2026 Barefoot Half Marathon – Sterling to Shrewsbury, Massachusetts
Run 13.1 Miles With Purpose, With or Without Shoes
Join us for the 6th Annual Barefoot Half Marathon on Sunday, September 6th, 2026! This unique 13.1-mile point-to-point road race begins in Sterling and finishes on the athletic track at Shrewsbury High School.
Despite our name, running barefoot is completely optional. Participants are welcome to run with traditional running shoes, minimalist shoes, or barefoot.
The Barefoot Half Marathon is more than a race. It is an opportunity to celebrate perseverance, bring communities together, and support the next generation through our scholarship program.
Race information
Date: Sunday, September 6, 2026
Start time: 7:00 a.m. EDT
Start area: Sterling Municipal Offices/Town Hall area
Finish: Shrewsbury High School Track & Field
Distance: 13.1 miles
Saturday bib pickup
Runners are strongly encouraged to pick up their bibs on Saturday to make race morning easier.
Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Location: Shrewsbury High School Track & Field
Address: 64 Holden Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545
Parking and free shuttle
Free race-day parking is available at Shrewsbury High School beginning at 6:00 a.m.
A complimentary shuttle bus will depart from Shrewsbury High School at 6:15 a.m. sharp and transport runners to the starting area in Sterling. Please arrive early so you have enough time to park, check your bag, and board the bus.
Runners who miss the shuttle will be responsible for arranging their own transportation to the starting area.
Volunteers needed
Not running? Join our race-day volunteer team!
Volunteers are needed to assist with bib pickup, runner check-in, water stations, course guidance, the finish line, photography, and post-race activities.
Registration fees
Where pricing applies, shown amounts include mandatory charges, items, and fees.
Half Marathon
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Register for Half Marathon$49.99
Run with PURPOSE
Feb 28 - Sep 6
Course Map
Road Map Details
Starting-line GPS address
For GPS directions, use:
Conant Free Public Library:
4 Meetinghouse Hill Road, Sterling, MA 01564
The starting area is near the Sterling Municipal Offices and across from Emma’s Café.
Course description
The point-to-point course begins near Sterling Town Hall and the Conant Free Public Library before traveling south toward Shrewsbury.
The course follows:
- Route 12 South/Worcester Street for approximately 5.9 miles.
- Left onto Route 140 South/Maple Street and West Boylston Street for approximately 2.9 miles.
- Continue past scenic views of the Wachusett Reservoir.
- Right onto Route 70 South/Main Street for approximately 2.4 miles.
- Left onto Holden Street for approximately 0.9 miles.
- Enter Shrewsbury High School and complete one lap around the athletic track before crossing the finish line.
All runners should follow official course markings, police instructions, volunteers, and race-day signage.
Event schedule
- Sun, September 6, 2026 7:00 AM - Half Marathon Begins
- Sun, September 6, 2026 9:00 AM - Finish Line
- Sun, September 6, 2026 9:30 AM - Trophies
Contact information
- Event contact
- Nephtalie Faustin
- Website
- Visit website
