After being delayed for 2 years due to Covid, the Fourth of July, 5 mile, Mattapoisett Road Race is ready to celebrate its 50th running. Started in 1971 by Bob and Doris Gardner, 15 runners raced from Point Connett to Shipyard Park. Over the years, the route has changed a few times, and now, over 1000 runners start at Shipyard Park, run through the village and around Ned’s Point Lighthouse, and finish at Shipyard Park. Townspeople line the course and cheer on their friends and family. Proceeds from the race are used to fund awards for college-bound senior athletes from Old Rochester Regional High School. Over the years, more than $150,000 has been given to deserving students from Mattapoisett, Marion and Rochester. This year, the stipends will be offered to graduates from the classes of 2020 and 2021 who did not already receive an award, as well as 2022 graduates. Go to mattapoisettroadrace.com for race registration and the application form for the College Stipends.