Fall into fitness and community spirit at the 23rd Annual NAACP George V. Tankard Jr. Memorial 5K Road Race/Walk, taking place on Saturday, 9/20/2025 (with a rain date of Sunday, 9/21/2025). Whether you’re ready to hit the ground running or prefer a leisurely walk, this beloved Vineyard tradition is a perfect way to enjoy the crisp autumn air while supporting a meaningful cause.
The day kicks off at 9:00 a.m. with a 1-mile Fun Run for kids 12 and under. At 9:30 a.m., the 5K Run/Walk begins in scenic Ocean Park guiding participants through a beautiful, USATF-certified course. All 5K participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt and race number. Race registration is live now at runsignup.com.
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.
Whether you’re racing for the finish line, walking with friends, or cheering from the sidelines, this event is a celebration of community, resilience, and giving back. Come be a part of the tradition!
That’s what we’re both leveraging and fighting for in 2024. Learning from our past and betting on our future will drive our present action.
From the deadly race riot that rocked the city of Springfield to painting the town Black with advocacy on and off stage, the NAACP continues to press forward to make history.
