FULL & HALF MARATHON COURSE FOR MAY 20, 2023 -ONLY-

USATF Marathon Cert #MA16301JK

USATF Half Marathon Cert #MA16037JK

The Marathon (a Boston qualifier) and half marathon courses can be described as 'relatively flat and fast with gentle rollers" with no more than a 25 foot incline in a few various locations (marathon: miles 8-12 has the most rollers).  Both courses will travel through the state forest with the marathon spending the first half through the forest.

FULL & HALF MARATHON MAP (Time limit below)

DCR Manuel Correllus State Forest occupies over 5,343 acres in the center of Martha's Vineyard. It was created in 1908 as the "Heath Hen Reserve," in an attempt to prevent the bird's extinction. Sadly, the last heath hen was seen in 1932. Today it is managed for passive recreation, mostly hiking and cycling on its 14 miles of bike paths. It is also the focus of one of the largest environmental restoration projects in the country. As part of a cooperative effort, the State Forest is now working to bring back the site's native ecosystem.

half marathon

USATF Cert#:  MA16028JK

Course limit: 6 hours

The Half Marathon starts at the YMCA of Martha's Vineyard and runs the first 2 miles with the marathon and a total of 3 miles through the middle of DCR Manuel Correllus State Forestt and pass the airport.  Then left on Edgartown road on the paved bike path for 5 miles.  Then left again, along Beach Road over the famous "JAWS" bridge with a finish in WABAN Park in Oak Bluffs.

WATER STATIONS

13 aid stations will be provided along the course placed approximately 1.5 - 2 miles apart.  All aid stations will be staffed and have water.  Gatorade will be provided at most water stations and filtered water is provided at all stations.  Each aid station will be equipped with a first aid kit and Medics will be at miles 6(marathon), 5(Half) / 13(marathon) and 9(half) / 21(marathon). 

MEDICAL & TOILETS ON COURSE:

Medical and EMT's will be positioned at the 13 mile mark of the marathon and mile 6 of the half marathon.  

Portable Toilets along the course will be located at miles 6(marathon), 5(Half) / 13(marathon) and 9(half) / 21(marathon), the start and the finish. 

marathon

USATF Cert#:  MA16030JK

Course limit:  6 hours

The Marathon starts at the YMCA of Martha's Vineyard and runs the first 13 miles through DCR Manuel Correllus State Forest then right down through Edgartown on Meeting House Way to Atlantic Drive.  Then left up Katama Rd through the quaint town of Edgartown with a finish on Beach Rd, over the famous "JAWS" bridge with a finish in WABAN PARK in Oak Bluffs.

ON PACE will provide pacers for the full and the half marathon.  In addition..  Pacers will range in 3:00 - 6:00 marathon times and 1:50 - 3:00 for half marathon times.  Pace bands will be provided at the expo.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BEING A PACER AND RECEIVING A COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY, EMAIL HERE

Please note:  Pacers are subject to change and availability.

From the colonial feel of Edgartown...

...to the quaint cottages of Oak Bluffs

"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

"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

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

Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

Martha's Vineyard is located south of Cape Cod, famous for being an affluent summer colony. Now you have a reason to make this destination race your "RUN-CATION".  Martha's Vineyard offers 2 beautiful courses for both the half and the full marathon that showcase this amazing island in Massachusetts.   Choose either OAK BLUFFS, EDGARTOWN or TISBURY for your stay on the island with easy transportation to the race start.  Each town has it's own unique personality with very reasonable hotel rates.  You decide which town is best for you.

GETTING TO MARTHA'S VINEYARD

FLYING???  Travel to Martha's Vineyard is easier than you think.  You can fly directly on to the Island (MVY) from any city in the U.S. with as little as one connection and non-stop from many major east coast cities. Other optional airports are Providence, RI (PVD) which is 74 miles which is approximately a 1 hour 24 minute drive to the Steamship Authority ferry in Woods Hole or Boston MA (BOS) which is 76 miles to the ferry. 

DRIVING???   You can drive to Woods Hole (Falmouth) and park your car in Woods Hole and walk on the ferry or you can drive your car on the ferry for an additional fee (reservations required). 

STAYING ON THE ISLAND???  

• Hotels on the Island:  Below, you have a number of hotels to choose from with contracted rates.  Most of the contracted rates require a 2 night minimum stay.
• Ferry from Woods Hole:  If you bring a car over on the ferry, you will be required to make a reservation for your vehicle at www.steamshipauthority.com.  Vehicle reservations vary depending on the size of your vehicle.  It is highly recommended that you make your car reservation for the ferry in advance.  The ferry has limited space and if you wait the last minute you may not be able to bring your car over.  You can also take the ferry over by foot.  Car rentals are available on the island but limited.

