153 Chestnut Street, Southbridge MA
Saturday, July 4th, 2026
Race Overview
The Leonide J. Lemire 4th of July Road Race in Southbridge is one of the longest running road races in the country! The route takes a scenic course through Southbridge passing all monuments and memorials honoring our local veterans. This race is the perfect way to start off your Independence Day.
The Local VFW Post 6055 created the 4.9 mile road race to honor Leonard J. Lemire, a Southbridge native who was killed at Pearl Harbor while serving on the battleship USS West Virginia. He was the first Southbridge resident casualty of WWII. The length of the race is now a 5-miler.
New Location Details
This year, 2026, is a New Start and Finish location
The race has come home to the Veteran Council Office.
MISSION OF THE VETERANS COUNCIL OF SOUTHBRIDGE: Promotes the welfare and provides support to all Veterans of the Town of Southbridge who served in the United States Armed Forces Honorably.
NEW Location:
The Community Center in Southbridge
153 Chestnut Street, Southbridge, MA 01550
Veterans Council Facebook
Cost and Registration Details
- $25.00 Registration: Opens February 15th. Includes a race t-shirt with new logo, early number pick up.
- $30.00: June 20th- July 1st, no race t-shirt option, early number pick up.
- $35.00: July 2nd- Race day sign up, no race t-shirt option.
- Add Ons: Pasta dinner ticket for registered runners $5.00, for guests $10.00.
Pasta Dinner and Packet Pickup
NEW: This year’s race will include a pasta dinner on July 3rd, hosted by the Veterans Council of Southbridge, Veterans Council of Southbridge Auxiliary, and Race Committee Members at the Community Center, 153 Chestnut Street. The evening will be a time to remember, celebrate, and honor our Veterans—while also enjoying a chance to carb-load before race day.
Number pick up will be on July 3rd prior to the pasta dinner. All runners are invited to attend but must purchase a ticket when registering for the race.
Race Benefits
All proceeds after race expenses are met, benefit the Veterans Council of Southbridge. https://www.facebook.com/southbridgeveteranscouncil/
Race Results
RACE RESULTS FOUND ON: empiretiming.com
Gun start is 8am. Finisher prizes for age groups along with random prize drawings and refreshments will be provided.
Race Day Schedule
- Pre-race: Opens at 7am
- Start-line line up: 7:50am
- Race start: 8am for chairs, 8:03am for runners
- Awards: Start at 9:15am
Awards Information
Awards will be for in person only:
- 1st overall Male/Female
- Southbridge Resident 1st Male/Female
- Military 1st Male/Female
- Duo chair team 1st
- Solo chair 1st Male/Female
- 1st Male/Female in the following Age Groups: 10-19, 20-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
Additional Race Instructions
Amenities at Community Center: Restrooms and Parking
Police and Race Marshals will be leading, tailing, and marking the route at all turns. The course passes all military monuments and will pass over a bridge honoring the towns veterans. The course will have two water stations, with refreshments provided at the finish line.
Race support: Volunteers from a local running group, police support, and local scouts will contribute to the event.
Results will be available online on The EMPIRE Timing Co. website.
Links and Donations
Links:
Facebook Page
Donations: Click Here
Tax ID: 86-3931910
