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Organizers propose Vineyard Classic 5K in Oak Bluffs for Aug. 11; board asks for safety coordination
Summary
Organizers told the Select Board they plan a Vineyard Classic 5K on Aug. 11, 2026, using the Sullivan's Road Race route with a Washington Park finish, amplified sound at the finish, and about 150 entrants; the board asked organizers to coordinate with police, EMTs and nearby East Chop Tennis Club.
Organizers of The Vineyard Classic 5K presented a proposal to the Oak Bluffs Select Board on Feb. 17 to hold a community road race on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
Ridwaan Usman said the event would follow the Sullivan's Road Race route, be open to the public, and run from about 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; organizers estimate roughly 150 participants. The group requested an amplified sound permit so an announcer at the finish line can call out finishing numbers and names; there would also be background music in Washington Park at the close of the event.
Town Administrator Deborah Potter and board members raised safety and traffic considerations for parts of the route, particularly Brewster Avenue near the East Chop Tennis Club, where pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle traffic is heavy. The Select Board asked the organizers to coordinate marshals, police detail, and EMT coverage and suggested contacting the East Chop Tennis Club to make them aware of the proposed route.
Mr. Usman said organizers are working with Martha's Vineyard Running Group volunteers and will confirm police and EMT coverage; the race and the amplified sound permit were not voted on at this meeting and will return on a future agenda along with the formal applications.
Next steps: organizers to secure event marshals, police and EMT detail, coordinate with the East Chop Tennis Club, and bring the race and amplified sound permit applications back to the Select Board.
