It’s time to lace up your sneakers and start training for the Fourth of July Mattapoisett Road Race, “4 on the 4th”. Started 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 $200,000 has been given to deserving students from Mattapoisett, Marion and Rochester. Registration for the race is available online and also in person on July 3 from 4:00-6:00 pm and July 4 from 7:30-8:30 am. To register online, go to runsignup.com/Race/MA/Mattapoisett/MattapoisettRoadRace.