Annual Leonide J. Lemire 4th of July Road Race

The Leonide J. Lemire 4th of July Road Race in Southbridge is one of the longest running road races in the country! The route takes a scenic course through Southbridge passing all monuments and memorials honoring our local veterans. This race is the perfect way to start off your Independence Day. The Local VFW Post 6055 created the 4.9 mile road race to honor Leonard J. Lemire, a Southbridge native who was killed at Pearl Harbor while serving on the battleship USS West Virginia. He was the first Southbridge resident casualty of WWII. The length of the race is now a 5-miler. This year there, 2026, is a New Start and Finish location The race has come home to the Veteran Council Office MISSION OF THE VETERANS COUNCIL OF SOUTHBRIDGE: Promotes the welfare and provide support to all Veterans of the Town of Southbridge who served in the United States Armed Forces Honorably. NEW Location: The Community Center in Southbridge 153 Chestnut Street, Southbridge, MA 01550 https://www.facebook.com/southbridgeveteranscouncil/ Cost, cut off dates, and what it includes: $25.00 Registration to open February 15th Includes: A race t-shirt with new logo, early number pick up $30.00 June 20th- July 1st no race t-shirt option, early number pick up $35.00 July 2nd- Race day sign up- no race t-shirt option Add Ons -Pasta dinner ticket for registered runner $5.00 for guest $10.00 NEW This year’s race will include a pasta dinner on July 3rd, hosted by the Veterans Council of Southbridge, Veterans Council of Southbridge Auxiliary, and Race Committee Members at the Community Center, 153 Chestnut Street. The evening will be a time to remember, celebrate, and honor our Veterans—while also enjoying a chance to carb-load before race day. Number pick up will be on July 3rd prior to the pasta dinner. All runners are invited to attend but must purchase a ticket when registering for the race. All proceeds after race expenses are met, benefit the Veterans Council of Southbridge. https://www.facebook.com/