Shirley May France 10k Road Race
- Date
- September 19, 2026
- Distance
- 10k Road Race · 1 Mile Family Fun Walk · 5k Road Race
From the Organizer
The Shirley May France 10K Road Race
Hosted by the Somerset Economic Development Committee
Presented by Bank Five - Somerset
Join us in honoring a true Somerset trailblazer!
The Somerset Economic Development Committee is proud to host the Shirley May France 10K Road Race, celebrating the legacy of hometown hero Shirley May France. As a determined teenager, Shirley captured national attention with her two courageous attempts to swim the English Channel in 1948 and 1949—coming within just one mile of making history on her second try. Her spirit of perseverance continues to inspire generations.
This scenic 10K course winds through the heart of Somerset, beginning and ending on historic Riverside Avenue. Runners will loop around Dublin Street, High Street, and South Street, before crossing the finish line at Comfort Zone Grille & Bar, where a lively after-party awaits racers and spectators alike.
This year we are also offering 5k and 1 mile races along historic Riverside Avenue sporting scenic water views.
A Race with a Mission: Supporting Local
Proudly presented by Bank Five, this event is more than a run—it’s a rally for our community. Our 2026 charity of choice is, The Cure Starts Now - Somerset chapter. Led by Ken and Michelle Oheman in honor of their late daughter Selina. The Cure Starts Now raises money for research on pediatric brain cancer. We are proud to help support such a wonderful cause that has had a profound affect on our community. The race is also designed to spotlight and stimulate business for the local establishments that make Somerset shine. Many of our community's beloved staples are just steps from the course, including:
- Comfort Zone Grille & Bar
- BankFive
- St. Anne's Credit Union
- Somerset Creamery
- Auclair’s Market
- Fiesta Mexican Restaurant
Whether you’re running, cheering, or simply soaking in the day, you’re helping to uplift Somerset’s small businesses and community pride.
Lace up, show up, and celebrate Somerset’s strength—past and present!
Link to video of the 2025 race taken by SATV Link to Video
Link to 2025 race photos Link to Photos
Distances & Pricing
Race Location
About This Sport
From Endurance Grid's Founder
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
The 10K is the distance where running stops feeling like a starting point and starts feeling like a sport. Long enough to require a real training block. Short enough that race day is fully manageable for a first-timer who's put in the work.
Race day energy at a 10K is community at its best — strangers cheering you by name, people moving toward the same goal, an atmosphere that solo training can't replicate. It's fast enough that you'll spend the whole race pushing rather than managing your effort.
This is also the distance that builds the base for everything else. Most athletes who go on to run half marathons, do triathlons, or compete in HYROX started here. What you need: running shoes fitted to your stride, a training plan, and the race on your calendar. The registration is what makes the deadline real.
How long to train: 4–8 weeks for most fitness levels.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
More running races in MA
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Shirley May France 10k Road Race?
- Shirley May France 10k Road Race is a running event held in Somerset, MA. Learn more about the different endurance sports here.
- When and where is the Shirley May France 10k Road Race?
- Saturday, September 19, 2026 in Somerset, MA at Comfort Zone Restaurant, Somerset, MA. Check the official event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Shirley May France 10k Road Race?
- Registration is handled through their official registration page. Confirm pricing, distances available, and sign up there.
Shirley May France 10k Road Race
Sep 19, 2026