That spring in your step? It’s real. Warmer weather may have you walking lighter and motivated to get outside and grow as you go for a goal. Signing up for a road race in the Hamptons offers a chance to do both. The South Fork and Shelter Island road-racing calendar gears up in April, and summer weekends offer options aplenty. The various distances — 5K to the always-anticipated Hamptons marathon — allow people to reach a goal that works for them. What’s more, it’s a chance to see friends and neighbors you haven’t seen since your town’s tree and Menorah lighting (to be fair, it’s been rather cold). Many community races donate proceeds to a good cause, too, meaning the registration fee truly goes the distance.
Whether you’re training for your 10th half marathon or first-ever 5K, all roads lead to a start line at these Hamptons road races in 2024.
Katy’s Courage 5K
When: Saturday, April 13, 8:30 a.m.
Where: Water Street, Sag Harbor
Cost: $25 in advance, $30 day of
What to Know: Always one of the first races on the Hamptons calendar, this fast, flat 5K will once again continue to support local scholarships. This year, proceeds will also go toward a new partnership with CMEE: Katy’s Kids @ CMEE Center for Grieving Children and Their Families, which aims to provide chances to play and receive expressive peer support for grief and loss.
Westhampton Beach Brewery Riptide Run
When: Saturday, April 27, 11 a.m. (Rain date Sunday, April 28)
Where: 7 Glovers Lane, Westhampton Beach
Cost: $60 (5K and party), $40 (5K only) and $40 (Party only, 21+)
What to Know: Finish lines are easier to find when there’s a brew waiting for you. West Hampton Beach Brewery’s annual Riptide Run includes a 5K and after-party for those of legal age. Running can be a family affair, though. A fun run for future jogger Joes kicks off shortly before the 5K at 10:30 a.m.
OMAC May Day 5K
When: Sunday, May 7, 9 a.m.
Where: Main Beach, East Hampton
Cost: $30
What to Know: Run with a view of Main Beach while supporting the Tyler Project, which is dedicated to mental health awareness.
Mr. Long See You Out There 5K Run/Walk
When: Sunday, May 18, 9 a.m.
Where: 6 Central Ave., East Quogue
Cost: $30
What to Know: This annual race provides scholarships in Rob Long’s name to East Quogue Elementary School graduates.
RJ Aaron Memorial Mighty Montauk Triathlon
When: Saturday, June 8, 7:30 a.m.
Where: Starts at Lake Montauk, finishes at Triangle of Star Island Road and West Lake Drive
Cost: $150 before May 26, $160 until June 6
What to Know: Swim for a mile, bike for 20 and finish with a 10K run at this 42-year-old tradition that takes people through Montauk. Proceeds go to various organizations, including the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research and the East Hampton PBA.
Montauk Mile
When: Sunday, June 9, 10:30 a.m. (men), 11 a.m. (women)
Where: Lion’s Field, Montauk
Cost: $30
What to Know: Tack on a mile to your triathlon or consider yourself inspired by those who dared to try the day before with this mile-long race. Bonus: The first 100 people to sign up get a commemorative pint glass to toast with at the finish line.
Beacon of Hope 5K
When: Saturday, June 15, 9 a.m.
Where: Montauk Lighthouse, Montauk
Cost: $35 in advance, $40 day of.
What to Know: This 5K goes through Camp Hero and finishes at the iconic lighthouse — the perfect spot for a post-race snap. Proceeds to go Lucia’s Angels and the Coalition for Women’s Cancers.
Shelter Island Run
When: Saturday, June 15, 5:30 p.m. (10K), 5 p.m. (5K)
Where: 33 N. Ferry Road, Shelter Island
Cost: $45 (10K) and $35 (5K)
What to Know: The 45th annual run through Shelter Island’s low-key challenging hills brings locals to their lawns to cheer on runners (sometimes offering something other than water in hand).
Southampton Firecracker 8K/3-mile run/walk
When: Saturday, June 15, 5:30 p.m. (10K), 5 p.m. (5K)
Where: Agawam Park, 25 Pond Ln., Southampton
Cost: $39
What to Know: Firecracker runs are the Turkey Trots of July — if you know, you know. This event offers an 8K and a three-mile walk and run.
Lighthouse Triathlon
When: Sunday, June 21, 6:50 a.m.
Where: Gin Beach, Montauk
Cost: $165 (by July 1), $170 after
What to Know: Start with a half-mile swim, bike 14 miles through gentle hills and finish with a 5K run that promises to be “scenic and satisfying.”
Jordan’s Run
When: Sunday, July 28, 7 a.m.
Where: 200 Jermain Ave., Sag Harbor
Cost: TBD
What to Know: This race is part of Suffolk County’s annual Veteran’s series. Proceeds from it go toward Jordan’s Honor, a non-profit established in the memory of fallen marine Jordan Haerter of Sag Harbor.
Southampton 5K Race of Hope
When: Sunday, August 4, 8:30 a.m.
Where: Agawam Park, 25 Pond Ln., Southampton
Cost: $39 (by June 7), $35 (by June 12), $50 (by August 3), and $55 (race day)
(What to Know: A run through the scenic route at Agawam Park benefits Hope for Depression Research Foundation.
Ellen’s Run
When: Sunday, August 18, 9 a.m.
Where: 70 Leland Ln, Southampton
Cost: TBD
What to Know: This annual 5K helps people gain access to breast cancer health care through the Ellen Hermanson Foundation.
Hampton’s Marathon
When: Saturday, September 28, 7:30 a.m. (marathon/half marathon), 7:50 a.m. (5K)
Where: 70 Leland Lane, Southampton
Cost: $100 (Marathon before June 24), $110 (Marathon before July 29), $120 (Marathon before August 26) and $125 (Marathon, final), $85 (Half before July 29), $95 (Half before August 26), $110 (Half, final), $40 (5k before June 24), $40 (5K before July 29) and $45 (5K, final)
What to Know: The 45th annual run through Shelter Island’s low-key challenging hills brings locals to their lawns to cheer on runners (sometimes and offer of something other than water in hand).
