
Monson Memorial Classic Half Marathon & 5K
Monson Memorial Classic: a small-town half with big heart, honoring loved ones.
Race Date
Nov 8, 2026
Location
Monson, MA
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, November 8, 2026
- Location
- Monson, Massachusetts
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 371
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
The Experience
The Monson Memorial Classic Half Marathon & 5K is a quietly special race in the small town of Monson, Massachusetts, run each year since 1996 in memory of sisters Kelly Waldron and Kathy Waldron Perry. It's the kind of event where the community turns out not just to run, but to give back—proceeds support Griffin's Friends, a local nonprofit for children with cancer. With a field of about 100 runners drawn from roughly eight states, this isn't a big-city marathon, but it has an intimacy and warmth that larger races can't replicate.
The course is a flat loop on paved roads, ideal for chasing a PR or just enjoying a smooth, fast run. The small field means no jostling at the start, and the November weather—cool and dry—is near perfect for racing. Along the way, you'll pass through classic New England streets, with autumn leaves lingering and local volunteers cheering from driveways. It's a low-key, well-organized event: chip timed, with long-sleeve tech shirts for early registrants.
At the finish, the real payoff begins: a post-race party with live music and what organizers claim is 'the best food ever.' Runners collect a finisher medal, then linger with friends and families—often repeat participants (about 14% come back year after year). It's a race that proves a small field and a charitable mission can create an experience far greater than the sum of its parts.
Race-provided description
Monson Memorial Classic Half Marathon and 5K The Monson Memorial Classic road race was started in 1996, shortly after the deaths of Kelly Waldron and Kathy Waldron Perry. These sisters died eight months apart from different types of cancer. Kathy suffered with melanoma, and Kelly had breast, bone, and liver cancer. They were wonderful, loving people. This race is in their memory, and past proceeds have gone to American Cancer Association of Western Mass, American Lung Association, Quaboag Valley Hospice, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This year we are giving proceeds to Griffin's Friends. Griffin's Friends was founded in 1994 in Springfield, MA and named in honor of Griffin Kelleher, who lost his courageous battle with cancer at 14 months of age. Griffin's Friends is a nonprofit group that provides support to children who are stricken with cancer, and their families. To learn more, visit www.griffinsfriends.com On race day, please bring canned goods to donate to Open Pantry. We will have a collection area at the race. Race timing services provided by Fast Track Timing RACE DAY SCHEDULE: Half Marathon check in 10:00 - 10:45 a.m.Half Marathon race starts at 11:00 am.5K check in 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.5K race starts at 11:15 p.m. RUNNER AMENITIES (aka a few of the reasons our race rocks!): Post race party featuring live music and the best food ever!Prize money $$$Chip timingLong sleeve tech shirts for the first 200 to register for the half marathon by October 20thFinisher medals to all half marathon finishersT-shirts to the first 100 to register for the 5K by October 20thUSATF Half Marathon course # MA15024JK - this means your PR is a true PR!Half Marathon course maps: course map with elevation | simple course map5K course map with elevation USATF Sanction/Certificate # 202310181009411
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, November 8, 2026
Start Time
11:00 AM
Giveaway
Long sleeve tech shirts for Half Marathon
Start Location
177 Main Street, Monson, MA, 01057
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Small Town
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Course Map
1 other map for this race
Quality Score
Standout7222 years running
~110 finishers a year
shrinking
14% returning runners
4 timing sources
runners from 8 states
winner 1:11:34
typical high 57°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
40°
Afternoon (High)
57°
Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable
0.0"
Precipitation
12 mph
Wind
71%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 371 finishers actually crossed the line across 4 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
371
Median time
2:02:37
Latest turnout
90
States
13
Turnout by year
2022–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Monson Memorial Classic Half Marathon & 5K?
The Monson Memorial Classic Half Marathon & 5K is held on Sunday, November 8, 2026, starting at 11:00 AM.
Where does the Monson Memorial Classic Half Marathon & 5K take place?
It takes place in Monson, Massachusetts.
What distances does the Monson Memorial Classic Half Marathon & 5K offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K.
Is the Monson Memorial Classic Half Marathon & 5K course flat and good for a PR?
The Monson Memorial Classic Half Marathon & 5K is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Monson Memorial Classic Half Marathon & 5K?
HalfRuns has finish records for 371 runners who have completed the Monson Memorial Classic Half Marathon & 5K.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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