The 42nd Montague Mug Race is set for Saturday, with a large field of runners expected to turn out.
Last year just over 60 runners headed out through Montague for the race but as of Wednesday, race director Ann Fisk said she’s already had more than that sign up, which doesn’t factor in race day sign-ups.
“It’s going very well,” Fisk said. “We’re about 10 percent ahead of where we were last year in terms on entries. The weather is looking good as long as the rain stays on Friday. A lot of times this race is humid but the last couple years we’ve had great days for it.”
The Mug Race kicks off at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. The race begins at the northeast corner of Village Green, goes down Main Street and onto Old Sunderland Road before a trip up Taylor Hill. The race continues along the Connecticut River before taking a turn onto Old Sunderland Road before heading onto School Street and finishing on Station Street.
The race is 5.5 miles long and T-shirts will be given to the first 65 runners while pewter mugs will be given to the top male and female finisher. The 2-mile run/walk gets going shortly after at 8:35 a.m.
“It’s a lot of fun to have these local races,” Fisk said. “A lot of people come back to run it. It’s a popular run. We’ll keep doing it as long as people keep signing up.”
For Fisk, it helps having what seems like an endless group of volunteers who are always willing to help keep the race running.
“We never have a lack of volunteers,” Fisk said. “The fire department is always there to make sure the course is safe. We have volunteers for all five water stops. We’re thankful for them.”
One athlete to keep an eye on on Saturday will be South Deerfield’s JoEllen Reino, who was the top female finisher at the Greenfield Triathlon earlier this month.
To register for the Mug Race visit runreg.com. Registration will also be taking place on the day of the race beginning at 7:30 a.m.