Tour of Somerville organizers outline expanded community zone and fundraising plans for 2026 race
April 03, 2026 | Middlesex County, New Jersey
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Organizers of the Tour of Somerville presented to the borough council on Feb. 17, reviewing the 2025 event and plans for 2026.
Eric Alvarez, the tour’s president (speaker 7), said 2025 drew more than 10,000 attendees, many from nearby areas and several states and countries, and that visitors spent an average of roughly 138 minutes in town. "It was the eightieth running," Alvarez said, noting broad social-media impressions and increased community engagement.
Sheldon Hodges (speaker 10), vice president, described a proposed fenced community zone centered on the courthouse lawn that would include a controlled adult beverage area with security, bleacher seating at a prime viewing turn, and expanded food-truck and vendor space. "We're very focused on safety," Hodges said, adding police and EMT coverage would be close by and local vendors would be prioritized for the fundraiser area.
Organizers said the community zone will be used partly as a fundraiser; they are pursuing sponsorships with a sports-marketing agency and continuing outreach to local restaurants and vendors. Council members asked about the event’s financial health; organizers said 2025 debts were cleared and fundraising is underway for 2026.
The council expressed support and noted municipal assistance will continue with road closures and operational coordination.
Organizers encouraged residents to visit the tour website for details and sign up for volunteer or vendor opportunities.
Eric Alvarez, the tour’s president (speaker 7), said 2025 drew more than 10,000 attendees, many from nearby areas and several states and countries, and that visitors spent an average of roughly 138 minutes in town. "It was the eightieth running," Alvarez said, noting broad social-media impressions and increased community engagement.
Sheldon Hodges (speaker 10), vice president, described a proposed fenced community zone centered on the courthouse lawn that would include a controlled adult beverage area with security, bleacher seating at a prime viewing turn, and expanded food-truck and vendor space. "We're very focused on safety," Hodges said, adding police and EMT coverage would be close by and local vendors would be prioritized for the fundraiser area.
Organizers said the community zone will be used partly as a fundraiser; they are pursuing sponsorships with a sports-marketing agency and continuing outreach to local restaurants and vendors. Council members asked about the event’s financial health; organizers said 2025 debts were cleared and fundraising is underway for 2026.
The council expressed support and noted municipal assistance will continue with road closures and operational coordination.
Organizers encouraged residents to visit the tour website for details and sign up for volunteer or vendor opportunities.
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