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RunningRace day in 26 days

Mike's Run the Chop Challenge

Date
July 4, 2026
Distance
5.25 Mile Fireworks · 3.5 Mile Sparkler · Kids' Fun Run
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From the Organizer

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, at the Tisbury School. 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 we’re looking forward to seeing you!

Events

5.25 Mile Fireworks9 AMRegister →
3.5 Mile Sparkler9:15 AMRegister →
Kids' Fun Run8:45 AMRegister →

Weather

Typical Conditions

It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.

Typical High

78°

Typical Low

59°

Chance of Rain

36%

Based on US Climate Normals data from Vineyard Haven Ap, 4 mi from the venue.

Sunrise 5:15 AMSunset 8:20 PMDaylight 15h 5m

Host City

About Vineyard Haven, MA

Elevation

-2 ft

Nearest Airport

HYA

Cape Cod Gateway Airport · 22 mi

Major Hub

PVD

Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport · 47 mi

Time Zone

Eastern Time

From Endurance Grid

Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.

Race Location

Your Next Start Line

What Are You
Waiting For?

Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Mike's Run the Chop Challenge, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.

26

Days to train

Race
Mike's Run the Chop Challenge
Date
July 4, 2026

From Endurance Grid

About This Sport

Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.

With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.

Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.

Read the Guide

Running

From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Mike's Run the Chop Challenge?
Mike's Run the Chop Challenge is a running race held in Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts on July 4, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
When and where is the Mike's Run the Chop Challenge?
Saturday, July 4, 2026 in Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts at 40 West William St, Vineyard Haven, MA. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
How do I register for the Mike's Run the Chop Challenge?
Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.

Mike's Run the Chop Challenge

Jul 4, 2026

Register →