Annual Leonide J. Lemire Road Race 4.9 Mile Run

  • Date Sat 4th July 2026
  • Time 8:00AM EDT
  • Location Southbridge, Massachusetts
  • Price Free - $28.00
  • Races 6 races

Event summary

Join the excitement at the Annual Leonide J. Lemire Road Race, a cherished tradition taking place on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Southbridge, Worcester. This iconic 4.9-mile run is celebrated as the longest running road race of its kind in the country, making it a must-attend event for both seasoned runners and newcomers alike. The race kicks off at 8:00 AM from the Tri-Community Family Branch YMCA, with the scenic route winding through Southbridge, highlighting monuments and memorials that honor our local veterans.

Participants can look forward to a vibrant atmosphere filled with community spirit, as well as the chance to win finisher prizes across various age groups, and enjoy refreshing post-race refreshments. To honor its namesake, Leonard J. Lemire, who made the ultimate sacrifice during WWII, all proceeds from this event will benefit the Southbridge YMCA, which provides memberships for military personnel, veterans, and active duty members. Don’t miss out on this fantastic way to celebrate Independence Day while embracing fitness and community!

Organiser's Description

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.

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.

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.

RACE INFORMATION:
Location -Tri-Community Family Branch, 43 Everett Street, Southbridge, MA 01550
Start time- 8:00am
2 Water stations along the race route

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+

RACE RESULTS FOUND ON: EMPIRETIMING.COM

ADDITIONAL RACE INSTRUCTIONS:

1. There will be NO early bib pick up. There will be race day registration starting at 7am at the YMCA, 43 Everett Street, Southbridge.

2. Parking is available at the Credit Union on Main Street on race day.
3. Parking in the YMCA lot is 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.
4. Race will start with the wheelchair athletes at 8:00am, then runners & walkers at 8:05am.
5. Post race refreshments and prize table will be available
6. Results will be available online on The EMPIRE Timing Co. [http://www.empiretiming.com] website.

Races

  • 4.9M - Individual

    Incl. $3.00 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 4th July 2026 (8:00AM EDT)

    $28.00

    OPENS 02 MAY 26
    Registration to increase after June 20th to $25.00 for ALL categories, except for virtual run.
  • 4.9M - Seniors

    Incl. T-Shirt

    Sat 4th July 2026 (8:00AM EDT)

    Free

    OPENS 02 MAY 26
    Registration to increase after June 20th to $25.00 for ALL categories, except for virtual run.
  • 4.9M - Military

    Incl. T-Shirt

    Sat 4th July 2026 (8:00AM EDT)

    Free

    OPENS 02 MAY 26
    Registration to increase after June 20th to $25.00 for ALL categories, except for virtual run.
  • 4.9M - Solo Chair

    Incl. $3.00 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 4th July 2026 (8:00AM EDT)

    $28.00

    OPENS 02 MAY 26
    Registration to increase after June 20th to $25.00 for ALL categories, except for virtual run.
  • 4.9M - Duo Team Chair

    Incl. $3.00 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 4th July 2026 (8:00AM EDT)

    $28.00

    OPENS 02 MAY 26
    Registration to increase after June 20th to $25.00 for ALL categories, except for virtual run.
  • Virtual Run

    Incl. $2.70 Fee

    $22.70

    OPENS 02 MAY 26

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Location

43 Everett St, Southbridge, 01550, MA, United States

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