6 cycling, mountain biking, running, and other events in Walpole, Massachusetts

Hello Riders,

We're excited to invite you back to the Barn Burner Mountain Bike Race on August 2nd!

Some of you may have noticed that we've moved the event to a new weekend this year due to scheduling conflicts. While the date has changed, everything you love about the Barn Burner is still here—great trails, great people, and a great day on the bike..

The Barn Burner course remains one of our favorites. Expect plenty of winding singletrack, roots that will keep you honest, fast sections that reward momentum, and enough technical features to keep things interesting. The good news? There isn't a ton of climbing, so you'll spend more time riding and less time wondering why you signed up for this in the first place.

And let's be honest—it's not really a Barn Burner without sunshine and ice cream waiting at the finish. We're planning on having plenty of both.

New for 2026

This year we're expanding the event beyond the race course and creating a true community atmosphere.

We're looking for local vendors, artisans, and small businesses to join us across the driveway in what we hope becomes a fun and vibrant Barn Burner Market. Our goal is to showcase local products, support local businesses, and give families something to enjoy throughout the day while racers are out on course.

We're also building a Kids Zone with activities designed to keep our youngest visitors entertained and having fun. Whether they're future racers or just tagging along with mom and dad, we want Barn Burner to be a place where the entire family can enjoy the day.

Mountain biking has always been about community, and we're excited to continue growing the Barn Burner into more than just a race.

So grab your bike, bring your friends, bring your family, and join us on August 2nd for a day of racing, ice cream, sunshine, and good times.

We'll see you at the start line!

The Barn Burner Team

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For over 50 years, the Walpole Road Race has given local athletes the opportunity to challenge themselves and participate in a wonderful community tradition. The race is the largest fundraiser to support Walpole High School Cross Country / Track & Field programs. By participating in this event you are supporting 200+ Walpole High School Cross Country/Track & Field athletes across 6 seasons as they prepare for upcoming competition. We thank you for your generosity and continued support of the programs!

The Walpole Road Race starts and finishes at Walpole High School and includes 5K run/walk, 10k run, 1 mile kids run, and virtual 5k/10k events that give everyone a chance to participate. If you need to switch events, just let us know at [email protected].

Entry Fees (sign up at Walpole Day in May for an additional $5 discount)

• Pre-Registration (before race weekend) Race Fee: $35

• Regular Registration Race Fee: $40

• Ages 13 and younger/65 and older: $20

• Youth Mile Fun-Run fee: $20

Event Swag

• Participants who register before August 15 receive the coveted official Walpole Road Race T-shirt

• All participants will receive finisher's medal

• Race T-shirts are also available for sale in our online store for $20

Awards (in-person events only)

• 10K male winner: name engraved on Herb Lewis Memorial Trophy - displayed at The Run House

• 10K female winner: name engraved on John Murphy Trophy - displayed at John D. Murphy & Co.

• Top three 5K/10K finishers: recognized with specially engraved placement medals

• Team 5K/10K Races: Team name engraved on Team Plaque - displayed at Walpole High School

• Age group awards are not being issued this year

Race Routes

• 10K USATF Certified Course

• 5K USATF Certified Course

• Youth Mile Route Map

Strollers are welcome in the 5K race, lined up at the back of the starting pack to avoid collisions.