Independence Rhode Race
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Event overview
The Independence Rhode Race takes place in Bristol, Rhode Island on Saturday, June 27, 2026. The event is R.I. Department of Environmental Management Green-Certified and is presented in partnership with the Bristol Fourth of July Committee during the town's Fourth of July celebration.
Distances offered:
- Half Marathon
- Two-Person Relay - first leg 7.5 miles, exchange at Roger Williams University, second leg 5.6 miles
- Virtual Half Marathon
Course and logistics
The half marathon follows downtown Bristol streets, part of the town parade route, past historic homes, the town common and the America’s Cup Museum, then along the coastline and through Roger Williams University, finishing at Independence Park near the Mt. Hope Bridge and Narragansett Bay. Parts of the course are unpaved and include shell paths. The half marathon has a course time limit of 3.5 hours; an early start option is available for participants who need more time.
Packet pick-up is offered at locations including Rhode Runner in Providence and a Bristol pickup site. Parking options near the start include Guiteras School, municipal lots on Thames Street, and on-street spaces on Hope Street. Aid stations provide water, Nuun electrolyte drink, GU Energy gels and bananas; port-a-potties are at every aid station. Race amenities include free photos, gender and race specific tech shirts, finisher medals for half marathon finishers, live runner tracking via the RaceJoy app, a recovery zone with free post-race massages from OPT Physical Therapy, and an after-party at Pivotal Brewing. Awards are given by overall and age-group categories and for relay teams. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.