NOT STAYING ON THE ISLAND???  COMING OVER FOR THE RACE ONLY??? YOU HAVE OPTIONS...

• Hotels on the Cape:  If you live in the area or plan on staying on the Cape, there are a number of hotels in the area that do not require a 2 night minumum.  You can stay at most hotels for only one night in Falmouth and on the Cape.  
• Coming over race morning?  Ferry from Woods Hole:  The race starts at 8:30am and there are (3) ferry times you can take race morning that will get you to the start line in time:  6:00am, 6:30am and 7:00am.  We recommend that you take the earlier ferry.

Steamship authority

508-477-8600

If you choose not to fly directly on the island you can take the ferry from Woods Hole to Martha's Vineyard.  It's a beautiful 45 minute ferry ride to either Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs.  If you are walking on the ferry you do not need to make reservations.  If you are driving on the ferry, reservations are required.

For schedules and vehicle reservations, visit the Steamship Authority website:  CLICK HERE

OTHER FERRYS

The Patriot

(passenger only, year round)
www.patriotpartyboats.com   800-734-0088 | 508-548-2626.
Operates daily from Falmouth Harbor, Falmouth, MA. This boat line is not well known but operates the earliest daily departure to Martha’s Vineyard, 3:30 a.m. (the newspaper boat), as well as about eight other daily crossings. The trip takes 35 minutes and cost $10/person. Also available as an emergency 24-hour water taxi service. These people will get you onto or off of Martha’s Vineyard when no one else can, or will.

SeaStreak

(passenger only, seasonal)
www.seastreak.com   866-683-3779
The SeaStreak offers service from NJ, NYC, and New Bedford, to Martha’s Vineyard.

The Island Queen

(passenger only, seasonal)
www.islandqueen.com   508-548-4800
Operates from Falmouth Harbor, Falmouth, MA, to Oak Bluffs. 35-minute trip, operates from late May through Columbus Day. $10/person one-way, they have parking available for $15/day, and while they don’t make as many daily trips to the Vineyard, they are a little easier to deal with because they’re a smaller company.

The Hy-Line

(passenger only, seasonal)
www.hy-linecruises.comm   800-492-8082
Operates from the Hy-Line Landing at the Ocean Street Dock in Hyannis, MA to Oak Bluffs harbor from May through October. They also offer service from Oak Bluffs to Nantucket Island during the high season, though this service does not allow for a day trip; it is only for overnight stays. The parking lot in Hyannis fills up in summer so call to reserve space if parking your car.

Vineyard Fast Ferry

(passenger only, seasonal)
www.vineyardfastferry.com   401-295-4040
Operates from Quonset Point in North Kingstown, Rhode Island to both Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs. Travel time is 90- minutes. Operates a limited number of trips, and in our experience is somewhat unreliable. This boat seems to be the first to be cancelled if there is bad weather. If you are flying into Providence it would be better to take the Peter Pan Bus from downtown Providence to Woods Hole, MA (see Bus).

MARTHA'S VINEYARD HOTELS:  You have MANY choices when staying on the Vineyard.  Here are a few hotels we have partnered with.  NOTE: Bus transportation to the START is provided from OAK BLUFFS, EDGARTOWN & TISBURY.  The race finishes in Oak Bluffs and bus transportation back to Edgartown and Tisbury is available after the race.

For MORE hotel options, please see a list of hotels below:  

Pre-race:  BUS TRANSPORTATION to the start at the High School for both the Half and Full Marathon is available from TISBURY, OAK BLUFFS and EDGARTOWN.  The finish is in Oak Bluffs, so bus transportation will be available from Oak Bluffs to back to Edgartown and Tisbury, post race. 

Getting around Martha's Vineyard is pretty easy.  If you are staying in Tisbury, Oak Bluffs or Edgartown it is really not necessary to rent a vehicle.  Everything is within walking distance and each town is self contained with shops, restaurants, stores and hotels.  If you choose to explore the island, you can rent a vehicle from Hertz, Avis or Enterprise, or rent a Jeep or Moped from a local bike shop.  Parking is NO HASSLE throughout the whole island.  Bike are another great way to get around the island too and you can rent a bike for $10 -$20/day

Bike Rentals:

Moped Rentals:

Car Rentals:

Jeep Rentals:

TOP TEN TIPS FOR MARTHA’S VINEYARD ACTIVITIES

Winter Activities. (info created from VINEYARD SQUARE HOTEL)

