With less than 2 months until the 4th of July, it’s time to lace up your sneakers and get ready to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence 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 1000 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. Proceeds from the race are used to fund awards for college-bound senior athletes from Old Rochester Regional High School, as well as support Old Rochester athletics. Over the years, more than $200,000 has been given to deserving students from Mattapoisett, Marion and Rochester. Registration for the race is online only, up until 8:30 am on July 4. 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 7:30-8:30 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.