Welcome runners to the Chelmsford July 4th John Carson Race.
It is on July 4th this year, registration will be at Sullivan Farms up until the 3rd and then limited race registration on race day beginning at 7:30am at the start.
Can I register on the day of the race?
Yes, you can if there are numbers and computer chips left. In 2005 and 2007 we ran out, so I always tell everyone to preregister.
What time should I get there?
If you have already preregistered you DO NOT need to check in on race day. You are set to run. Just tie on your computer chip and place your bib number on the front of your shirt, grab a water, and relax or warm up until we start lining up. Roads begin to close after 9am so just be there by then. If you have not registered and we have numbers left, you will want to come early. Registration begins around 7:30am that morning at the start.
How is the course?
It is two miles. It has a couple of slight inclines, one before the half mile mark and then again at the finish. The rest is either flat or down hill. Don’t forget this is a point to point race.
Should my bib number match the number on the chip?
No, they do not match. Do be sure to wear your chip. Do not dump the envelopes out on the table and get the computer chips mixed up. If this does happen, let us know and we can tell you whose chip is whose.
How many people are there?
A LOT. If you mean running, there are usually around 1500 runners (1800 last year). Spectators line the streets down to the center and they number around 50,000. It is a fun (can be crowded) run for all abilities.
What about prizes and award ceremony?
Prizes… yes, awards ceremony… not really. We mail out all the age division prizes. Basically we only need the first place male & female runners to collect their award and get in a picture for the papers. We do name off the top ten (male & female), and the results are posted on the Old Town Hall Sign. We want everyone to go enjoy their fourth of July and not wait around for prizes.
Where should I meet my kids?
The important thing is to be very clear as to exactly where you will meet someone after the race. After the runners cross the finish line, they may take 30 minutes to come back out. They have to return their chip and enjoy some hard earned refreshments. So watch them run or run yourself…just let them know where you want them to be. It is very crowded in the center.
Are there facilities at the start or finish? Gold’s Gym offers use of their facilities before the race and have a low key post race gathering after the race. Go relax, take a shower or a dip in the pool. Water is available at the start, 1mile, and at the finish. There are lots of refreshments at the finish.
Where does the money go?
Proceeds go to The John Carson Scholarship Fund and The Tom Chambers Scholarship Fund, as well as The Chelmsford Recreation Department. We have also donated to the David Gorham Scholarship Fund.
Who wins the Trip for Four to FLORIDA?
Anyone can win this prize. We match a bib number with the MASS Daily Lottery Number. Beginning on race night, we wait for the number drawn to match a bib number. It sometimes takes a few days as the lottery number has to start with a one or a zero.
I was wondering how to become a sponsor?
We limit the number of sponsors that are printed on the back of over 2300 race day
t-shirts. If there is room we would be happy to add you to our generous group of sponsors. The fee is $350, sometimes products are also donated. Call Bob Sullivan for further details. 978-649-9202 Email Sulfarms@aol.com
I wanted to volunteer on race day.
We can always use help down at the finish line. Serving refreshments, setting up, cleaning up, taking pictures, and timing. Let us know at Sullivan Farms and we will give you a neat Race Official T-Shirt. Come on down or call us and we’ll put you down for our finish line crew. 978-649-9202
Baby Joggers? Baby joggers are allowed but please start in an appropriate spot. Roller bladders, skate boards or bikes are not allowed.
