Running Out Of Summer 5K 2026

9:00 AM

5K Run/Walk: 9:30 AM

5K Run/Walk (Virtual): 9:30 AM

The 5K Run/Walk is a fun event for the whole family! The course is mostly flat with one small hill. See the course map for details.

Runners and walkers from out of town can still participate and show their support. Virtual runners can tune in to the beginning of the race via Instagram Live. Then, run on your own and post your photos!

Purpose of the Race

Funds raised from the 5K allow the Vanessa T. Marcotte Foundation to provide valuable safety programs to the community. The Foundation envisions a world where women live free from harassment. They advocate for safety awareness, violence prevention, and gender equality. They further their mission by providing self-protection training, and they partner with organizations to provide programming and mentorship opportunities to address the root causes of violence against women. Vanessa Marcotte inspires their work, and her kind, philanthropic and compassionate spirit continues to influence people of all ages.

Post-Race Party

Enjoy the fun, post-race atmosphere with DJ, food, ice cream truck, beer, and more! You can also enter to win several raffle items. Activities for kids, too!

Sponsorship Opportunities

Please show your support! Visit 5Ksponsor.org to sign up.

Race Awards

Top male & female finishers overall, and top finishers (male & female) in the following categories:

Under 18; 18-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70+

Online Auction

The auction items will be displayed online soon. Additionally, be sure to check out our raffle tables at the event with over 30 items.

FAQs/RACE DAY INFO:

WHEN & WHERE CAN I PICK UP MY RACE BIB AND SHIRT? Bib and shirt pickup, as well as walk-up registration, opens at 8 AM on Saturday, June 20th at Wachusett Mountain. For GPS purposes, use 499 Mountain Rd., Princeton, MA. Once you park, head towards the lodge and check-in under the large white tent. Check-in lines will be by Bib Number. Please know your bib number in advance. Link will be provided.

HOW CAN I GET MY RACE RESULTS? When you register, you are asked to provide a cell phone number if you want to receive a text with your finish time after the race. OR...you can simply search your name and finish time after the race. Link will be provided.

WHAT IS VIRTUAL RACE EXPERIENCE LIKE? Signing up for a virtual registration is a way to show your support of the cause if you can't make it to Princeton, MA. Join us on Instagram LIVE for opening remarks and official start, and then run on your own. You can also join our club on Strava to run “together” from wherever you are, see other participants’ activities, and be part of the race-day community.

CAN I BID ON THE SILENT AUCTION EVEN IF I CAN'T GO TO THE EVENT? Yes, anyone in the U.S. can bid on an item! The auction will close on Saturday, June 20th at 11:30 AM.

CAN I BRING MY DOG? We love dogs, but unfortunately the venue does not allow dogs at this event per the board of health unless they are a service dog.

CAN I BRING A STROLLER? Yes! Walkers/runners are welcome to do the 5K with a stroller.

memorials honoring our local veterans. This race is the perfect way to start off your Independence Day.

The Local VFW Post 6055 created the 4.9 mile road race to honor Leonard J. Lemire, a 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. The length of the race is now a 5-miler.

This year there, 2026, is a New Start and Finish location

The race has come home to the Veteran Council Office

MISSION OF THE VETERANS COUNCIL OF SOUTHBRIDGE: Promotes the welfare and provide support to all Veterans of the Town of Southbridge who served in the United States Armed Forces Honorably.

NEW Location:

The Community Center in Southbridge

153 Chestnut Street, Southbridge, MA 01550

https://www.facebook.com/southbridgeveteranscouncil/

Cost, cut off dates, and what it includes:

$25.00 Registration to open February 15th

Includes: A race t-shirt with new logo, early number pick up

$30.00 June 20th- July 1st no race t-shirt option, early number pick up

$35.00 July 2nd- Race day sign up- no race t-shirt option

Add Ons-Pasta dinner ticket for registered runner $5.00 for guest $10.00

NEW This year’s race will include a pasta dinner on July 3rd, hosted by the Veterans Council of Southbridge, Veterans Council of Southbridge Auxiliary, and Race Committee Members at the Community Center, 153 Chestnut Street. The evening will be a time to remember, celebrate, and honor our Veterans—while also enjoying a chance to carb-load before race day.

Number pick up will be on July 3rd prior to the pasta dinner. All runners are invited to attend but must purchase a ticket when registering for the race.

All proceeds after race expenses are met, benefit the Veterans Council of Southbridge. https://www.facebook.com/southbridgeveteranscouncil/

RACE RESULTS FOUND ON: empiretiming.com

Gun start is 8am. Finisher prizes for age groups along with random prize drawings and refreshments will be provided.

Race Day Schedule

Pre-race opens at 7am

Start-line line up 7:50am

Race start 8am for chairs 8:03am for runners

Awards to start at 9:15am

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+

Additional Race Instructions:

Amenities at Community Center: Restrooms and Parking

The Course and Finish areas:

Police and Race Marshals will be leading, tailing, and marking the route at all turns.

