43rd Annual 15K Run Around the Block

The 43rd Annual Run Around the Block will be held on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. The racecourse is 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) of rolling black top roads arranged in a loop. The starting line is at Fresh Pond, on Center Rd. The finish line is at Champlin’s Marina, in New Harbor. The roadway is marked at 1 mile intervals; there are 4 water stops on the course.  The men’s course record is 45:32 and the women’s course record is 55:41.

General Information

Runners arriving on race day via the ferries from Point Judith and New London may use the race committee bus which leaves the ferry landing intermittently and brings runners to the assembly area at Isaac’s Corner, on Center Rd. If you are driving your vehicle you may park at the starting line or the finish line. The last trip to the starting line is at 12:30 p.m. from the ferry landing in Old Harbor. Your things will be transported to the finish line, so be sure to bring a bag to put your items in. When you have completed the race the bus will take runners from the finish line, at Champlin’s Marina, to the ferry landing in Old Harbor. The last ferry leaves to Point Judith at 5 p.m.

Event details and schedule

Entries are accepted up until 1 p.m. on race day with a late entry fee of $35. Everyone will get a t-shirt along with water, fresh fruit, bagels and the use of the swimming pool at Champlin’s, and showers. The first 300 finishers will receive a Block Island medal. Timing Officials are the Snerro Group. Proceeds benefit the Michael & Daniel Batchelder Memorial Scholarship Fund which benefits Block Island School students.

In recognition of the Spartan spirit of the runner the race goes on rain or shine.

The 2nd Annual Block Island Half Marathon

Sunday, October 7, 2018 at 11:30 a.m.

This half marathon will begin and end at the Fred Benson Town Beach Pavilion. The beginning of the race heads north in a flat stretch followed by a gentle uplift to some steeper hills and turns. Runners will see the Great Salt Pond, beach dunes, the North Lighthouse and much more.

At the North Light, turn back and get ready for a challenging loop around the beautiful west side of the island. Hills and turns, rolling pastures, stone walls, farmhouses and the beautiful blue Atlantic are all in the backdrop. The last stretch takes you down Airport Hill and back to the Pavilion. October on Block Island is stunning!

Registration cost is $50 (non-refundable). Register ahead of time at active.com.