Martha’s Vineyard is known for its swimming, walking, hiking, and cycling, but it’s also heaven for runners! Our friends at Great Runs have put together a comprehensive guide to the best places to run on Martha’s Vineyard. See the map below for some of their top spots. Click on the ‘run’ icon to bring up more details on each route.
Some of their faves: A jaunt along East Chop Drive, out to the lighthouse; the bike trail along Beach Rd. from Oak Bluffs to Edgartown; running tours of Oak Bluffs and Edgartown; and some of the beaches, depending on ‘firm sand’ conditions.
Here’s a list of their top routes. Click on the link for full details and route maps.
Oak Bluffs Running Tour. 3 & 5 mile options. Waterfront sections around the harbor and Seaview Ave., festive Circuit Ave., spectacular homes around Ocean Park, famous gingerbread houses, and for a longer run, a loop around the Land Bank Trails.
East Chop Drive. 4 miles. Perhaps our favorite Vineyard run. Waterfront views, classic homes, and a lighthouse. What could be better?
Edgartown Running Tour. Edgartown, formerly one of the epicenters of the global whaling industry, is a historical and commercial center known for its stately architecture and lush landscapes. Develop your own route incorporating Lighthouse Beach, whaling captains’ homes along Water St. and the leafy side streets.
Beach Road. 5 miles one-way. Quintessential Martha’s Vineyard Run for 5 miles along Beach Rd., between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. You can run one way and take the shuttle back!
Katama Rd. & South Beach Loop. 2.6 miles one-way or 6 mile loop. Let the rest of the family schlep the beach gear and deal with parking while you run the 2.6 miles from Edgartown to South Beach on Katama Rd., along a bike path the whole way.
Long Point Wildlife Refuge. 2+ miles. Lovely refuge area near South Beach with 600 acres of beaches, dunes, and woodlands. About 2 miles of running trails.
Lobsterville Rd., Aquinnah. 3.2 miles. Pleasant run along the ocean, using Lobsterville Beach Rd. In season, a bike ferry will take you over to Menemsha for a longer run.
Manuel F. Correllus State Forest. 14 miles of paths suitable for running. A bit hilly and a good shade option for a hot day.
Beach Run Options. South Beach, Joseph Sylvia State Beach, and Aquinnah offer the best beach running possibilities. Several variables influence how ‘runnable’ these beaches are – weather, tides, etc.
