Shirley May France 10k Road Race
- Date Sat 19th September 2026
- Time 5:00PM EDT
- Location Somerset, Massachusetts
- Price $19.00 - $56.45
- Races 3 races
- Distances 10km, 1 Mile, 5km
Event summary
Join us for the Shirley May France 10K Road Race on Saturday, September 19, 2026, in beautiful Somerset, Bristol! This exciting event honors the remarkable legacy of Shirley May France, a local hero who inspired many with her daring attempts to swim the English Channel in the late 1940s. As runners take on the scenic 10K course, they'll wind through the heart of Somerset, starting and finishing at historic Riverside Avenue and looping around vibrant local streets like Dublin Street, High Street, and South Street.
In addition to the 10K, this year's race features a 5K and a family-friendly 1-mile option, making it perfect for participants of all ages and abilities. With a lively after-party at Comfort Zone Grille & Bar, the event promises a day of fun, community spirit, and support for a great cause. Proceeds will benefit The Cure Starts Now - Somerset chapter, which raises vital funds for pediatric brain cancer research. Come lace up, show up, and celebrate the strength of Somerset while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow runners and local businesses that make this community shine!
In addition to the 10K, this year's race features a 5K and a family-friendly 1-mile option, making it perfect for participants of all ages and abilities. With a lively after-party at Comfort Zone Grille & Bar, the event promises a day of fun, community spirit, and support for a great cause. Proceeds will benefit The Cure Starts Now - Somerset chapter, which raises vital funds for pediatric brain cancer research. Come lace up, show up, and celebrate the strength of Somerset while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow runners and local businesses that make this community shine!
Organiser's Description
THE SHIRLEY MAY FRANCE 10K ROAD RACE
HOSTED BY THE SOMERSET ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
PRESENTED BY BANK FIVE - SOMERSET
Join us in honoring a true Somerset trailblazer!
The Somerset Economic Development Committee is proud to host the SHIRLEY MAY FRANCE 10K ROAD RACE, celebrating the legacy of hometown hero Shirley May France. As a determined teenager, Shirley captured national attention with her two courageous attempts to swim the English Channel in 1948 and 1949coming within just one mile of making history on her second try. Her spirit of perseverance continues to inspire generations.
This scenic 10K course winds through the heart of Somerset, beginning and ending on historic RIVERSIDE AVENUE. Runners will loop around DUBLIN STREET, HIGH STREET, and SOUTH STREET, before crossing the finish line at COMFORT ZONE GRILLE & BAR, where a lively after-party awaits racers and spectators alike.
This year we are also offering 5k and 1 mile races along historic Riverside Avenue sporting scenic water views.
A RACE WITH A MISSION: SUPPORTING LOCAL
Proudly presented by BANK FIVE, this event is more than a runits a rally for our community. Our 2026 charity of choice is, The Cure Starts Now - Somerset chapter. Led by Ken and Michelle Oheman in honor of their late daughter Selina. The Cure Starts Now raises money for research on pediatric brain cancer. We are proud to help support such a wonderful cause that has had a profound affect on our community. The race is also designed to spotlight and stimulate business for the local establishments that make Somerset shine. Many of our community's beloved staples are just steps from the course, including:
* Comfort Zone Grille & Bar
* BankFive
* St. Anne's Credit Union
* Somerset Creamery
* Auclairs Market
* Fiesta Mexican Restaurant
Whether youre running, cheering, or simply soaking in the day, youre helping to uplift Somersets small businesses and community pride.
LACE UP, SHOW UP, AND CELEBRATE SOMERSETS STRENGTHPAST AND PRESENT!
LINK TO VIDEO OF THE 2025 RACE TAKEN BY SATV LINK TO VIDEO [https://cloud.castus.tv/vod/somerset/video/68de8f527d3de200024cb583?page=HOME&fbclid=IwY2xjawNLkqlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFCR25yQWJ1VWhVS0R2a0FnAR5zJgyHXn3zFtyogetR4kt1v_Nwo9Ao4Txz5QJOxafj1Vjt4Pr22dg-uYiotg_aem_mnSyolhixHyjpeyPOvn1Ew]
LINK TO 2025 RACE PHOTOS LINK TO PHOTOS [https://runsignup.com/Race/Photos/MA/Somerset/ShirleyMayFrance10k]
HOSTED BY THE SOMERSET ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
PRESENTED BY BANK FIVE - SOMERSET
Join us in honoring a true Somerset trailblazer!
The Somerset Economic Development Committee is proud to host the SHIRLEY MAY FRANCE 10K ROAD RACE, celebrating the legacy of hometown hero Shirley May France. As a determined teenager, Shirley captured national attention with her two courageous attempts to swim the English Channel in 1948 and 1949coming within just one mile of making history on her second try. Her spirit of perseverance continues to inspire generations.
This scenic 10K course winds through the heart of Somerset, beginning and ending on historic RIVERSIDE AVENUE. Runners will loop around DUBLIN STREET, HIGH STREET, and SOUTH STREET, before crossing the finish line at COMFORT ZONE GRILLE & BAR, where a lively after-party awaits racers and spectators alike.
This year we are also offering 5k and 1 mile races along historic Riverside Avenue sporting scenic water views.
A RACE WITH A MISSION: SUPPORTING LOCAL
Proudly presented by BANK FIVE, this event is more than a runits a rally for our community. Our 2026 charity of choice is, The Cure Starts Now - Somerset chapter. Led by Ken and Michelle Oheman in honor of their late daughter Selina. The Cure Starts Now raises money for research on pediatric brain cancer. We are proud to help support such a wonderful cause that has had a profound affect on our community. The race is also designed to spotlight and stimulate business for the local establishments that make Somerset shine. Many of our community's beloved staples are just steps from the course, including:
* Comfort Zone Grille & Bar
* BankFive
* St. Anne's Credit Union
* Somerset Creamery
* Auclairs Market
* Fiesta Mexican Restaurant
Whether youre running, cheering, or simply soaking in the day, youre helping to uplift Somersets small businesses and community pride.
LACE UP, SHOW UP, AND CELEBRATE SOMERSETS STRENGTHPAST AND PRESENT!
LINK TO VIDEO OF THE 2025 RACE TAKEN BY SATV LINK TO VIDEO [https://cloud.castus.tv/vod/somerset/video/68de8f527d3de200024cb583?page=HOME&fbclid=IwY2xjawNLkqlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFCR25yQWJ1VWhVS0R2a0FnAR5zJgyHXn3zFtyogetR4kt1v_Nwo9Ao4Txz5QJOxafj1Vjt4Pr22dg-uYiotg_aem_mnSyolhixHyjpeyPOvn1Ew]
LINK TO 2025 RACE PHOTOS LINK TO PHOTOS [https://runsignup.com/Race/Photos/MA/Somerset/ShirleyMayFrance10k]
Races
Reviews
Done this event?
First-hand event reviews from people who have been there, done that and got the breathable T-shirt, really help everyone choose their next event.
Add a reviewLocation
Comfort Zone Restaurant, 1525 Riverside Avenue, Somerset, 02726, MA, United States
Who's In
See who else is doing this event
Be the first
No-one has marked this event as 'Doing' or 'Maybe' yet. Will you be the first?
Shirley May France 10k Road Race
