2019: My participation to Martha's Vineyard half-marathon was an experience that I will always remember. The route was just incredible, with sections going through the shaded bike paths across the island, to open field landscapes and then of course the gorgeous final 4 mile stretch along the ocean. Course-wise, there were only a few rolling hills and altogether this is a fast course, which for me at least resulted in a 12 minute PR in the half-marathon!! The energy was amazing already at the start line! The organizers did a great job facilitating the transportation of both the runners that lived on the island, as well as those that had to use the early morning ferries to get to Martha's Vineyard. The volunteers at the water stops did an incredible job both refueling us and cheering us on!
Anyone who hasn't ran MVM yet, should definitely put it in the list of races they will soon try!
Maria
2019: I've done multiple races and running events in the eastern US and this was by far the best one yet! I've recommended it to all of my running buddies and raved about the scenic, flat course, the positive atmosphere and entertaining signs and activities, the supportive crowd, the effective and convenient organization, and of course the island vibes with the tiny shops and great food/drinks! It was worth the 9 hour drive from Northern NY to participate in the most memorable race and visit Martha's Vineyard... We hope to make it an annual runcation!
Thanks!
Kimberly
2019: This was such a great event! Loved running the relay, what an amazing experience! From packet pick-up to the finish line... the event coordinators did a wonderful job!
Great race and beautiful course !! Hope to do it again next year!! -Kristin (Sole Sisters Running Club)
I seriously loved the run! The course was pretty flat with plenty of encouragement along the way. The scenery was beautiful and there were plenty of race marshals to stop you getting lost. I will definitely be running again next year. -Oliver
I loved this race! We made this a family weekend getaway. As soon as we got on the Ferry we could feel the race energy. My kids were excited for the weekend. We celebrated my daughter's 7th Birthday - so amazing for me to cross the finish line holding her hand. My 13 year old nephew also ran his second FULL marathon and had a PR by over an hour. The volunteers were kind and supportive. The course was beautiful despite the rain. We will be back for certain! Thank you for a well organized and welcoming event! -Judy
This was my first marathon and I really didn’t know what to expect, but my overall experience was great! The organization of the MVM was really well done, I absolutely loved the course (so peaceful and serene) and I am already planning on coming back next year. While my knee seized up around mile 18 and I literally couldn’t run the last 8 miles because of the pain, other runners and spectators cheered me on and encouraged me to keep going and to not give up. I’m glad I listened them (and not my own thoughts) and made was able to make it across the finish line. -Stephen
Pre-race w the girl! Girls trip! We all loved the race and location!
"The Martha's Vineyard Marathon was my very first marathon! I really enjoyed the scenery and course around the island (and the lack of hills - thank goodness!!). Can't get a prettier view than that right?
I also really appreciated having water/electrolyte stations every 2 miles and Honey Stinger at halfway! Bag drop off and pick up was super helpful and easy as well. Shoutout to your volunteers for being so encouraging and enthusiastic - you really need that when it comes to mile 20. I look forward to running this marathon again!"
Best,
Danielle
"I ran the Half Marathon, it was my 112th Half. Overall, this was one of the best destination races I've done. What a beautiful location! The volunteers were all so enthusiastic! When the course opened up to the water views at Mile 9, I felt like I could have kept running forever! Here's my pic from Mile 12. I posted this during the race on social media with the comment 'I don't want this to end!'"
Tia
THANKS!! I'm so excited. I joke that I don't have to get faster I just have to keep getting older. I didn't do my first full until 18 days before my 60th birthday. That was 3 and a half years ago. MVM was my 29th full!! How crazy is that. My husband was one of the pacers. He had the best group of runners in his group. He had a couple of first timers. They finished with big smiles and thanked Bob for his 26.2 miles of encouragement. Happy Running!! Lesley
2019: My very first half marathon and I came first in U18 category! I loved the course, running with my Dad, Jaws Bridge and the awesome medal!!
Jarlath Meenan (#1060)
2019: This was hands down the best marathon I’ve ever run, I managed to get that PR I was chasing, and I owe it all to the great volunteers, great spectators and great views of Marathas Vineyard! Nothing like the promise of beer at the end to keep you going too!
-Kelci
“I ran the MV 1/2 marathon and it was a great experience! The course was relatively flat and scenic, especially the last few miles along State Beach. Plenty of in-race and post-race refreshments. And, the race logistics were really well organized & executed.”
