Hurricane Arthur postponed two tri-town Fourth of July traditions to Saturday, but participants in Mattapoisett’s annual road race managed to finish the five-mile run before the heavy rain started.

Marion's annual parade and Horse Show were moved to July, 5 due to the weather. After checking the weather report, Mattapoisett race officials decided to go ahead with the race as it appeared the heaviest rain showers were to take place in the afternoon. The race began at 9 a.m.

In fact, despite the weather the number of runners increased since last year. More than 1,000 ran the race compared to the approximately 800 runners who participated in 2013.

At the starting line, light showers and high humidity greeted runners. Scattered throughout the large crowd lining the sidewalks were a handful of people dressed up to celebrate. Michaelea Muldoon was among them. Her colorful hat featured red, white and blue streamers.

Nearby, Teddy Sanders of Mattapoisett stood with his grandmother Cecile. Though not an official racer, Teddy had a handwritten No. 41 bib clipped to his shirt.

“Both his parents have run the race for a number of years,” Cecile said. “This year he’s going to join his mother and father near the end of the race to cross the finish line with them.”

The first to finish was Swansea’s Jay McMahon, 18, with a time of 26:49. Rounding out the top three were Tony Fierimonte, 21, of Sutton at second place with a time of 27:08, and Taylor Days-Merrill of Farihaven, 20, who finished third with a time of 27:40.

A couple of tri-town residents finished in the top 10. Mattapoisett’s Matthew Petrocci, 29, finished seventh with a time of 29:04. Marion’s Jared Dourdeville, 25, finished eight with a time of 29:46.

Full race results can be viewed online at www.racewire.com.