Whatever caliber of runner, jogger or walker you may be the views on the road can make the foot thumping journey easier on the sole. So if you take your exercise on foot on Martha’s Vineyard you know how lucky you are as you drink in the stunning vistas that may greet you at any turn or crest in the road. Running on Martha’s Vineyard is a joy (comparatively speaking!).
Once infected with the running bug it is inevitable that you will want to join fellow masochists and partake in organized runs. This allows you to erase any nagging thoughts that you might be harboring that maybe the detractors are right and this running lark is boring and not the best way to treat your overworked knees. I mean if you can join another couple of hundred people on an early morning to complete a “fun” run and get a T-shirt to boot then surely you can’t all be crazy. Fortunately Martha’s Vineyard has ample events throughout the year to allow you to prove the soundness of your exercise choice.
Here’s the rundown of Martha’s Vineyard Running opportunities:
February
MV 20 Miler (Vineyard Haven)
OK this one isn’t for the faint hearted as you could be running in sub-zero conditions with snow to enhance the photo-opportunity. This race is used my many potential Boston Marathon runners as part of their preparation for the marathon. At the Nobnocket Boutique Inn we salute the hardy souls (and soles) that take part and offer a 10% discount at the inn for running participants. Also note that you can enter this race as an “Amity Relay” participant whereby you and A.N.Other will each run 10 miles. Limited to 600 runners so early registration is encouraged. $65 to enter.
May
Marathon and 1/2 Marathon (Down-Island)
2018 will be the second year for these two events. Both events take place on the Saturday (this year 19th May). $114 for ½ marathon and $134 for full marathon (reduced pricing for early registration). Participants get a 15% discount at Nobnocket Boutique Inn.
Memorial Day Weekend 5K (Oak Bluffs)
The race will be celebrating its 25th running (pardon the pun) in 2018. Starting in front of the harbor and heading out to East Chop this is a not too strenuous way to welcome the start of the summer on Martha’s Vineyard. $20 to enter.
July
Murdick’s Fudge Run The Chop (Vineyard Haven)
Taking place on July 4th each year at 9am, this is a 5 mile run out to West Chop lighthouse and back. $30 to enter.
August
Chilmark Road Race (Chilmark)
Now in its 41st year this 5K run is extremely popular so even though they take a whopping 1600 runners, you need to register early in order to ensure a chance to run. In takes place on the second Saturday in August. Although only 5 K in length, this run has some brutal uphill sections and the run starts at 10.30am so the conditions tend to be on the warm side. $30 to enter.
Sullivan 5K for MV Hospital (Oak Bluffs)
This year will be 30th running of this race that attracts runners and walkers who come out to support healthy living and MV Hospital. This event attracts a couple of hundred runners and walkers. $25 to enter.
5k Run For Camp Jabberwocky (Edgartown)
A flat and scenic run down to Katama from Edgartown. $25 to enter.
October
Gay Head 10k (Aquinnah)
Run on the first Sunday in October. Race is limited to 500 runners. The views on this run are nothing less than spectacular. This is a challenging 10k run that takes in a lot of elevation change and the last mile is all uphill! All proceeds go to preservation of Gay Head Lighthouse. Nobnocket Boutique Inn offers a 10% discount to runners. $40 to enter.
Columbus Day 5k (Oak Bluffs)
Taking place on the Sunday morning of Columbus Day weekend. $30 to enter.
November
Turkey Trot (Oak Bluffs)
Starting at 8.30am on Thanksgiving Day this is a great way to provide the perfect excuse for the inevitable indulging that will take place the rest of the day. $10 to enter.
Safe travels and happy running,
Simon