Event Description
The Run Around the Block 15K Road Race is one of the oldest races in Rhode Island. This challenging course remains unchanged. It is a hilly, winding run along paved roads. The race begins adjacent to Fresh Pond at Issac's Corner on Center Road. From there the runners take a left and loop all the way around West Side Road, then take a right on to Center Road where they will run up "airport hill" to the top of the hill and take a right to loop around the west side a second time. The race ends at Champlin's Marina where there will be food, drinks and where runners can take a dip in the pool.
The race course has four water stops. The west side of the island provides beautiful pastoral scenery; runners will pass fresh water ponds, fields, horse paddocks and residential dwellings.
The pavement is marked at 1 mile intervals and there is also temporary in-ground signage at each of those locations.
This is a timed race (timing provided by Snerro) and the Men's course record is 45:32, the Woman's course record is 55:41.
In response to runner feedback, the start time for this race has been moved back to 11:45 which should allow plenty of time to enjoy the island afterwards.
Other changes that have been made include: adding more prizes, sourcing a "better T shirt", improving our finisher medal and improving the end of race food and beverage. We hope that you'll approve.
The proceeds from this race support the "Michael and Daniel Batchelder Memorial Scholarship". This scholarship is awarded each year to students from the Block Island School who played three sports while in high school.
We hope that we'll see you at the race this year! It's a lot of fun to see new faces each year, but we love to see our returning runners each September.
Event details and schedule
NEW RACE START TIME: 11:45
We keep mentioning the new start time....but we don't want anyone to miss it.
In response to input from longtime runners we have bumped up our start time. We have also added more prizes (first, second and third in each category), more signage, a "better T-shirt" and some improved food and beverage choices at the end of the race.
The Block Island School Bus will transport runners from the Old Harbor ferry parking area up to Issac's Corner on race day beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Runners may pick up their numbers/goody bag/T-shirt at the Block Island Chamber of Commerce office on Thursday, September 5th from 5:00-6:00 or Friday, September 6th from 4:00-6:00. Otherwise they may be picked up at the starting line on September 7th beginning at 9:30 a.m. Please bring your ID with you.
There is parking available at the starting line. Portable toilets will be available at the starting line. Once again, Lambs Package Service will be providing a truck to transport participants belongings from the starting line to the finish line. The truck is large enough to transport bicycles, strollers, backpacks, etc.
The New Shoreham Police Department will be assisting with the race at intersections. Traffic will continue along the roads with runners and signage will indicate that they proceed with care.
The finish line is at Champlin's Marina on New Harbor. Champlin's has offered the use of their pool to runners. Bathrooms and showers are also available at Champlin's Marina. Finisher medals will be distributed as runners exit the chute. Food and beverages will be available at the end of the chute.
Prizes will be awarded beginning at 1:00
The School bus will pick up runners at the finish line beginning at 1:15 and take you to Old Harbor if you would like. The last ferry to Point Judith is at 7:00 (www.blockislandferry.com) and to New London at 8:10 (www.goblockisland.com). The ferry to Montauk, NY departs directly from Champlin's Marina at 5:00 p.m.
No dogs will be permitted on the race course.
PLEASE check the weather prior to travelling. You may wish to bring layers of clothing to wear prior to and following the race. If rain is expected you will want to bring a rain jacket and a weatherproof bag for your belongings.
Be sure to check the ferry schedules carefully and to allow time to park on the mainland.
If you have any questions prior to, or after, registration, email us at info@blockislandchamber.com
We can't wait to see you!
