Natick will host its fifth Frosty 5K race in few weeks. The annual fundraising run will be held on Sunday, Dec. 6 at 9 a.m.

The race is expected to attract about 600 runners, and all of its proceeds go toward supporting Natick High School’s Cross Country and Track and Field athletes.

“We go big,” said Amy Forte. She is co-chair of the race and also of the Natick Track Boosters. That nonprofit’s mission is to support students participating in those sports.

The race begins and ends in front of Natick High School itself, and features a diverse slate of participants. It’s become something of a local tradition, bringing family members of NHS students past and present to participate in the event.

Runners have been known to show up in costumes, while others come to add another race to their numbers.

Natick’s Frosty 5K is recognized by the USA Track and Field governing body, so runners’ stats will be official.

Many runners sign up for the event at Natick Days, where the Frosty 5K typically hosts a booth to market the race and raise funds. The event is also sponsored by local businesses and other groups.

“It’s incredible,” said Forte. “It is super community-focused. It’s all about supporting the athletes.”

Funds go toward purchasing equipment for cross country and track and field athletes, such as uniforms, footwear and other gear. The money is also used for travel expenses and events.

Dylan Jones coaches the NHS boys cross country team.

“They’re pretty involved,” he said of his runners, who train in all kinds of conditions. “They get mud, they get rain, they get cold days.”

Still, he allowed, running through New England autumn has a special magic. 

The Frosty 5K exists in a kind of a seasonal limbo for competitive runners. “It’s kind of a dead zone for races. It feels like a gift.”

Runners brave the cold for the annual 5K. Courtesy photo