4K Trail Run
When is 4K Trail Run?
4K Trail Run takes place on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 in Boston, MA.
What distances does 4K Trail Run offer?
4K Trail Run offers 4 events: Wednesday 4K Trail Run - Individual Registrations, Wednesday 4K Trail Run - Team Registrations, Thursday 4K Trail Run - Individual Registrations, Thursday 4K Trail Run - Team Registrations.
| Event | Distance | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday 4K Trail Run - Individual Registrations | 4.0 km | $95.00 | Register |
| Wednesday 4K Trail Run - Team Registrations | 4.0 km | $0.00 | Register |
| Thursday 4K Trail Run - Individual Registrations | 4.0 km | $95.00 | Register |
| Thursday 4K Trail Run - Team Registrations | 4.0 km | $0.00 | Register |
How much does 4K Trail Run cost?
Registration for 4K Trail Run starts at $0.00. Prices vary by event distance.
Where is 4K Trail Run held?
4K Trail Run is held in Boston, MA at Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School (formerly Thompson Island).
About 4K Trail Run
Rescheduled: The 4K scheduled for Thursday, May 22nd was postponed due to weather and has been rescheduled for Thursday, June 26. There are additional spots available for individual runners and corporate teams. The new registration deadline is Friday, June 20.
The 4K Trail Run is the most unique race in Boston! Taking place on Cathleen Stone Island in the Boston Harbor, teams and individual runners will enjoy an afternoon and evening with their coworkers and friends. After a short ferry ride (~30 minutes) to the island, the event will kick off with a 4K race through the island and end with dinner, beer, and an on-island party.
Every dollar raised from the 4K Trail Run supports Cathleen Stone Island's mission to deliver free, hands-on science learning to Boston's youth. The 4K Trail Run is an excellent way to invest in education of Boston youth and is our most popular corporate fundraising event. This year’s 4K Trail Run will take place on Wednesday, May 21st, and Thursday, May 22nd, 2025 (Teams and runners must select one day to participate).
4K Trail Run & Cathleen Stone Island Merch!
4K Trail Run FAQ
What does the race support?
Great Question. Click here to learn more about the programs at Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School that the 4K Trail Run supports.
What is the Event Schedule?
Wednesday and Thursday schedules are subject to change; however participants can expect:
*Thursday 5/22 4K Postponed Due to Storm and Rescheduled for Thursday, 6/26. A limited number of additional sponsorship opportunities and individual runner spots are available*
WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY
3:00 PM – Check-in opens (Runners should report to their assigned dock, either Long Wharf or EDIC)
3:30 PM – Teams begin to board Ferry
4:00 PM – Ferry departs
4:30 PM – Ferry arrives to Cathleen Stone Island
4:40 PM – Runners use the restroom, stretch, hydrate, play lawn games
5:15 PM – Welcome remarks & race instructions
5:30 PM – Race begins
5:45 PM – Post-race celebration with BBQ Dinner & Beer begins (non-alcoholic options will be available)
6:15 PM – Awards Ceremony with Boston Marathon legend Bill Rodgers
7:30 PM – Ferry departs Cathleen Stone Island
8:00 PM – Ferry arrives at Long Wharf
I'm on a Corporate Sponsored Team, how do I register?
If you are racing with a Corporate Sponsor Team, email your Team Captain for registration codes prior to signing up. Teams will be provided specific links for runner registration. Check out the teams here to find your captain, and they will have the links to join the team.
How do I get my bib?
If you are on a corporate team, your Team Captain will receive your bibs on race day at the docks. Captains are responsible for distributing bibs to the team runners on race day. If you are running as an individual, member of the ISLE Society team, or the Cathleen Stone Island Partners team, your bibs will be distributed at the registration table on the race day.
What if I miss the ferry?
Unfortunately, if you miss the ferry there is no convenient alternative to get the island. The only option is a private water taxi, which costs about $300. We recommend arriving to your assigned ferry dock no later than 3:30 PM to ensure you don’t miss the ferry!
Will the event be cancelled if it rains?
No, we are Outward Bound – rain will just make the race more fun! The event site for the post-race party is partially covered. In case of severe weather, an Emergency Action Plan will be communicated to all participants.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
We offer gluten-free and vegetarian options with the meal.
