The 41st annual Mattapoisett Road Race is off and running even though it’s still three months away.

During the March 27 meeting with the Board of Selectmen, Road Race director Bill Tilden said through the planning process “the town has been nothing but helpful.”

Tilden and Danny White, former chair for the event, spoke with the Selectmen to update them on the project and get official approval.

Bob Gardener, a former assistant principal at Old Rochester Regional High School, and wife Doris organized the first race in 1971 with 15 runners participating.

Last year the July 4 run drew around 1,000 people.

Throughout its history proceeds from the race have gone to graduating Old Rochester Regional students for college scholarships.

Tilden said there would only be one possible change made to the race this year. The race committee was informed of possible roadwork at the bottom of North Street that would interfere with part of the regular 5-mile route.

In the event of construction on the road, Tilden and White presented a map with a proposed alteration to the route.

Above all White said, “Safety is number one.”

The Selectmen discussed other potential routing options with the Tilden and White, but will wait until more information is presented about the construction before deciding on a route.

The Selectmen voted in favor of hosting the race.