23rd ANNUAL NAACP GEORGE V. TANKARD, JR. MEMORIAL 5K Run/Walk AND 1 MILE FUN RUN

Lace up for a scenic 5K with purpose!

Join us for a lively and picturesque 5K road race winding through the charming streets of Oak Bluffs, circling the harbor and East Chop, with sweeping views of Vineyard Sound. It’s more than just a race—it’s a celebration of community, history, and hope. 

The day kicks off at 9:00 a.m. with a 1-mile Fun Run for kids 12 and under, starting from the Summercamp Hotel, just across from the Oak Bluffs harbor. At 9:30 a.m., the main event—the 5K Run/Walk—begins in scenic Ocean Park, in the heart of Oak Bluffs, guiding participants through a beautiful, USATF-certified course.

Prizes will be awarded after the race at Summercamp. Trophies will be awarded to the top male and female finishers, with medals presented to winners in various age categories. 

This special event supports the Martha’s Vineyard chapter of the NAACP, founded in 1963—the Island’s oldest civil rights organization. Proceeds go directly to the NAACP Scholarship Fund, awarded to Martha’s Vineyard high school seniors who embody the spirit of civil rights, leadership, and good citizenship.

🎁 Special Bonus for All 5K Entrants!
Thanks to the generosity of HOKA and The Green Room, everyone who registers for the 5K run/walk is automatically entered into a drawing to win one of six gift certificates for a pair of HOKA sneakers! Winners will be selected at random from registered bib numbers and prizes will be awarded as gift certificates redeemable at The Green Room in Vineyard Haven.

🎟 Register now to secure your spot (and your chance to win)!

Run with us. Give back. Make a difference.