-Bill
"The Martha's Vineyard Marathon is my first marathon and I had a great experience all around! I had never been to the Vineyard before and already can't wait to go back. The course was flat and fast which made it perfect for a first-time runner. Running along the beach and through Edgartown into Oak Bluffs was fun and scenic but nothing beat the energy coming into Waban Park and running through the flags to the finish line." -Danielle
If you want to run a great half marathon in one of the most beautiful places in New England, look no further than the Martha's Vineyard Half Marathon in May. The course is fantastic and perfect if you are looking to run a PR; gentle rollers and long flat sections along a safe and scenic bike path. The time of year is great to run on MV, reliably cooler than the mainland but pleasant all around. The ocean views are gorgeous. And you really cannot beat the medal -- I am not one to run for bling, but if I ever was, I would run this race just for the medal, it is my favorite. The volunteers were excellent at all the water stops even in the breezy ocean spots, and it was logistically an easy race to navigate for one so large and popular. I would love to run this race again! -Kim
Thanks for a great race. This was our 11th anniversary and we ran this together. Looking forward to coming back again!
"Where my friendships along with our passion for running met to make miraculous memories". #FROMBEASTTOBESTMODE
Aaron
Thank you for putting on the first MV marathon and 1/2! I ran the 1/2 marathon (first half) and couldn't have asked for a more beautiful course. As a first-time half marathoner I thankful for minimal hills and lots of ocean views!
Taylor and Kristen
"I PR'd"
Nikisha
"There were lots of spectators and volunteers cheering me on at the parts of the race where it mattered most. Those last 4 miles of the marathon were tough for me, but the gorgeous views of the beach and the encouraging words from all the people around me made it so much easier. I never felt alone or felt afraid of going the wrong way. I secured my place in the 2018 Boston Marathon at Martha's Vineyard and am so grateful. It was a beautiful day and one I will forever cherish."
Kate
I have done dozens of marathons and Martha's Vineyard Marathon was without a doubt the best one! The course was breathtaking through the shaded bike path and finishing along the gorgeous ocean. Not to mention how well marked each mile was and how amazing all the volunteers were giving out snacks, water, Gatorade, and even sunscreen! I cannot wait to do this again next year with my friends! Thank you so much for an incredible day! :)
Danielle
The Martha's Vineyard Half Marathon was one of the most well-organized and fun races I've ever run! From the beautiful, fast, flat course to the amazing volunteers, the incredible DJ and the officials... It was wonderful. We had a beautiful, warm spring day for it too! I loved the wave start to help alleviate bottlenecks on the flat, well-marked course. The volunteers at the water stations were top notch and ready for us tired runners. Everyone had a smile on their face! It was so cool to run along the water and across the famous JAWS bridge. The medal and tee shirts are fabulous. Pre-race communication and response time for questions were wonderful and they did such a great job on their website. Having a mailing bib option was so helpful. Couldn't have asked for a better race experience and I will be back! Thank you all!
Fallon
2019: I have run quite a few half marathons but this by far was my favorite! Not only was the entire island welcoming to the runners but it was well organized and overall just a perfectly run event!
_Rhian
I couldn’t have asked for a better experience! The scenic course was perfect for my first half marathon. The local shops and restaurants also made for fun weekend with friends and family after the race. I’ll definitely be back next year!! -Jenny
I have been coming to the Vineyard every summer with my family since I was born. When I saw that there would the first annual full/Half last year, I just had to do it. I ran my very first marathon last year and PR’d this year with the half. Such a fun and enjoyable run that I get to experience with my dad and family. Gives us an excuse to head over to the Vineyard once more before the summer rush too! Will be running every single year. -Nicole
My husband and I ran the 2017 Martha’s Vineyard Marathon and came back again this year to run the Half Marathon. Despite the cold weather this year, there were still people lining parts of the course and cheering us in. This race is such a great way to see different parts of the island and is a fast and pretty flat course. We will be back again next year! -Tracey
This was my first half and I was so happy with the course; the organizers and the local support! This is a great race that benefits a wonderful cause on the island! I can’t wait until next year! My cheerleading section even had fun!
Martha's Vineyard Marathon was a fantastic first marathon experience. The mildly gloomy weather couldn't cloud the beautiful scenery and the volunteers were great. I was thrilled to beat my goal time which I owe to a fabulous pacer who got me to the finish line! Having my family with me for this Run-cation was perfect. See you next year!
Emily
Thank you MVM. We had an amazing "runcation" #BGR
"Great race in a beautiful place."
Cathy
"Loved all the shwag, very nice presentation all around- signage, organization at start. Announcer was phenomenal. People were all friendly. Finish line super fun and well designed.
We truly had a great time and hope it can be an annual event!!"
Thanks!
Chantale Duguay #1428
Thank you for producing such an amazing race on such beautiful course. The people of Martha's Vineyard could not have been friendlier. We are ready to commit to next year and we will be bringing more runners with us!
Sharon, MA Sole Sisters
A true destination marathon. Martha's Vineyard is a great place to bring the whole family! A beautiful setting with many things to do for an extended weekend before the summer crowds arrive. It was easy to get around to see runners at many places along the course.
Andrew