The annual 5K race benefiting Hospice and Palliative Care on Martha's Vineyard, an event that typically draws hundreds of runners from around the island and beyond, celebrates its 30th anniversary over Memorial Day weekend.
Chantelle Patterson, the hospice's clinical director, will be competing in the race for the seventh time since moving to the island in 2014.
“I remember running past a patient I was caring for at the time, and their whole family was outside cheering them on,” she said. “It meant so much.”
The first race was held in 1994 in memory of two father-son couples who died during the 48th Annual Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby in October 1993.
Frederick L. Loud, 47, Adam Loud, 12, Everett Dennis (“Sonny”) Beaulieu, 52, and Joseph Beaulieu, 10, were on board their boat, The Tyree sank and drowned in rough seas just south of Nantucket Island. Everett Beaulieu's body was never found.
His death shocked the island community. Because the men's wives were receiving bereavement care from the hospice, Vineyard resident Roger Way chose to benefit the hospice through the race.
“He continued to play a large role in running the race for many years, but ultimately handed over the reins to the hospice,” said Sheri Lamoureau, a spokeswoman for the facility.
Proceeds initially went to the Loud and Beaulieu families, but are now being used to pay for hospice care, which is not reimbursed by Medicare. Lamoreaux said the race typically generates about $35,000 in revenue from entry fees and sponsorships.
What started with 20 runners has grown into a massive race with hundreds of runners and their supporters. The May 26th race will begin in front of the summer camp hotel on Lake Avenue in Oak Bluffs. The runner then exits New York Avenue, turns right on East His Chop Drive, and loops back to Lake His Avenue.
“It's been a great race,” Patterson said. “I'm always the first to register.”
This race will not be eligible for medals, but will offer a virtual running option where runners can submit their times. Runners can register online or in person at the summer camp hotel lobby.visit bit.ly/4567Hep For more information.