Considered by many to be the starting shot of the Vineyard summer season, the annual Oak Bluffs Memorial Day Road Race is this Sunday morning, May 30. Consisting of a 5 kilometer road race and walk, along with a one mile family fun run, the race has seen over 600 racers and countless spectators of all ages over the years, with all proceeds going to benefit Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, which relies on these funds to provide nursing, social, spiritual and bereavement services to the Island community.

Registration requires an entry fee of $20 the day of the race, or $15 ahead of time. Advance registration is available online at hospiceofmv.org (click on Special Events, and then Road Race) or by calling the Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard office at 508-693-0189, or in person at the Wesley Hotel in Oak Bluffs on Saturday, May 29 between 3 and 6 p.m. or Sunday morning between 9 and 10 a.m. The one mile fun run starts at 10:30 a.m., and the 5K walk and run start at 11 from the Wesley Hotel. All racers will win a ribbon upon completion of the course and trophies will be awarded to the overall winner in the men’s division and the women’s division; in addition, there will be trophies awarded for each 10-year age category.