Annual Leonide J. Lemire Road Race 4.9 Mile Run
Southbridge, MA
Sat, Jul 4, 2026
In 19 days · Sat, Jul 4, 2026
When
Saturday, July 4th, 2026
Where
43 Everett St, Southbridge MA
Distance
About this race
🏃♂️ Annual Leonide J. Lemire Road Race
The Leonide J. Lemire VFW 4th of July 4.9 Road Race in Southbridge is the longest running 4.9-mile road race in the country! The race starts and finishes at the Y. 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.
🕗 Race Information
- Location: Tri-Community Family Branch, 43 Everett Street, Southbridge, MA 01550
- Start time: 8:00am
- Water stations: 2 Water stations along the race route
🏆 Awards
Awards will be for in person only:
- 1st overall Male/Female: Winners for both categories
- Southbridge Resident: 1st Male/Female
- Military: 1st Male/Female
- Age Groups: 1st Male/Female in the following categories: 10-19, 20-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
📅 Date and Time
Gun start is 8am. The Y is normally closed on July Fourth, but locker room facilities will be available for the race. Finisher prizes for age groups along with random prize drawings and refreshments will be provided.
📜 Race History
A little about the history of this race: The VFW Post created the 4.9 mile road race to honor Leonard J. Lemire, the 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. All proceeds from this race go to YMCA in Southbridge, which annually gives memberships for our military, veterans and those on active duty.
⚠️ Additional Race Instructions
- Bib pick up: There will be NO early bib pick up. Race day registration starting at 7am at the YMCA.
- Parking: Available at the Credit Union on Main Street on race day.
- YMCA lot: Reserved for staff, volunteers and Team Hoyt New England. The lot will be closed at 7:15am. Cars will not be allowed to leave until the completion of the race.
- Race start: Wheelchair athletes at 8:00am, runners & walkers at 8:05am.
📊 Race Results
Race results can be found on The EMPIRE Timing Co. website.
🔗 Registration Link
For more information and to register, visit: Leonide J. Lemire Road Race.
Course map
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