Editors, Vineyard Gazette;
We are writing to express our heartfelt appreciation for the outstanding success of this year’s Gay Head 10K — Run for the Light — Road Race. Now in its 13th year, the race took place on Sunday, Oct. 4, on a spectacularly beautiful day at the cliffs. The event, and the many hours of work that go into bringing it to life each year, are a testament to the power of community spirit and the generosity and dedication of our neighbors, visitors and local businesses alike.
Our sincere thanks go to Chief Randhi Belain and the Aquinnah police department, Gordon Perry, the Town of Aquinnah, Tri-Town Ambulance and all the volunteers (including the MVRHS cross country team) who worked tirelessly to ensure the race’s smooth execution. Your hard work and commitment are instrumental in making this event such a success. We thank Tom Seeman and Island Source for the water along the course and at the race finish.
The post-race feast generously provided to our runners from The Gay Head Store, The Outermost Inn, Quitsa Kitchen, Morning Glory Farm and Juli Vanderhoop is always a special part of the event. It gives runners, volunteers and spectators a chance to celebrate the accomplishments of the day together while taking in the extraordinary beauty of our surroundings, right under the lighthouse.
We are equally grateful to our local business sponsors, whose generosity helps sustain the race year after year, and to the Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation for serving as our fiscal sponsor. Their sponsorship plays a crucial role in the race’s continued success and its positive impact on our community. The proceeds from the Gay Head 10K race contribute to the vital maintenance of the 1856 Gay Head Lighthouse. This iconic landmark is a beacon of our community, and your support helps ensure its continued splendor.
Congratulations to all the runners who competed in the race and especially to Sam Fetters of Vineyard Haven and Anna Riordan of Northborough for their accomplishments as first male and first female respectively.
We hope to see you all next year — the first Sunday in October! Until then, keep on shining.
With resounding gratitude,
The Gay Head 10K Race Committee:
Meg Athearn, Eliza Curtis, Hilary Dreyer, Casey O’Connor, Reaan Steenkamp, Ashley Van Murphy, Martha Vanderhoop and Beth Wike.