🏃♀️Top Running Routes on Martha’s Vineyard
The island’s 10 best paved runs, plus running groups and annual races to look for
This guide is for runners! It includes 10 favorite routes on paved shared-use paths, sidewalks, and road loops. It’s different from my hiking guide (less trails/nature). I do my best to include distances, hilliness, surfaces, views, and where to park.
You’ll also find a Quick Look table, some info on local running communities, and an overview of annual races to help you meet other runners. Enjoy!
🧭 Short & Flat (~3–4 miles)
1) Oak Bluffs Harbor → East Chop Light (loop)
Length/Hills: ~3.5–4 mi, mostly flat (gentle rise to the light)
Surface: Paved streets/sidewalks; ocean views the whole way
Start/Park: Near Ocean Park or the Steamship Terminal (Oak Bluffs)
Why runners like it: Iconic lighthouse turnaround, easy cadence, photogenic finish.
2) Vineyard Haven Main St. → West Chop Light (loop or out-and-back)
Length/Hills: ~4.5–4.8 mi, short rollers
Surface: Paved streets/sidewalks with Vineyard Sound views
Start/Park: Near Owen Park (Vineyard Haven)
Why runners like it: Classic VH loop, calm water views, clean splits.
3) Edgartown Harborfront Tempo (Lighthouse + village streets)
Length/Hills: 3–4+ mi stitchable; mostly flat with tiny bumps
Surface: Sidewalks/quiet streets; optional short sandy spur by the lighthouse
Start/Park: Near Memorial Wharf
Why runners like it: Grid-friendly for repeats, harbor views, easy to tailor distance.
⚡ Moderate (~5–7 miles)
4) Katama Road: Edgartown → South Beach (out-and-back or loop via Herring Creek Rd.)
Length/Hills: ~5–6.5 mi depending on turnaround
Surface: Paved bike path nearly the whole way; open/windy
Start/Park: Near Edgartown Library or Katama General Store
Why runners like it: Flat tempo runway to the ocean; dependable footing and quick splits.
5) Ocean Park & Seaview Waterfront (Oak Bluffs)
Length/Hills: ~5.5–6 mi loop, flat, slight uphill closer to town
Surface: Mostly paved/sidewalks along Seaview Ave. with pond + ocean views
Start/Park: Near Ocean Park (Oak Bluffs)
Why runners like it: Breezy waterfront loop; a locals’ go-to for steady-state miles.
6) Beach Road Causeway: Oak Bluffs ↔ Edgartown (one-way or out-and-back)
Length/Hills: ~6 mi one-way, flat
Surface: Paved shared-use path along State Beach/Sengekontacket
Start/Park: Near Oak Bluffs Harbor or the Bend-in-the-Road/“Big Bridge” pull-offs
Why runners like it: Island-favorite stretch with uninterrupted water views and minimal crossings.
7) Edgartown ↔ Vineyard Haven Path (parallel to Edg–VH Rd.)
Length/Hills: ~6–7 mi one-way, gentle rolling
Surface: Paved shared-use path set off the roadway
Start/Park: Near Edgartown Park-and-Ride or VH Park-and-Ride
Why runners like it: Direct town-to-town corridor; safe, steady, and easy to extend.
8) VH Harborfront → West Chop add-on (tempo variant)
Length/Hills: 6–8 mi depending on spur, gentle rollers
Surface: Paved streets/sidewalks
Start/Park: Near Owen Park (Vineyard Haven)
Why runners like it: Builds on the classic West Chop loop with extra harbor mileage for sustained tempo.
🏃♀️ Longer / Varied (~8–10+ miles)
9) Down-Island Figure-8 (OB Harbor → State Beach spur → VH Harbor → back)
Length/Hills: ~9–10 mi, mostly flat
Surface: Linked paved paths (Seaview Ave./Beach Rd./Barnes Rd.) + harborfront sidewalks
Start/Park: Near Ocean Park (Oak Bluffs)
Why runners like it: Combines the island’s most popular paved segments into one scenic long run.
10) State Forest Big Loop (Manuel F. Correllus State Forest)
Length/Hills: ~10 mi loop, flat
Surface: Paved shared-use loop inside the forest (car-free)
Start/Park: Near Martha’s Vineyard High School or State Forest HQ lot
Why runners like it: Even pacing, wind shelter, zero intersections—perfect for long runs.
🤝 Community & Apps
Amity Island Running Club: friendly, all levels, year-round meetups and events.
Library walking clubs & Sheriff’s Meadow guided walks: good for recovery/social miles.
Apps to check: Strava & Komoot show strong activity on East/West Chop, Beach Road causeway, Edg–VH path, and Katama—great for scouting segments, splits, and heat maps.
If you’re open to paths that are unpaved, this is a great guide too:
All Gyms and Recovery options here:
📅 2026 Annual Races & Runs — Historical Dates
Martha’s Vineyard races at a glance—MV 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, and signature road races in Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, and Vineyard Haven. This historical list helps runners plan trips and training with typical months, distances, and towns, plus local clubs and paved routes nearby. This list is not comprehensive, nor confirmed for 2026.
February: MV Winter Classic & Amity Relay
April: MV Spring Classic Marathon & Half Marathon
May: Hospice of MV Annual Memorial Road Race
July: Island Autism 5K Trail Run, Murdick’s “Run the Chop” 4-Miler
August: Chilmark Road Race, 5K Run for Camp Jabberwocky, Foot it for Felix 5K
September: Vineyard Haven Library “Run/Walk to the Chop” 5K
October: Gay Head 10K, Martha’s Vineyard Brunch Run 5/10K, Oak Bluffs School 5K
Dates will be added here as they are announced:
Run with caution! Even on paved routes, MV has ticks. Use repellent, avoid brush, and do a thorough check after your run. For further education and resources, read this too:
