Cape Cod isn’t necessarily known for its running scene, but there are plenty of places to go for a jog during your vacation. Depending on when you visit, it might also be possible to compete in a race, as a few of them take place throughout the year.
These races vary in competitiveness, with some attracting world-class athletes from around the country and others being geared toward locals looking for a fun way to get some exercise. As a Cape Cod visitor, you’ll have the opportunity to compete in a race or fun run if you’re here at the right time.
Here’s a look at some 2023 events that make Cape Cod the perfect vacation destination for runners of all ages and skill levels.
Wellfleet 5-Mile Road Race
On July 9, 2023, runners will have the opportunity to participate in the 49th Annual Wellfleet 5-Mile Road Race. The event kicks off at 8:30 AM at Mayo Beach in downtown Wellfleet before taking you on a scenic journey along Wellfleet Harbor to the Great Island Trail parking lot. The race features multiple divisions, including one for kids 12 and under and another for wheelchairs, and prizes are available for the fastest runners.
Registration is $30 for adults and $25 for kids, and the first 100 entries receive a free t-shirt. You can sign up online or show up to the course on the morning of the race to register in person.
Brewster Brew Run
One of the most highly-anticipated Cape Cod summertime races is the Brewster Brew Run, a 5.2-mile event that commences from the Woodshed bar in downtown Brewster at 4:00 PM on August 12. The race had 790 participants in 2022, and the 2023 event promises to be even more popular as runners from all over the country flock to Brewster to give it a go.
There will be prizes available to the top finishes in this race and free beverages offered to the runners. You’re also encouraged to visit the Woodshed for a cold beer after the event. Entry is $30 per runner, and you must pre-register online before the race.
Falmouth Road Race
The Falmouth Road Race is an annual 7.0-mile (11.3 km) road race on Cape Cod from Woods Hole to Falmouth Heights. The race will be held on August 20th this year. It’s a hilly challenging course at the start and runs along beautiful Vineyard Sound shoreline. Falmouth Road Race is considered one of the premier non-marathon races in the country, if not the world, attracting over 10,000 runners each year. The field of runners typically includes many of the best American and international runners, including both past and future Olympic athletes.
Cape Cod Canal Day 5K
September 16. 2023 is Cape Cod Canal Day, an event at Buzzards Bay Park featuring a cornhole tournament, food trucks, and an arts and crafts fair. There will also be a 5K race as part of the event, taking runners on a picturesque course along the Cape Cod Canal to Bourne Scenic Park and back.
The run is a family-friendly event, and strollers and walkers are welcome, so you don’t have to be too worried about your time. However, if you’re on the Cape to compete, there are prizes for the first, second, and third finishers in the male and female divisions, in addition to various age categories.
Entry to the Cape Cod Canal Day 5K is $25 in advance or $30 if you sign up in person at the event. The race begins at 9:00 AM, and there will be activities at the park throughout the day, as well.
If you’re looking for something a little longer, the same area has another race on September 10. The Cape Cod Canal 10K starts and ends at Bourne Scenic Park, taking racers between the Bourne and Sagamore bridges on the mainland side of the canal. This race starts at 7:30 AM and costs $44.99 to enter.
Cape Cod Marathon Weekend
If you’re serious about your running, visiting Cape Cod on October 7 and 8, 2023, is a must. After all, Columbus Day Weekend is a festive time on the Cape, but there’s even more to it this year, as the area will also host Cape Cod Marathon Weekend.
Cape Cod Marathon Weekend is a USATF – New England Championship event, attracting some of the region’s best runners. However, there are runs for various experience and fitness levels, so you can choose depending on your preferences.
First, there’s a half marathon and a 5K run on October 7. The half marathon starts at 8:00 AM and costs $85 to register, while the 5K begins half an hour later and costs $40.
On October 8, there’s a full marathon, a relay race, and a kids’ fun run as part of the festivities. The full marathon costs $95 to enter and has numerous prizes available for the winners in each category. It’s also a qualification event for the Boston Marathon. The relay race is $225 per team and allows you to complete the marathon in stages as a group, while the kids’ event is free. The marathon and relay start at 8:00 AM, and the kids’ run begins at 9:00 AM.
All runs start and end at Mullen-Hall School in downtown Falmouth. The adult races will take you along the coastline overlooking Nantucket Sound, making this an incredibly scenic event, as well.
Participating in a Run
Reserving your spot in one of these races before you arrive on the Cape is recommended because some cap the number of participants. It also ensures you don’t miss the registration date and receive all the extras that come with your entry fee.
You’ll want to book a vacation rental early to provide a comfortable spot near your chosen race. These rentals offer the perfect place to relax before and after your run, which is why they’re popular with athletes visiting from around the country.
