July 4 will be here before we know it and so will the 51st running of the Mattapoisett Road Race. This year there will be some exciting changes. Begun in 1971 by Bob and Doris Gardner, 15 runners raced from Point Connett to Shipyard Park. Over the years, the route has changed a few times, and now, over 1000 runners start at Shipyard Park, run through the village and around Ned’s Point Lighthouse, and finish at Shipyard Park. Townspeople line the course and cheer on their friends and family. Proceeds from the race are used to fund awards for college-bound senior athletes from Old Rochester Regional High School. Over the years, more than $150,000 has been given to deserving students from Mattapoisett, Marion and Rochester. The online application can be accessed by linking through mattapoisettroadrace.com and also via a QR code available at the high school. The application deadline is May 15.