HalfRuns
Monson Memorial Classic Half Marathon & 5K

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

Standout72

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

Hidden Gem

Atmosphere

Local CommunityParty FinishGreat Post RaceWell Organized

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

Directions

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

5K

Course Map

1 other map for this race

Quality Score

Standout72
Methodology
Heritage20/20

22 years running

Size10/15

~110 finishers a year

Momentum2/5

shrinking

Loyalty14/20

14% returning runners

Course & details5/15

4 timing sources

National draw5/10

runners from 8 states

Front-pack speed5/5

winner 1:11:34

Weather10/10

typical high 57°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (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

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:05p50 median ≈ 1:553:25

Turnout by year

20222025

'22'23'24'25
See full results

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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