Dennis Port Memorial Day 5K / 10K

On Cape Cod, Memorial Day feels better with a bib on. The Dennis Port Memorial Day 5K and 10K starts at the Dennis Port Village Green and brings the kind of small-town race-day energy that fits a beach-first long weekend. You will follow a scenic road route through the village, with both distances sharing the same start and finish before splitting near the coast. Run it or walk it, and know your entry supports the Race Cancer Foundation.

Expect a community-forward field that includes competitive runners, local families, and holiday visitors. You get professional chip timing, clear course markings, and age-group awards spanning juniors through seniors, plus prizes for top male and female finishers that often include gift certificates to local shops like Hanlon Shoes. After you finish, you are minutes from Nantucket Sound beaches, and many participants make a stop at nearby favorites such as Chapin’s Bayside.

Plan your morning like a local: arrive at least 45 minutes before the 8:30 AM start for bib pickup and a proper warm-up. Register early for the best price, since fees typically rise from about $25 in advance to $45 on race day. Parking can be tight in Dennis Port, so carpooling or biking helps, and May conditions can swing from cool sea air to strong sun, so pack high-SPF sunscreen, light layers, and your own water bottle, even though water stations are available.

Good to know: there is no official bag check, so keep valuables in your car, and the event is generally held rain or shine. Strollers and well-behaved dogs are welcome, but you should line up at the back for everyone’s safety. For an easy weekend setup, stay in Dennis Port or West Dennis to keep the start and the shoreline close, or look for a cottage near Nantucket Sound through Lake.com.