Whether you love going for a fun run once in a while or competing in the occasional race, South County, Rhode Island, has an event for you. The region hosts numerous running events throughout the year, making it the ideal location for your next vacation.
Once here, you can compete or participate in a run before spending the rest of your time relaxing on the beach, swimming in the ocean, or hiking through the woods, depending on your preferences. Booking a vacation rental also gives you a comfortable spot to rest before and after your race.
These runs occur throughout the spring, summer, and fall, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities. Here’s a look at some of South County, RI’s most notable running events in 2023.
Quonnie Fourth of July 4-Mile Fun Run
The Quonnie Fourth of July 4-Mile Fun Run might be worthwhile if you’ve booked a stay in Charlestown around Independence Day. This event starts on Ninigret Avenue between West Beach and East Beach, winding through Quonochontaug village’s roads, some of which feature scenic views of Block Island Sound.
The race costs $25 to enter, and you’ll receive a t-shirt as part of your registration. There are also prizes for the top finisher in each category. Everything begins at 7:30 on July 4, and note that no parking is available in the area, so you’ll have to find your own transportation.
Bobby Doyle Summer Classic
Check out the Bobby Doyle Summer Classic in Narragansett, Rhode Island, for a more competitive running event. This run is for the New England USATF 5 Mile Championship, so you can expect some of the region’s top long-distance athletes to compete on August 13, 2023.
The course for this event begins and ends at Narragansett Pier Middle School on South Pier Road, with the race kicking off at 9:00 AM. It’s a scenic run that takes competitors south along Ocean Road’s bluffs and through Kinney Avenue’s forests before returning to the school.
There are water stations and restrooms along the course, and all competitors will receive a t-shirt and entry to the race raffle. The first 700 finishers will receive a medal, and cash prizes are available for the top runners in each division.
Surftown Half Marathon, Relay & 5K
As summer draws to a close, the Surftown Half Marathon, Relay & 5K comes to Westerly, giving participants multiple ways to enter, depending on their experience and fitness levels. This event takes place at 7:30 AM on September 10, 2023, and starts and ends at the east end of Misquamicut State Beach, providing a scenic backdrop for all competitors.
When entering this event, you can choose between the half marathon and 5K races. The half marathon is 13.1 miles and takes you to Watch Hill and Weekapaug before returning to Misquamicut State Beach. The 5K event heads down Atlantic Avenue between Misquamicut State Beach and the Weekapaug Breachway, offering beautiful scenery along the way.
You can also compete in the relay race if you have a partner. In this event, one runner takes the first eight miles of the half marathon, and the other participant takes the next 5.1 miles.
Overall, the Surftown Half Marathon, Relay & 5K is a fun event for competitors but also features prizes for the top finishers in each division. There’s a post-race party at Misquamicut State Beach for participants, too, featuring music, food trucks, and a complimentary beer from Grey Sail Brewing.
Ocean Road 10K
Another popular run in South County is the Ocean Road 10K, a 6.2-mile race between Point Judith Lighthouse and Narragansett Town Beach. The event is almost exclusively along Ocean Road, giving participants scenic views over Narragansett Bay as they run or walk the course.
The 2023 edition of the Ocean Road 10K will take place on October 1 at 8:00 AM. Because the race is a one-way trip, runners are encouraged to park their vehicles at Narragansett Town Beach and take the free shuttle to the starting point. Registration costs between $50 and $75, depending on when you sign up, and you’ll receive a race shirt and a finisher’s medal for your participation.
Angry Unicorn Half Marathon and 5K
On November 12, 2023, the Angry Unicorn Half Marathon and 5K will come to South Kingstown, Rhode Island. The event starts at 8:30 AM at Matunuck Elementary School, with the half marathon heading to the Charlestown Breachway and back and the 5K going to Moonstone Beach Road before returning to the school.
All race participants will receive a finisher’s medal, and there will be trophies and other awards for the fastest competitors in each category. Registration is $22 for the 5K and $46 for the half marathon.
Go For a Run on Your Vacation
Booking a South County vacation rental provides a comfortable spot to prepare and recuperate if you plan to participate in one of these runs. It also guarantees you can cook the ideal pre-race meal before heading out.
These events vary in competitiveness, ensuring there’s something for runners of all skill levels and experience. Reserve your rental soon so you don’t miss out.