The Save the Gay Head Lighthouse Committee has announced the inaugural Gay Head 10K road race to be held Sunday, October 6th as a fundraiser for the ongoing effort to rescue the island’s historic landmark from the peril of eroding cliffs.
The Committee, in a virtual race against time to raise more than $3 million to save the Gay Head Light, asked for and received unanimous approval for the race concept from Aquinnah Selectmen during the July 2nd meeting. Aquinnah Police Chief Randhi Belain also endorsed the idea.
“The course is at once challenging, historic and picturesque,” said Martha Vanderhoop, Aquinnah resident, business owner and casual runner, who is a member of the committee helping to organize the 10K. She said local runners have often speculated that a course from the Gay Head Cliffs, to State Road and Moshup Trail and back to the Cliffs would be a perfect 10K. “Island running enthusiasts are thrilled this race is finally being planned in a serious way. We feel it has the potential to be an annual event. Once the light house is safe, the Gay Head 10K would hopefully become a destination race appealing to elite runners and help support on-going maintenance for the lighthouse.”
Pending state approval the race will start in the shadow of the Gay Head Lighthouse at the crosswalk leading to the shops at the Gay Head Cliffs, then proceed down the hill past the Aquinnah Cultural Center onto State Road, then onto Moshup Trail leading back to the loop at the Cliffs. The finish line lands runners back on Moshup Trail near the entrance to the beach.
Last week the committee set the race date on the first Sunday in October and the start time at 10 am. Registrations will be limited to 500 runners. The entry fee is $30.
The committee welcomes donors to become involved immediately with various levels of sponsorship. The committee is also seeking volunteers willing to help with various tasks, from working directly with race logistics at the start and finish line to staffing water stations and helping with cleanup.
More information regarding registration, sponsorship and other details will be forthcoming and shared on the website, www.SaveTheGayHeadLight.org and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SaveTheGayHeadLighthouse .