Tough Tiger

Experience the thrill of running before a pre-assembled cheering crowd as excitement builds for the annual Gaspee Days Parade. Each year, more than 2,000 runners take part in this beloved event, racing along the Parkway’s iconic red, white, and blue road stripe. Whether you’re competing for a prize or running just for fun, your participation helps support one of the community’s most cherished traditions—all proceeds benefit the Gaspee Days Parade.

RACE DETAILS

The race starts at 9:30 AM sharp on Broad Street at Chiswick Road, Cranston, RI. The course spans 5K (3.1 miles) and was bicycle calibrated by Ray Nelson. It runs south on Broad Street into Warwick onto Narragansett Parkway then turns at General Hawkins Drive and returns north. The race finish line is just past the Parade reviewing stand at Rhodes Place. Timing and results are coordinated by Spitler Race Systems.

• Due to the timing of the Parade, which immediately follows the 5K, the race has a strict cut-off time of one hour. You must be able to complete the 5K distance within this timeframe.

• The race is capped at 2,000 people: sign up early.

• There will be no RACE DAY registrations. All sign-ups must be completed by Friday night. Bandits will not be tolerated.

Pre-Race Bib Pick Up

We'll be hosting a bib pick-up event on Wednesday, June 10 from 4:00-8:00 PM at Aspray Boat House.

Beat the race-day crowds by checking in early. Pick up your bib and shirt. You MUST bring a copy of your photo ID. If you're checking in for someone else, please have a copy of their photo ID (can be a text picture of the photo ID). Please have your QR registration code ready to be scanned when you arrive

Check-In

If you do not pick up your bib at pre-race check-in, you can check-in on the morning of the race. Bib pick-up begins at 7:30 AM and closes at 9:00 AM at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center, Broad Street & Rhodes Place, Cranston, RI.

NO ENTRIES ON RACE MORNING. All runners must be registered online (see here).

POST-RACE ACTIVITIES

Complimentary refreshments are available for all runners after the race. All runners 21+ are able to receive one complimentary beer at the conclusion of their race in the fenced Refreshments Area adjacent to the Scottish Rite Masonic Center. Beer will stop being served at 11:00 AM, so be sure to get your included beverage right after completing the race!

Runners under the age of 21 will NOT receive a beer ticket. You cannot use the beer ticket of a registered runner who is under the age of 21. ID's will be checked at the gate before entry into the Refreshments Area.

The 5K immediately precedes the Gaspee Days Parade, which follows the race into Pawtuxet Village. Runners and their families are encouraged to stay in the area to enjoy a fun-filled morning and afternoon. Visit Gaspee.com/events to see a calendar of events for the day.

ADDITIONAL LOGISTICS

Portable restrooms are provided for participant use only. Showers, changing facilities, and storage areas are not available. Due to insurance limitations, the use of strollers or baby carriers is strictly prohibited by runners. Pets are also prohibited around the race area for liability and safety purposes. Limited parking available. Follow our social media for up-to-date parking and traffic information. Arrive early to find parking and check-in. Please note that NO shirts will be given out after bib pick-up closes at 9:00 AM.

The Independence Rhode Race will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026. In partnership with the Bristol Fourth of July Committee, the half marathon will follow the beautiful downtown streets of America’s quintessential community when it is decked out in its finest - during the Oldest 4th of July Celebration in America. The course includes incredible historic homes, a town common and the America’s Cup Museum before heading out along the scenic coastline, through Roger Williams University, following the parade route, and finishing along the water at Independence Park.

The Official Post Race Party will be Pivotal Brewing, 500 Wood St, Bristol (Mile 3 of the course). Join us after the race, and show your bib for one free beer on race day only.

For more information visit our event website, RhodeRaces.com

Please Note: The Independence Rhode Race will be happening rain or shine. Because of the logistics of planning for a race of this size, we cannot offer refunds for any reason. In the event that the weather is severe enough to create an unsafe environment for participants, organizers will cancel the event with no refunds issued.

This is a 5K Run/Walk Event to raise money for Operation Stand Down in Rhode Island, which raises money for struggling and homeless veterans. We also will be raising funds for our core mission to help PTSD veterans and their families.

There is a $5 registration discount for military and first responders. Racers are electronic BiBTag Timed using MyLaps (reg). All participants will receive memorial military-style dog tags.

Children 12 and under are free. Wheelchairs are welcome.

This 5K Run/Walk event is in honor of PFC Zachary M. Martin, USMC, who took his own life due to PTSD.