Mike's Run the Chop Challenge

  • Date Sat 4th July 2026
  • Time 8:45AM EDT
  • Location Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts
  • Price $6.30 - $32.80
  • Races 3 races

Event summary

Join the excitement at Mike's Run the Chop Challenge on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in beautiful Vineyard Haven, Dukes! This beloved Vineyard tradition, now in its 25th year, promises a fantastic day of fun and community spirit. Participants can choose between two scenic race distances: the classic 5.25-mile loop around West Chop or a new, shorter 3.5-mile loop. The event kicks off at the Tisbury School, just a short stroll from the boat dock, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors.

Bring the whole family along to enjoy a morning filled with activity! The day starts with a fun run for kids aged 1-8, setting a joyful tone for the main events that follow. With over $140,000 raised for local youth programs, including the Martha's Vineyard Big Brothers Big Sisters and the MV Youth Running Club, this race is not only a thrilling competition but also a meaningful way to contribute to the community. Be sure to arrive early for registration, as this popular event is expected to sell out quickly, and parking is limited. Join us for a memorable day of racing and celebration on the 4th of July!

Organiser's Description

Mike's Run the Chop Challenge is a Vineyard tradition on the 4th of July! This race has been in existence for 25 years, thanks to the efforts of Mike McCourt. It has raised over $140,000 for island based youth programs including the Martha's Vineyard Big Brothers Big Sisters, The MV Youth Running Club, and Rotary of Martha's Vineyard. Through the support of our volunteers, the community of Vineyard Haven, and of course our runners, this race continues to be a huge success and a great way to kick off the 4th!

New this year, runners have two distances to choose from; the traditional 5.25 mile loop around West Chop or a new 3.5 mile loop. Both events start at the Tisbury School in Vineyard Haven, about 4 blocks up from the boat dock in Vineyard Haven. Meant for the whole family, the morning starts with a spectator friendly fun run for kids ages 1-8, followed by the main events.

To avoid race day lines, we encourage you to pick up your race bib and race shirt in Vineyard Haven on Friday, July 3rd from 4:00-5:00 pm, location to be announced. We also offer pickup on race day from 7:00-8:30 am at the race start. Please note the location as this has changed back to the pre-covid years.

Late in-person registrations will be taken on Friday, July 3rd from 4:00- 5:00 pm (location to be announced), and on race morning from 7:00-8.30 at the race start at the Tisbury School.
This will be a sold out event. Race shirts guaranteed to the first 800 registrations only.
In-person registrations will be limited to 200. Please come early if you plan on registering in person.

PARKING IS VERY LIMITED. You cannot park at the school! Please make arrangements to find street parking, use the Tisbury Park and Ride, bike, car-pool or get someone to drop you off.

AWARDS will be presented on-site to top male and female overall, and to top three male and female in the standard age divisions, for both events.

RESULTS available at webscorer.com

Thanks, everyone, and were looking forward to seeing you!

Races

  • 5.25 Mile Fireworks

    Incl. $2.80 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 4th July 2026 (9:00AM EDT)

    $32.80

    This race will have a mass chip start and a chip timed finish. Runners with strollers are asked to line up at the back. Dogs are not allowed.
  • 3.5 Mile Sparkler

    Incl. $2.50 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 4th July 2026 (9:15AM EDT)

    $27.50

    This race will have a mass chip start and a chip timed finish. Runners with strollers are asked to line up at the back. Dogs are not allowed.
  • Kids' Fun Run

    Incl. $1.30 Fee

    Sat 4th July 2026 (8:45AM EDT)

    $6.30

    The Kids' Fun Run is untimed, for ages 8 and under with parents, strollers and pets welcome.

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Location

40 West William St, Vineyard Haven, 02568, MA, United States

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