January 12, 2026 |Fundraiser, News, Sports

Great Stew Chase Celebrates 50th Anniversary as One of America’s Oldest 15K Road Races

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From the Wyoma Lions Club: Runners from across the region are invited to take part in a milestone event as the Great Stew Chase celebrates its 50th running on Sunday, February 1, 2026, in Lynn. First held in 1975, the Great Stew Chase is proudly recognized as the third oldest 15-kilometer road race in the United States.

Now organized by the Wyoma Lions Club, the Great Stew Chase has become a beloved winter tradition, drawing more than 200 runners in recent years. The race offers a challenging yet rewarding course, ideal for seasoned competitors training for spring marathons as well as recreational runners seeking a meaningful winter goal.

The main 15K race begins at 10:00 a.m., with additional options designed to welcome runners of all abilities. A 9:30 a.m. early start is available for slower-paced participants, and a two-person relay allows teams to split the distance evenly, also starting at 10:00 a.m.

One of the event’s most distinctive and cherished traditions awaits runners at the finish line: a hot bowl of hearty stew. Perfectly suited to New England’s winter weather, the post-race stew has become a signature feature of the Great Stew Chase and a favorite reward for participants crossing the finish line.

Originally launched as a community initiative in 1975, the Great Stew Chase continues its legacy under the stewardship of the Wyoma Lions Club, which assumed organization of the race in 2022. Proceeds from the event support the club’s ongoing service efforts and commitment to strengthening the local community.

Registration for the 50th Great Stew Chase is now open.