You don't have to run the marathon to run up Heartbreak Hill

Next Sunday, the day before the Boston Marathon, Newton will be holding the 17th annual Heartbreak Hill International Youth Road Race.

Heartbreak Hill, which lies about 20.5 miles into the marathon, is aptly named for its ability to ruin a race. It's a 2.5-mile stretch of inclined road running through Newton that can defeat some of the fittest athletes.

"The good news is that you don't really have to run 20 miles leading up to Heartbreak Hill if you don't want to," Mayor David Cohen said in his weekly press conference. "All you need to do to experience the historic Heartbreak Hill for yourself is to register for the [race]."

The race is 1 mile long and open to people in two age groups, 9- to 18-year-olds and 19- to 99-year-olds. Register for the race at www.newtonpride.org/race.

In order to prepare for the race, you might want to load up on some carbs at the Pizza/Pasta Party that will be held the day before at 5:30 p.m. at Newton City Hall. The party will be a chance for some good food, and for some motivational speaking by Newton South High School girls' cross-country team coach Steven McChesney.