Can I give my bib to someone else?
Yes, they must fill out a Bib Substitution Form. The new runner must bring the completed form and your assigned bib with them to the race. Volunteers will be available to collect these forms at the dock. Please make sure to fill out and turn in the form, as runners running under someone else’s name will be disqualified.
Is there a place for me to store my gear, wallet, etc?
We don’t have a formal bag check, but we do have a space in the post-event picnic area that runners can use to store their gear. We encourage runners to leave valuables at home or in the office as they are not needed for the race.
Do I have to run or can I walk the course?
You can definitely walk the course. It’s a beautiful ~2.5 mile walk around the island.
I'm not a runner, can I come as a spectator?
Yes, but we do require all participants to have a bib to get on the ferry. So you will need to register for a spot & bib through your corporate team or purchase an individual registration for $95. You do not have to run, but must have a bib to get on the ferry.
Can I bring my kids?
No, unfortunately this is a 21+ event. Beer is included with the entry fee, so we must require all attendees to be 21.
What is the course record?
Mark McDermott holds the record. In 2012, Mark ran the course in 12:39. In 2018, Tara Dooley finished the race in 13:14, breaking the fastest female record, previously held by Renee Knapp, who in 2009 finished the race in 14:49.
What awards are given at the race?
The following awards will be presented on both days:
- Individual Runners: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place for top male and female runners
- Corporate Team Challenge: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place for top teams (Top 10 runners will get prizes)
- Top Co-Ed Team: Fastest 2 male and fastest 2 female runner scores will create your co-ed team score (Top 6 runners will get prizes)
- Top Individual and Team Fundraisers
How are the Corporate Teams scored?
Every runner’s time on your team is logged. Your top 6 scores creates the team score, and we award medals to those fastest 10 runners on the top 3 teams.
How is the top Co-Ed team scored?
The top co-ed team is scored by taking the scores of your top 2 male runners and your top 2 female runners. The fastest 6 runners are awarded medals and the team gets a trophy.
Can I bring my dog?
No, for this event we do not allow pets on the Island.
Can I use my personal boat to get to the island?
No, our docks are reserved for our ferry and chartered ferries only during the race. We simply don’t have enough dock space for personal vessels.
When do I get my race t-shirt?
When you cross the finish line on Race Day you will be able to pick-up your race t-shirt.
Race Day Information
Runners proceed to the starting line, the 4K Trail Run is Wednesday, May 20th and Thursday, May 21st! Please take a minute to review the race information below.
Schedules are subject to change; however, participants can expect:
WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY
3:00 PM – Check-in opens (Runners should report to their assigned dock, either Long Wharf or EDIC)
3:30 PM – Teams begin to board Ferry
4:00 PM – Ferry departs
4:30 PM – Ferry arrives to Cathleen Stone Island
4:40 PM – Runners use the restroom, stretch, hydrate, play lawn games
5:15 PM – Welcome remarks & race instructions
5:30 PM – Race begins
5:45 PM – Post-race celebration with BBQ Dinner & Beer begins (non-alcoholic options will be available)
6:15 PM – Awards Ceremony with Boston Marathon legend Bill Rodgers
7:30 PM – Ferry departs Cathleen Stone Island
8:00 PM – Ferry arrives at Long Wharf
Bib Numbers - You MUST have a bib to get on the ferry!
Team runners: Team Captains should pick up bib packets at registration and distribute race bibs at the dock prior to boarding the ferry.
Individual runners: Please check in at the registration table at Long Wharf to receive your race bib.
Directions & Parking
- Long Wharf: Click here for directions and parking options. The MBTA Blue Line Aquarium stop is directly across from Long Wharf, and Long Wharf is about a ten minute walk from Government Center (Green Line) and Haymarket (Orange Line), or a twenty minute walk from Park Street (Red Line).
- EDIC Pier: Click here for directions and parking options. The MBTA Bus Line 4 has a stop near the dock (Drydock Ave @ Harbor Street) or the Silver Line 2 (Drydock Ave @ Design Center Place).
Additional Details
For more information on food, weather, race details, etc. please visit our On Island FAQ page.