Race Spotlight: Arnold Mills 4 Mile Road Race
The Details
Date: Friday, July 4th, 2025
Start Time: 9:00 AM
Distance: 4 Miles
Venue: Arnold Mills Neighborhood
Address: 50 Arnold Mills Rd, Cumberland, RI 02864
Organizer: Arnold Mills Parade Association
Website: https://www.arnoldmillsparade.com/road-race
The History
For more than 50 years, the Arnold Mills 4 Mile Road Race has been a staple event in Cumberland, RI. Held every Fourth of July holiday, the popular four mile race draws an average of 500 participants each year to the starting line, including some top talent from throughout the state and often from beyond the borders. The race takes place in conjunction with the town’s annual Arnold Mills Parade. In years past, U.S. Olympians Matt Centrowitz Sr. and Pete Pfitzinger, triathlon legend Karen Smyers, and RI marathon icon Bobby Doyle have made their marks at Arnold Mills.
The Course
The moderately hilly four-mile course offers a unique challenge to those accustomed to Rhode Island’s relatively flat, coastal terrain (and an automatic PR to anyone who is new to the distance!). The race begins and ends near North Cumberland Fire Station and includes a smaller loop followed by a larger loop through the Arnold Mills Neighborhood. Total elevation gain is 175 feet with the largest climb of 40 feet coming right out of the gate. The current course records are held by Ben Drezek (19:01.7 in 2024) and Kalie Armitage (21:39.7 in 2024).
Course Map (on Strava)
Turn-by-turn Directions
The Mission
All proceeds from the race help fund the Arnold Mills Parade. The origin of the Arnold Mills Parade is the theme of “Ancients and Horribles.” First seen in the histories prior to the United States Sesquicentennial Celebration of 1926, the Ancients and Horribles were a grass roots phenomena which highlighted the love of the American people of all things “wild and wonderful.”
The Swag
The first 500 registered runners will receive a T-shirt. Medals will be awarded to the top 3 finishers in seven different age categories. The first Cumberland resident, first police officer, and first firefighter will also receive a medal.
The race precedes the Arnold Mills Parade, which kicks off at 11:00 AM at the RI / MA border on Nate Whipple Highway in Cumberland and extends about 1 mile. Runners and their families are encouraged to stay in the area to enjoy the festivities!