July 4th will be here soon, so get ready to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States by running the Mattapoisett Road Race, “4 on the 4th.” When this tradition was 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 1,000 runners start at Shipyard Park, run through the village, around Ned’s Point lighthouse, and finish at Shipyard Park. Townspeople line the course and cheer on the runners.
Registration for the race is online only, up until 8:30 am on July 4. A record number of runners are predicted this year, so sign up early to ensure that you’ll get an awesome T-shirt. Until July 1, the registration fee is $25; on July 2, 3 and 4, it is $35. T-shirt and number pickup is from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on July 3 and from 7:30 am to 8:30 am on July 4. Runners are strongly urged to pick up their shirts and numbers on July 3 to avoid long lines on the morning of the race. For more information and registration, please visit mattapoisettroadrace.com.