WORCESTER — The United Way of Central Massachusetts has announced that it will hold a new race, The Mass Half, on April 4, a half marathon that will bring runners, volunteers, businesses, nonprofits, spectators and community members together in Worcester for a celebration of Central Massachusetts, and a new way to give back.
After more than a decade without a half marathon in Worcester, The Mass Half is bringing the 13.1-mile distance back to the city. Starting and finishing at Polar Park, the race will showcase Worcester and its neighborhoods while welcoming runners of all experience levels, from first-time half marathoners to seasoned athletes.
The spring race also provides an opportunity for runners preparing for the Boston Marathon to incorporate a half marathon into their training.
But The Mass Half is about more than the race itself. It is about bringing people together and creating an event where everyone has a place and every mile can make a difference.
“For more than 100 years, United Way of Central Massachusetts has brought people together to address the challenges facing our community,” said Tim Garvin, president and CEO of United Way of Central Massachusetts. “The Mass Half builds on that tradition in a completely new way. It gives people a reason to come together, experience Worcester, support local nonprofits, and invest in the community, all while doing something they love. Whether you run, volunteer, cheer, fundraise, sponsor, or simply show up, there’s a place for you at The Mass Half.”
Signature event
The Mass Half will serve as United Way of Central Massachusetts’ signature annual fundraiser, with officials saying it will help UWCM connect people and resources to advance youth opportunity, financial security, healthy communities and community resilience across Central Massachusetts.
Runners will also have an opportunity to give meaning to their miles through charity bibs, allowing participants to raise funds for select UWCM nonprofit partners. Additional information about charity bib partners and fundraising opportunities will be announced as the event approaches.
“The Mass Half is really the perfect collision of two things I love; United Way and running,” said Beth Helenius, board chair of United Way of Central Massachusetts. “I’ve been involved with United Way for many years as a volunteer, and now, as board chair, I’m incredibly proud to help lead this organization and its work across our community. And then there’s running, which I love for so many reasons. So bringing those two passions together in The Mass Half is pretty special. I even won the No. 1 bib at our Women’s Initiative Power of the Purse event, so I guess I was meant to be part of this race from the start! I’m looking forward to being out there with everyone — running, cheering, volunteering and, most importantly, giving meaning to our miles.”
The Mass Half will start and finish at Polar Park, bringing runners through Worcester and showcasing the city along the way. And while Worcester may be affectionately known as the City of Seven Hills, the course has been thoughtfully designed to provide a challenging but approachable experience for runners of all levels.
The event will also create opportunities for local restaurants, retailers, hotels, businesses, nonprofits, volunteers, and community organizations to participate in the race-day experience and welcome visitors to the city.
“The Mass Half is an opportunity to showcase what makes Worcester and Central Massachusetts special,” said Garvin. “We have an incredible network of businesses, nonprofits, volunteers, and community leaders who know how to come together and make things happen. This race gives all of them a chance to be part of something new.”
Runners are just one part of The Mass Half experience. The event will need hundreds of volunteers to help bring race day to life. Businesses and community organizations can participate through sponsorships, teams, partnerships, and volunteer opportunities, while spectators will be encouraged to line the course and cheer on runners.
Together, they will help transform race day into a celebration that extends well beyond the starting and finishing lines.
Registration for The Mass Half is now open. To register, learn more about sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, explore charity fundraising, or find other ways to get involved, visit https://tinyurl.com/42yyt8kt.
M&T Bank is the Premier Sponsor of The Mass Half, helping bring the event to life and supporting its vision of becoming a signature annual tradition.
“There’s something powerful about an event that brings an entire community together with a shared sense of purpose,” said Jeff Carpenter, Massachusetts regional president at M&T Bank. “At M&T, we believe strong communities are built through relationships and we’re proud to support the United Way and The Mass Half, a new Worcester tradition that celebrates and connects the people, organizations and businesses that help Central Massachusetts thrive.”
Additional sponsorship opportunities remain available for businesses and organizations interested in getting involved. Opportunities include race-day activations, employee engagement and volunteer opportunities, team participation, and visibility throughout the event.
For more than 100 years, United Way of Central Massachusetts has brought people, organizations, and resources together to strengthen communities and create opportunities for all to thrive. Serving Worcester and 29 surrounding communities, United Way focuses its work on four impact pillars: Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, Financial Security, and Community Resilience. Through strategic investments, partnerships, volunteerism, and community initiatives, United Way works to create lasting impact across Central Massachusetts. Learn more at www.unitedwaycm.org.
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