Famed Little Women author Louisa May Alcott and her family believed in the importance of a health-conscious lifestyle long before it was popular to do so:  they were vegetarians, protested against animal cruelty, and believed that the well-being of both mind and body were vital to human development.  Miss Alcott herself loved to run from a very early age, once writing in her journal, "I always thought I must have been a deer or a horse in a former state because it is such a joy to run!"  As an adult, she was even known to walk from Concord, MA to Boston -- a distance of 22 miles -- in one day and be ready to dance at a party that night!  Her father, educator and philosopher A. Bronson Alcott, was also one of the first teachers in America to include co-educational physical fitness in his school curriculum.

Since 2005, the place the Alcotts called home for over twenty years -- "Orchard House" -- has been honoring the family's dedication to healthy living by sponsoring a 5K/10K Run and 5K Walk.  Each year, we have been faithfully supported by Honorary Chair Uta Pippig, three-time winner of both the Boston and Berlin Marathons, New York Marathon winner, two-time Olympian, and one of the most sought-after fitness motivators in the world.  All manner of runners, walkers, and their supporters -- from elite marathoners and casual joggers to wheelchair riders and "strollercizers" -- come together as a community to celebrate the sheer joy of movement!

All proceeds from the event support educational programming and historic preservation at Orchard House.  Donations help maximize our ability to provide free or discounted admission to underserved schoolchildren; create innovative education programs for students, teachers, homeschoolers, and elder learners; preserve the irreplaceable artifacts and archives for scholars and visitors alike to enjoy; and, continue to serve as a touchstone for anyone seeking understanding, acceptance, and inspiration.  We would love to have you run, walk, or cheer for those who do, and support Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House every step of the way!  Thank you in advance.