Mike's Run the Chop Challenge
About this race
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 Thursday, 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 Thursday, 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!
Pick your distance
Running
5.25 Mile Fireworks
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
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.
Typical race-day weather
Based on 1 year of Open-Meteo archive data for this event's race dates in Vineyard Haven, plus the 3 days either side.
The sun rises at 5:14 AM and sets at 8:19 PM local time (EDT) in Vineyard Haven on July 4, 2026 — 15h 05m of daylight.
Course
No course map published yet.
The organizer hasn't released a route for this event, and we don't publish guesses. If you're the organizer, send us a GPX file and we'll draw the profile.
Reviews
Done this event?
If you've participated in this event, share your experience with other runners
Other races near Vineyard Haven
Different organizers, within 40 miles, in the next three months
OB Turkey Trot
Martha’s Vineyard Brunch Run/Walk
Sheriff's Meadow Foundation Fourth Trail Run
Martha's Vineyard Brunch Run and Walk 5K and 10K
🏃 Plan Your Next Race in Vineyard Haven
Find upcoming events by distance:
Where this page comes from. Race details were last updated on . We re-check listings regularly and again in the week before race day.
- Entries, prices, waves and inclusions — the event's official registration page
- Temperature and humidity — Copernicus ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0)
- Elevation and terrain relief — Copernicus DEM GLO-90, ESA (CC BY 4.0)
- Comparisons and counts — Race Discovery calendar, 2 Vineyard Haven events
Spotted something wrong? Tell us and we'll fix it.