Annual Leonide J. Lemire 4th of July Road Race

Annual Leonide J. Lemire 4th of July Road Race

Date: July 4, 2027

Location: 153 Chestnut Street, Southbridge, MA

More Information

Race Overview

• History: The Leonide J. Lemire 4th of July Road Race in Southbridge is one of the longest running road races in the country!
• Course: The route takes a scenic course through Southbridge passing all monuments and memorials honoring our local veterans.
• Tradition: This race is the perfect way to start off your Independence Day.
• Memorial: Honors Leonard J. Lemire, a Southbridge native and WWII casualty at Pearl Harbor.

New Location

• Venue: The race has come home to the Veteran Council Office.
• Mission: Promotes the welfare and provides support to all Veterans of the Town of Southbridge who served honorably.
• Community Center: 153 Chestnut Street, Southbridge, MA 01550.
• Facebook: Visit our Facebook page

Registration Details

• Cost: $25.00 Registration opens February 15th, includes a race t-shirt with new logo and early number pickup.
• Late Registration: $30.00 from June 20th to July 1st, no race t-shirt option.
• Race Day Registration: $35.00 on July 2nd - Race day, no race t-shirt option.
• Add Ons: Pasta dinner ticket for registered runner is $5.00: for guests $10.00.

Pasta Dinner

• Date: July 3rd, hosted at the Community Center, 153 Chestnut Street.
• Purpose: Celebrate, honor our Veterans, and carb-load before race day.
• Number Pickup: On July 3rd from 4:30pm-5:30pm prior to the dinner.
• Start Time: Pasta dinner begins at 5:30pm.

Race Day Schedule

• Pre-race: Opens at 7am.
• Start-line: Line up at 7:50am.
• Race Start: 8am for chairs, 8:03am for runners.
• Awards: Start at 9:15am.

Awards

• Categories: Awards will be given for 1st overall Male/Female, Southbridge Resident 1st Male/Female, Military 1st Male/Female, Duo chair team 1st, Solo chair 1st Male/Female.
• Age Groups: 1st Male/Female for ages 10-19, 20-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+.
• Multiple Awards: Each winner must be present to collect their award.
• Random Prizes: Includes random prize drawings for all entries and volunteers.

Course Highlights

• Distance: Approximately 5 miles.
• Terrain: Paved roads throughout.
• Key Features: Historic downtown areas, residential neighborhoods, and community landmarks.
• Spectator Support: Local spectators often gather along the course to cheer on participants.

Support and Safety

• Volunteers: Local running group supports runners along the course.
• Police: Present at major intersections and tailing runners for safety.
• Restrooms and Parking: Available at the Community Center.
• Military Honors: Local scouts present and honor the flag at the start of the race.

Significance

This race honors Leonide J. Lemire, and brings together runners, families, volunteers, veterans, and local organizations in a celebration of community and independence.