• Walk the beaches. Many beaches, especially ‘Up-Island’ are closed to the public during the summer months. Take this opportunity to enjoy these unspoiled stretches with no one else around!
• Shop. The winter is a great time to pick up bargains. Take advantage of the winter wind-down to grab that island keepsake at a discount, or shop for next season as stores clear out for next summer.
• Get back to nature. Wonderful hiking trails abound – from a gentle strolls to energetic hikes. Plus, the views can be stunningly different with less (or no!) foliage to obscure the expanse. See what new spots you can discover.
• Eat. Tons of great restaurants are open year round all over the island. Many run special theme nights or discount nights. Check with us for the latest offerings.
• Pamper yourself. Enjoy a massage or facial. Relax, unwind, de-stress. Onsite here at Vineyard Square, Sea Spa Salon is offering great daily discounts on treatments.

• Support a community event. Locals come out to play and support their favorite causes in the winter.  Every week there boasts an array of events to support many Island charities. Join in and enjoy the local color!
• Catch a movie. In addition to the year round big box office releases at Edgartown Cinema, each Saturday you can enjoy an offering from MV Film Society at the Katherine Cornell Theatre in Vineyard Haven. Sometimes a documentary, sometimes a foreign film – always something a little off the mainstream.
• Gallery Stroll. Enjoy the local art scene at a quieter pace, chat to the gallery owners about the collections while they have time to chat back. Then hit one of the many craft or artisan fairs at this time of year.
• Work out. Jog through the quiet streets. Take a yoga class at one of our many amazing studios. Spin, hit the Y for some Zumba or other fun class before checking out their pool and other great facilities. Recommit to your workout with a fun getaway to our nearby island!
• Disconnect and reconnect. Turn off the phone (yes we said it!) and reconnect with a loved one. The quiet of the Vineyard in winter is the perfect atmosphere to rediscover why you fell in love.

In-Season Activities

• Stroll (or Jog) North Water Street. Beautifully renovated captains’ homes date to when Edgartown was a major whaling port called Great Harbour. Don’t miss the Emily Post House garden at 34 Fuller Street. The famous advocate of all things mannerly summered there from 1927 until her death in 1960. She wrote often of her garden, especially her Dahlias, which are still lovingly tended by the current owners.
• Climb Edgartown Lighthouse. Saunter down to Edgartown Lighthouse, take a tour and climb to the top for the best view of Edgartown Harbor. 

• Tour Chappaquiddick’s East Beach. Ride the On-Time Ferry and meet the van on “the Chappy side.”  Take an over-sand vehicle tour of beautiful East Beach, learn about the natural history of this unique location and tour Cape Poge Lighthouse – the lighthouse that visitors rarely see as it’s ONLY accessible by beach vehicle or boat! Talk about “insider!”
• Be a Jaws Groupie. “It’s only an Island if you look at it from the water,” is Brody’s infamous line from Jaws, which was filmed on Martha’s Vineyard in 1974.  Ask us for a Jaws tour map and we’ll point out the most recognizable movie locations. Then, take Brody’s advice and get out on a boat. Options abound – from a short ride around the harbor on a launch to a full-day adventure on the high seas. See some of our suggestions on our Beaches and Boating page

• Revel in Beach Nightlife. Ride out to Menemsha, join the throng on the beach, and picnic in the stunning light of the setting sun. Revel in the party atmosphere as children play, impromptu jam sessions break out, music fills the air, and new friends are made. Let us call ahead to Larsen’s Fish Market to arrange a take-out New England Clambake of lobster, clams, corn on the cob and all the fixin’s.
• Hop on a Bus. If this is your first Martha’s Vineyard visit (or even if it’s not), we highly recommend a bus tour to hit island highlights. Our favorite is the brightly painted Martha’s Vineyard Sightseeing Bus. The company offers a 2½-hour tour with a ½-hour stop at the Aquinnah Cliffs and Gay Head Lighthouse. The Cliffs are a protected National Historic Landmark and the lighthouse was made from clay bricks culled from the site. Martha’s Vineyard Historical Society on School Street displays the lighthouse’s original 1856 Fresnel Lens. You’ll learn a lot of Island lore (as well as hear wonderful anecdotes from a great group of knowledgeable drivers!)
• Stroll (or Jog) North Water Street. Beautifully renovated captains’ homes date to when Edgartown was a major whaling port called Great Harbour. Don’t miss the Emily Post House garden at 34 Fuller Street. The famous advocate of all things mannerly summered there from 1927 until her death in 1960. She wrote often of her garden, especially her Dahlias, which are still lovingly tended by the current owners.