47th Annual Walpole Labor Day Road Race - At Home Edition

Important information regarding this years’ Walpole Labor Day Road Race

The 47th running of the Walpole Labor Day Road Race will be celebrated as a “virtual event” beginning August 29th – concluding on Labor Day September 7th, with runners covering the 5K or 10K distances in their own neighborhoods any time during that period. With the Governor of Massachusetts implementing a “no large event” policy until phase four of the Commonwealth re-opening, race organizers have designed an experience for everyone to have fun while staying safe.

Cancelling just wasn’t an option for the Walpole Labor Day Road Race team.

With safety always the top priority, we see an ‘At-Home’ event as the ideal option for 2020, Although it’s sad to think of a Labor Day without the over 500 race participants filling the town streets, conducting an ‘At-Home’ event will not only give runners the chance to experience the great Walpole Tradition but will also provide a way to show your support for the Walpole High School Cross Country and Track & Field Programs who depend on this event to finance a program for more than 200 students across three seasons.

Many of our local sponsors have been hit hard financially by restrictions brought on by this pandemic. Though we expect some sponsors to be willing to help out, a majority of the money raised will be coming from you the race participants. More than ever we need your help, as we are concerned our participant numbers may be lower than our usual race numbers. With hopes to encourage a larger participation, we have set the cost to register for either the 5K or 10K events at $25.  For those under the age of 14 and those 65 and older, the cost will be $15. Along with the lower entry fee, participants will be receiving a race packet that includes a race bib, T-shirt and medal.

The registration website (walpoleroadrace.org) will complete its transition to the virtual events on July 10th.  Check back then as there is so much more to share with you. But in the meantime here are a few answers to the questions you might have.

Thank you for your continued support
Walpole Labor Day Road Race Committee 

What is a “virtual” race?
A Virtual Race is a race you can run at any location, at your pace, outside or on a treadmill, alone or with a group of friends. Train and stay active, run for a good cause and get awesome medals and swag.

Want some virtual race partners? 
Challenge your friends, no matter where they live, to enter and run it “with” you, then toast each other on a post-race video chat! We will be offering a $10 incentive to those who can get 5 friends to register...details to come.

Walking’s more your thing?
Great – enjoy the scenery! There’s no time limit, virtual or otherwise. Walk, jog, skip, just cover 3.1/6.2  miles and upload your finishing time when complete.

What if I don’t want to run this year, is there still a way to donate to the WHS XC/Track & Field Program?
Yes, the Road Race Registration website has a donation option. Remember the WHS XC and Track Boosters is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FEIN/Tax ID#: 47-4244104).

Will there be a virtual Youth Mile Fun Run this year?
We have decided not to hold a youth mile race this year, but we are planning another fun event in its place. Please stay tuned, more details to come in the coming weeks.

Will there be medals for the top finishers awarded like in the past?
In order to ensure as much of your registration dollars and donations go directly to the WHS XC/Track & Field program we have decided not to provide top finisher medals this year, but registrants will receive a specially designed medal marking your participation this year.

Will there be a Race T-Shirt this year?
Yes, each registered participant will receive a race T-Shirt, Bib and medal commemorating this years’ event.