The course passes all military monuments and will pass over a bridge honoring the towns veterans.

The course will have two water stations.

The first water station is on Hamilton Street near Morrill's Funeral Home.

The second water station is found at the top of West Street.

Water hoses cooling runners are set up in front of the fire station on Elm Street.

Water, finger sandwiches, and fruit will be provided at the finish line.

Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third places in age groups as well as military, solo and duo chair, overall, and town of Southbridge categories.

A random draw prize table for all entered runners and volunteers.

Results will be available online on The EMPIRE Timing Co. website.

Race support:

Volunteers from a local running group clear the course pre-race and support runners along the course.

Police support the race at the start, at all major intersections, and tail the runners so all come in safely.

Road Marshalls are situated along the route for road safety.

Local scouts hold and honor our flag at the start of the race as well as help at the water station and prize tables.

Race Crew and Veterans give their time and expertise on race day and all year long to make this long running event memorable and special.

Veterans Council-Veterans Race Marshall supports all aspects of the race.

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/southbridgeveteranscouncil/

Donations: https://app.seemylegacy.com/communityfullview/recCUmNBjtMAKbEKl

1-405-249-6724

peaceful and rejuvenating morning at Smoke Crest Farm and Animal Sanctuary while supporting two meaningful causes. This special Fundraiser Retreat offers a chance to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience the healing energy of the sanctuary’s beautiful 220-acre farm.

The morning will include a series of restorative wellness experiences:

60-Minute Yoga Session to ground your body and mind

60-Minute Sound Bath for deep relaxation and energetic balance

Energy Cleansing & Clearing Session to release and reset

Prefer a slower pace? You’re welcome to simply wind down and enjoy the peaceful setting. Guests can relax with scenic views, explore and hike the farm’s trails, or spend time connecting with the sanctuary animals.

Guests will enjoy an elegant buffet brunch, featuring:

Fresh fruit

Bagels with smoked salmon

Yogurt & granola

Fresh celery shots

Proceeds from this event will support the ongoing care of the animals at Smoke Crest Farm and help fund Steve Coate's journey to compete in the Deaflympics, helping cover training, travel, and competition expenses.

Whether you come for the movement, the healing experiences, or the peaceful countryside, this retreat is a beautiful way to nourish your body, calm your mind, and give back to an inspiring community and cause.

Come breathe, connect, and support something truly meaningful.

began as a premier training opportunity for his athletes. Today the Central Mass Striders are proud to carry the torch, celebrating 60 years of community, grit, and local spirit.

The Race Details:

We are thrilled to return to Seven Saws Brewing Company this year

• Date: Sunday, July 26, 2026 @ 11am

• Location: Seven Saws Brewing Co., Holden, MA

• The 5K: A classic course for all abilities.

• Kids Fun Run: A free event for the younger runners that will stay in the industrial park.

New for 2026: Team Challenge!

We’re spicing things up—registration is better with friends. Form a team with your family, coworkers, or run club. The team with the most members wins the ultimate prize: community bragging rights and team pride!

Registration Perks & Pricing

• Flash Sale: $15 (Ends Midnight 4/21!)

• Regular Rate: $20

• Student Rate: $15 (Always available for K-College students).

• Tech T-Shirts: The first 100 registrants for the 5K receive a commemorative tech tee! (Sizes are first-come, first-served).

• Post-Race Party: Stick around for food trucks, raffle prizes, and cold beer at the brewery.

volunteers welcome

The Wild Bill Swim & Paddle Challenge includes:

Open Water Swim distances: 3 mile | 2 mile | 1 mile | 1/2 mile | 1 Mile Paddlers loop | 400 yd. fun swim and more!

This is an anchor event for the WaterWise Foundation, which raises money to help children learn basic water safety skills and to swim. Your support is much appreciated. Learn more about the organization and its mission at www.wildbillswim.org

The swim challenge is in honor and remembrance of

Dr. 'Wild Bill' Yorzyk, Olympic gold medalist, butterfly Learn more,

EVENT PRICING*

EVENT DESCRIPTION General Pricing Student Pricing Team Discount (5+ people)

Three (3) Mile Open Water Swim (2h 30 max time) $75 $65 15%

Two (2) Mile Open Water Swim $70 $60 15%

One (1) Mile Open Water Swim $65 $50 15%

One (1) Mile Open Water Paddlers Loop $40 -- --

Half (1/2) Mile Open Water Swim $30

400 yd Fun Swim - with or without flotation device $25 -- --

• Adaptive swimmers need to bring their own support

Bring Friends and Family!

Food, Raffle prizes, Children's activities, Flotilla, Music and Fun at event.

For detailed start times and activities please visit www.wilbbillswim.org