Independence Rhode Race
The Independence Rhode Race celebrates America's oldest 4th of July with a coastal half marathon through historic Bristol.
Race Date
Jun 27, 2026
Location
Bristol, RI
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, June 27, 2026
- Location
- Bristol, Rhode Island
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 13.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 5,413
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Bristol, Rhode Island, claims the oldest Fourth of July celebration in the United States, and the Independence Rhode Race is its athletic centerpiece. Now in its tenth edition, the half marathon draws about 678 runners from 34 states, with nearly one in five returning year after year. The race is a destination-worthy event that pairs small-town charm with a scenic coastal route.
The course winds through downtown Bristol's historic streets, past the America's Cup Museum and a town common lined with centuries-old homes. It then heads along the scenic coastline, through Roger Williams University, and follows the parade route before finishing at Independence Park on the waterfront. The route is flat and fast, making it a prime candidate for personal bests.
Spectators line the parade route, and the energy of the town's Fourth festivities infuses the race. Post-race, runners show their bib at Pivotal Brewing for a free beer, capping off a morning of history, scenery, and community celebration.
Race-provided description
The Independence Rhode Race will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026. In partnership with the Bristol Fourth of July Committee, the half marathon will follow the beautiful downtown streets of America’s quintessential community when it is decked out in its finest - during the Oldest 4th of July Celebration in America. The course includes incredible historic homes, a town common and the America’s Cup Museum before heading out along the scenic coastline, through Roger Williams University, following the parade route, and finishing along the water at Independence Park. The Official Post Race Party will be Pivotal Brewing, 500 Wood St, Bristol (Mile 3 of the course). Join us after the race, and show your bib for one free beer on race day only. For more information visit our event website, RhodeRaces.com Please Note: The Independence Rhode Race will be happening rain or shine. Because of the logistics of planning for a race of this size, we cannot offer refunds for any reason. In the event that the weather is severe enough to create an unsafe environment for participants, organizers will cancel the event with no refunds issued.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, June 27, 2026
Start Time
6:30 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
400 Thames St, Bristol, RI, 02809
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Coastal, Small Town
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.4%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
RI22006RN
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Runner Favorite8510 years running
~631 finishers a year
growing or steady
19% returning runners
USATF certified · 4 timing sources · 8 photos
runners from 34 states
winner 1:12:03
typical high 79°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
68°
Afternoon (High)
79°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
15 mph
Wind
79%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 5,413 finishers actually crossed the line across 9 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
5,413
Median time
2:05:07
Latest turnout
798
States
49
Turnout by year
2017–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Independence Rhode Race?
The Independence Rhode Race is held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, starting at 6:30 AM.
Where does the Independence Rhode Race take place?
It takes place in Bristol, Rhode Island.
What distances does the Independence Rhode Race offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 13.1 Miles.
Is the Independence Rhode Race course flat and good for a PR?
The Independence Rhode Race is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Independence Rhode Race?
HalfRuns has finish records for 5,413 runners who have completed the Independence Rhode Race.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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