Great Question. Click here to learn more about the programs on Thompson Island that the 4K Trail Run supports.
Thompson Island Outward Bound is committed to the safety of our students, guests, and staff. We are diligently following all CDC, State of Massachusetts, City of Boston, and Outward Bound USA guidelines and adhering to any city and state regulations on gatherings and physical distancing. For detailed information on our current safety practices, please visit here.
If you are racing with a Corporate Sponsor Team, email your captain for registration codes prior to signing up. In person spots have a special link, and virtual runners will have specific links for registration. Check out the teams here to find your captain, and they will have the links to join the team.
If you are on a corporate team, you need to check with your Team Captain, they can be found on your Team's Page here. They are in charge of distributing bibs to the team runners. If you are running as a member of the ISLE Society team or Thompson Island Partners team your bibs will be distributed at the registration table on the race day.
Unfortunately, if you miss the ferry there is no convenient alternative to get the island. The only option is a private water taxi, which costs about $200. We recommend arriving at 3:30 PM to ensure you don’t miss the ferry.
No, we are Outward Bound – rain will just make the race more fun! The event site for the post-race party is partially covered.
We offer gluten-free and vegetarian options with the meal.
Yes, they must fill out a Day-of Bib Substitution Form. The new runner must bring the completed form and your assigned bib with them to the race. Volunteers will be available to collect these forms at the dock. Please make sure to fill out and turn in the form, as runners running under someone else’s name will be disqualified.
We don’t have a formal bag check, but we do have a space in our gymnasium that runners can use to store their gear. We encourage runners to leave valuables at home or in the office as they are not needed for the race.
You can definitely walk the course. It’s a beautiful 2.5 mile walk around the island.
Yes, but we do require all participants to have a bib to get on the ferry. So you will need to register for a spot & bib through your corporate team. You do not have to run, but must have a bib to get on the island.
No, unfortunately this is a 21+ event. Beer is included with the entry fee, so we must require all attendees to be 21.
Mark McDermott holds the record. In 2012, Mark ran the course in 12 minutes and 39 seconds. In 2018, Tara Dooley finished the race in 13 minutes and 14 seconds, breaking the fastest female record, previously held by Renee Knapp, who in 2009 finished the race in 14 minutes and 49 seconds.
The following awards will be presented on both days:
Every runner’s time on your team is logged. Your top 6 scores creates the team score, and we award medals to those fastest 10 runners on the top 3 teams.
The top co-ed team is scored by taking the scores of your top 2 male runners and your top 2 female runners. The fastest 6 runners are awarded medals and the team gets a trophy.
No, for this event we do not allow pets on the Island.
No, our docks are reserved for our ferry and the Boston Harbor City Cruise ferries only during the race. We simply don’t have enough space for personal vessels.
When you cross the finish line on Race Day you will be able to pick-up your race t-shirt.