Shirley May France 10k Road Race
- Date Sat 19th September 2026
- Time 5:00PM EDT
- Location Somerset, Massachusetts
- Price $19.00 - $48.42
- Races 3 races
- Distances 10km, 1 Mile, 5km
Event summary
Join us for the exciting Shirley May France 10K Road Race on Saturday, September 19, 2026, in beautiful Somerset, Bristol! This vibrant event not only honors the remarkable legacy of local hero Shirley May France, who bravely attempted to swim the English Channel in 1948 and 1949, but also brings the community together for a day of fun and fitness. The scenic 10K course will take participants through the heart of Somerset, starting and finishing on historic Riverside Avenue, with a lively after-party awaiting all runners and spectators at Comfort Zone Grille & Bar.
In addition to the main 10K race, this year's event also features a 5K and a 1-mile race, perfect for runners of all ages and skill levels. As a race with a mission, we proudly support The Cure Starts Now - Somerset chapter, raising funds for pediatric brain cancer research in memory of a beloved community member. So lace up your running shoes, bring your family and friends, and get ready to celebrate Somerset's spirit, resilience, and commitment to supporting local businesses. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this uplifting event that champions both community pride and a worthy cause!
In addition to the main 10K race, this year's event also features a 5K and a 1-mile race, perfect for runners of all ages and skill levels. As a race with a mission, we proudly support The Cure Starts Now - Somerset chapter, raising funds for pediatric brain cancer research in memory of a beloved community member. So lace up your running shoes, bring your family and friends, and get ready to celebrate Somerset's spirit, resilience, and commitment to supporting local businesses. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this uplifting event that champions both community pride and a worthy cause!
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 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 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 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 RACE PHOTOS LINK TO PHOTOS [https://runsignup.com/Race/Photos/MA/Somerset/ShirleyMayFrance10k]
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Comfort Zone Restaurant, 1525 Riverside Avenue, Somerset, 02726, MA, United States
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Shirley May France 10k Road Race
