March 26, 2026

Road Race Grand Prix Continues in Upton MA

Following the New Bedford Half Marathon, the Frank Nealon 15km is second event in the 2026 series.

Following the March 15 New Bedford Half Marathon, the second event in 2026 USATF-NE Road Race Grand Prix will run on Saturday, April 4, at the Frank Nealon 15km in Upton MA
Hosted by the Tri Valley Frontrunners, the race serves as a "Boston Marathon Prep" race for many runners. Last year, well over half the finishing field were USATF-NE members competing for individual and team placings over the rolling loop course starting and finishing at Nipmuc Regional High School.
Club leaders are urged to check the Club Runner Verfication list on the Grand Prix webpage.

The New Bedford Half Marathon returned to the GP Series after a 2 year hiatus. Overall winner Murphy Smith (B.A.A.) clocked 1:02:31, the fastest time on the course since the race record time of Geoff Smith, and 54 seconds ahead of Aaron Gruen. Women's winner Erika Kemp (RI TC) led the women in 1:11:36, over a minute ahead of teammate Jackie Gaughan who repeated her silver medal placing of 2025. It was Kemp's third half marathon race of 2026; she was 7th at the USA championship two weeks prior. Both winners will be on the starting line at April's Boston Marathon.
RI TC men and Battle Road TC women took the team honors.

" Note: The StretchLab Super Sunday 4 Miler, which was posponed from its original date, was not scored as part of the Grand Prix series. per USATF-NE Postponement Rules, See USATF-NE GP Event Cancellation Policy