Spotlighting a trio of upcoming local road races that honor and benefit veterans

Fall officially kicked off Saturday, yet they're saying the prime foliage is coming a little later this year due to some crazy weather we've had in recent months.

The local autumn road race schedule is chock full of fine events in October, yet a peak into November finds a trio of races honoring our veterans and benefiting veterans services, fitting ways to celebrate Veterans Day. Pardon us if we look ahead a bit, and with the expected delay in leaves turning, there may be some beautiful colors on hand for these events.

The three are set for different days in different regions of Central Mass., so participating in two out of three, or even all three, is indeed possible. Here's an opportunity to book ahead.

Run4Veterans 5K Road Race, Nov. 5

Runners and walkers are invited to Wormtown Brewery (72 Shrewsbury St., Worcester) for a race to raise funds for Veterans Inc., supporting veterans and families in need.

All preregistered participants recieve a commemorative shirt. Postrace festivities are aplenty, with food, beer, music, prizes and more. Strollers are welcome, and there also is a virtual signup option for those who aren't able to make it to Shrewsbury for the Sunday event.

Veterans Inc. operates out of their headquarters at 69 Grove St., Worcester, offering direct services or referrals to veterans and/or families requesting assistance. The organization also is a tireless advocate for homeless veterans and those at risk of becoming homeless, helping secure transitional and permanent accommodations.

The adult early-bird registration fee is $35 ($45 afterward), and it's $25 for those 12 and under. There is no entry fee for military veterans, with proof of status.

Race-day registration is at 8 a.m., with the race going off at 10. For more information, visit www.veteransinc.org/events/run4veterans/.

Run4Veterans also is seeking more sponsors. If interested, contact Marleen Kilcoyne at marleenkilcoyne@veteransinc.org or call (508) 791-1213, ext. 1110.

Home of the Brave 5K, Nov. 11

This fifth annual event, on Veterans Day itself, starts and finishes at the Sturbridge Town Common (278 Main St., for GPS purposes), and is presented by the Sturbridge Special Events Committee. Proceeds from the event benefit Veterans Inc. and Project New Hope.

Project New Hope, located on James Street in Worcester, has provided support and programs for veterans and their families for the past 12 years.

The relatively flat course turns right off Main Street, following side roads until reaching Old Route 15 at the Interstate 84 exit. The entire third mile on Old Route 15 (Haynes Street) runs parallel to I-84, until turning back on to Main Street for the finish.

The race begins at 9 a.m., with race-day registration at 7:30. There are cash awards and medals for the top three finishers, male and female.

Prepare to park behind the Publick House Historic Inn, which is directly across the street from the Common. There also are parking areas behind Town Hall near the Common, or in the Publick House lot off Haynes Street.

The pre-entry fee is $25, $15 for military, $30 on race day. Virtual participation also is available.

Visit runsignup.com/Race/MA/Sturbridge/HomeOfTheBrave5K for more information.

Journey Home 5K/10K Road Race, Nov. 12

Veterans Day weekend continues in Devens, with an event supporting veterans and first responders and benefiting Clear Path for Veterans New England, a wellness-based veterans community center.

The event, which starts and ends at Clear Path (84 Antietam Street), starts at 10 a.m. Awards will be given to the top three overall finishers for men and women and also the top two in eight age categories, for the 5K and 10K.

Want to walk your dog on the course? They're welcome, at the same $28 fee over the 5K. The 10K registration fee is $38.

Columbia Tavern and Yuengling are hosting the postrace celebration. Tito's Handmade Vodka is the premier sponsor.

For more information, visit www.journeyhomerace.com.

Quick note on Ross

Looks like Aidan Ross, who graduated from Uxbridge High in June, has adjusted quite nicely to the longer distances of college cross-country, as a Wake Forest freshman.

Ross, the Telegram & Gazette Hometeam Male Athlete of the Year, finished third Sept. 15 at the season-opening Covered Bridge Open in Boone, North Carolina, completing the 8-kilometer course in 24 minutes, 21.93 seconds, behind only Florida State sophomore Matthew Neill (24:15.63) and North Carolina-Asheville junior Adam Hessler (24:20.84).

Wake Forest didn't enter an entire team. Florida State won the team competition.

—Contact John Conceison at john.conceison@telegram.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ConceisonJohn.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: These three upcoming local races aim to honor and benefit veterans