In 45 days · Sun, Nov 8, 2026
Don't let race day sneak up
One email during race week. That's it.
Sunday, November 8th, 2026
177 Main Street, Monson MA
Half · 5K
36–52°F · some rain risk
See last 10 years
On this date: rain 1 of the last 10 years
2025
43–58°F
rain
2024
40–59°F
dry
2023
30–45°F
dry
2022
36–49°F
dry
2021
37–58°F
dry
2020
50–69°F
dry
2019
22–37°F
dry
2018
35–49°F
dry
2017
32–43°F
dry
2016
33–59°F
dry
Best months to race in Massachusetts →
About this race
Monson Memorial Classic Half Marathon and 5K
The Monson Memorial Classic road race was started in 1996, shortly after the deaths of Kelly Waldron and Kathy Waldron Perry. These sisters died eight months apart from different types of cancer. Kathy suffered with melanoma, and Kelly had breast, bone, and liver cancer. They were wonderful, loving people. This race is in their memory, and past proceeds have gone to American Cancer Association of Western Mass, American Lung Association, Quaboag Valley Hospice, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This year we are giving proceeds to Griffin's Friends.
About Griffin's Friends
Griffin's Friends was founded in 1994 in Springfield, MA and named in honor of Griffin Kelleher, who lost his courageous battle with cancer at 14 months of age. Griffin's Friends is a nonprofit group that provides support to children who are stricken with cancer, and their families. To learn more, visit www.griffinsfriends.com
Donation Information
On race day, please bring canned goods to donate to Open Pantry. We will have a collection area at the race.
Race Timing Services
Race timing services provided by Fast Track Timing
Race Day Schedule
- Half Marathon Check In: 10:00 - 10:45 a.m.
- Half Marathon Race Starts: 12:00 p.m.
- 5K Check In: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
- 5K Race Starts: 11:15 p.m.
Runner Amenities
- Post Race Party: featuring live music and the best food ever!
- Prize Money: $$$
- Chip Timing: ensuring accurate race times
- Shirts and Medals: Long sleeve tech shirts to the first 200 registered for the half marathon by October 20th, finisher medals for all half marathon finishers, and T-shirts for the first 100 registered for the 5K by October 20th
Course Information
- Certification: USATF Half Marathon course # MA15024JK - this means your PR is a true PR!
- Half Marathon Course Maps: course map with elevation | simple course map
- 5K Course Map: 5K course map with elevation
USATF Sanction
USATF Sanction/Certificate # 202310181009411
Course map
Hotels for race weekend
Live prices near the start line, Nov 7 – 9, 2026.
Train with a club
Run clubs near Monson to train with before race day.
Suggested Races
Organize this race?
Claim it free to manage your listing — and get it featured for free, while spots last.