Whether you want to keep in shape while you’re on vacation or you are training for a race, Nantucket has plenty to offer for runners of all levels. Nantucket is known for its world-class dining, fantastic night life, and entertainment–but it is also an island full of fitness junkies! The island is consistently ranked as one of the healthiest counties in Massachusetts thanks to its great community of athletes who share their love of health and encourage one other all year long.
With a well-planned out network of bike paths, finding a safe place to run is hardly an issue on Nantucket (it’s possible to run almost entirely on bike paths from one end of the island to the other). There is a bike path that starts in the middle of Cliff Road, that runs the entirety of Madaket Road, and that covers most of Old South Road. All of Surfside, Polpis and Milestone Roads have parallel bike paths. If you are considering running on trails, the best place to start is Sanford Farm, where you have the option of a 3-mile or a 6-mile loop or heading out to the moors with miles and miles of off-road trails to explore. The Moors are located between Polpis and Milestone Road (you can find Altar Rock, the highest point on island, located here).
If you are looking for running friends, there is a group called The Monument Running Group (affectionately MRG) which meets regularly throughout the year. MRG meets three times a week at 6am during the summer (meeting times change as the sun rises later in the off season) on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Tuesdays and Thursdays are usually a 5-6 mile run and Sundays are 10 miles+ (parts of the group break off and run longer depending on if they are training for a race). The best part of MRG is the after-run dip if you start and end at a beach!
If you are looking to do something more competitive while you are on the island, various groups and non-profits host races. Typically, the following list is the yearly schedule (with some changes here and there).
Nantucket Road Races & Runs
ShamRock Run – This is a 4 miler around Miacomet to benefit NISHA, which ends at the Cisco Brewery. You can meet up with your fellow racers and furry friends at the finish! The Little Leprechaun Leap takes place at the beginning of the race and the kiddos love to join in on the fun.
Daffy 5k – The Daffy 5k race is in Sconset and winds through the quaint cottages to Baxter Road. Beautiful views are throughout the course. This race is typically on Sunday, the day after the parade festivities.
The Bob Laundry Brant Point Runners 5k – The Run Centre hosts a weekly 5k starting on Easton Street every Tuesday at 5:30pm. The meet ups usually begin around Memorial Day and go through Labor Day.
Firecracker 5k – This race takes place around July 4th. In 2022, the race started at Jetties Beach.
Race for Open Space – Your choice of a 5k or 10k hosted by the Land Bank the weekend after 4th of July.
Run for Recovery – A 5k at the end of September to benefit Addiction Solutions of Nantucket.
The Nantucket Half Marathon is held yearly on Columbus Day Weekend. In 2022 they will offer a 10k loop as well.
Run for Robin – This is a yearly 5k to benefit the Harvey Foundation which gives scholarships to Nantucket High School kids and has many programs to encourage reading, writing and participation in sports.
Nantucket Run Centre (36 Centre Street)
If you find that you need some gear or fuel while you are on island, The Run Centre has you covered! They have a great assortment of running shoes, apparel, sunglasses, fuel for long runs and hydration accessories (to name a few).
The Haulover, Murray’s and Core both have apparel for running as well as fitness accessories to keep you moving on vacation.
If you have any questions about running or racing on Nantucket or about real estate in general, feel free to reach out to Liza at (508) 280-8925 or liza@fishernantucket.com.