Find Your Next Race: Best Road Races in Rhode Island

Both competitive runners and those who are just in it for the “runner’s high” will love all the road races Rhode Island offers. Each race is different, and may take runners through beautiful ocean-side landscapes, urban jungles, and historic towns. Celebrate at the end of your race with family, friends, and some classic Rhode Island food, too! So, what are you waiting for? Go out and start training!

Lil’ Rhody Runaround 8-Mile Trail Race, Charlestown, RI

This late November race is a fall favorite amongst Rhode Islanders! With three courses circling through beautiful Burlingame State Park, and hot soup served after in the park, it’s the best way to spend a fall day.

Ronald McDonald House Women’s Classic 5K Race and 3K Walk, Providence, RI

This race starts at Brown University’s beautiful New England through the scenic and historic East Side of Providence for your choice of either a 5K or 3K. Bring your kids, too! There’s a climbing wall, obstacle course, and a challenge to score a goal against Brown’s soccer goalie, too.

Clamdigger 5K, Westerly, RI

Runners choose between competing in either a 5-miler or 5K, and kids can compete for free in a 1K for free which takes place on the beach. Afterwards, celebrate with chowder and drinks for all!

Newport Marathon, Newport, RI

Take a tour of the City by the Sea as you run this amazing marathon, which can qualify you to compete in the Boston Marathon! Be warned—the course is full of rolling hills, which add to its charm but make it a bit more difficult!

Food Truck 5K and 10K, Warren, RI

The best part of this USATF certified and chip-timed race is the fact that it’s followed by a food truck festival and beer garden! All the proceeds go to benefit the Bristol Warren Education Foundation.

Providence Marathon, Providence, RI

This enthralling race takes place in DownCity Providence every year. Participants can create teams and fundraise for their favorite charities, too! And if you’re a competitive runner, this marathon is choice for qualifying for the Boston Marathon because of its flat course.

Colt State Park Half Marathon, Bristol, RI

This steeplechase through Colt State Park isn’t for the faint of heart. Runners will have to leap over hurdles, water pits, and even scramble along the beach. If you don’t want to go through this challenge alone, don’t worry—you don’t have to! Join the race as an individual or as a two-runner relay team.

Red Island Marathon, Warwick, RI

This marathon takes runners on a course of 2.7 miles, which they must lap nine times, and then complete a quick “there and back” of 1.9 miles. Red Island overlooks Narragansett Bay and is home to some beautiful—albeit slightly rolling—hills.

Key Insights at a Glance

Lil' Rhody Runaround 8-Mile Trail Race: Held in November at Burlingame State Park, this race offers scenic 8-mile courses and hot soup post-race, making it a beloved fall event.

Ronald McDonald House Women's Classic 5K Race and 3K Walk: This race starts at Brown University and runs through the East Side of Providence. It features additional activities like a climbing wall and soccer challenges.

Clamdigger 5K: This event offers a 5-miler and a 5-k race, with a free 1K for kids on the beach. It is followed by chowder and drinks for participants.

Newport Marathon: A challenging marathon with rolling hills, known as a qualifier for the Boston Marathon, showcasing the scenic "City by the Sea."

Food Truck 5K and 10K: A race culminates in a food truck festival and beer garden, with proceeds supporting the Bristol Warren Education Foundation.

Providence Marathon: An annual marathon in Downtown Providence that is flat and fast, ideal for Boston Marathon qualifiers, with options for team participation and charity fundraising.

Colt State Park Half Marathon: This demanding steeplechase through Colt State Park features hurdles and beach scrambles. It is available for solo runners or two-person relay teams.

Red Island Marathon: A unique marathon requiring runners to complete multiple laps of a 2.7-mile course plus a final stretch, set against the backdrop of Narragansett Bay and featuring rolling hills.