will be able to access signups by using the path in between the field and Corrib Pub/Roslindale Pediatric Associates.

“People will only have to walk an extra 20 feet,” Bligh said.

Bligh said despite the inconvenience of the work, he’s amazed at the job going on there. He said the field has been in disrepair for years and really needed the work.

“It’s close to a $20 million project, and they’re ahead of schedule,” he said. “And the company doing the work, Fleming Contractors, are an amazing company and they’re doing a great job. They’re the best company in New England for this kind of stuff, and the community lucked out getting them. That’s how I feel, and Parks’s B Chatfield and Kevin Bogle have done an amazing job too.”

There have been impacts, however, as they won’t be able to do the Kids Fun Run this year, as Bligh said they couldn’t find a space he was comfortable with.

“Roxbury Latin was kind enough to offer to let us use their field, but we get nervous about the kids going across the street,” he said. “But it will be back in full force in 2027 on the new field.”

Bligh said the race is a fundraiser for the Corrib Charitable Trust, which is aimed at spreading funds around in the community. He said the Trust raises tens of thousands of dollars for local charities focused on veterans causes and youth sports. He said last year, they were able to disperse more than $60,000 to local causes.

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“In the history of the race, our total disbursements is right around $2 million,” he said. “And we give to the little league, Parkway Youth Basketball, veterans associations and those kinds of organizations. Our focus is youth, veterans and senior organizations.”

Bligh said organizing the race each year is a hectic and chaotic event that he does stress about, but he said the work is made lighter by many hands.

“I have a lot of fun, because our Board is just the best bunch of guys and we have a ton of laughs,” he said. “It’s a lot of work, but we have a ton of fun. It’s definitely not your typical board meeting.”

Bligh said the community has really gotten behind The Corrib to help ease any speed bumps caused by the Billings Field reconstruction. He said he was very surprised by the outpouring of support and offers from other local organizations.

“We were floored by how much help and kindness we’re receiving from our neighbors, I mean everybody’s offering to help,” he said. “It’s unbelievable, you know? God bless America!”

To sign up, go to https://gvimes.link/corrib5k2026

Sponsors for this year’s race include Gormley Funeral Home, the Parkway YMCA, and The Cooperative Bank.