Race Spotlight: Aquidneck 10k
The Details
Date: Sunday, March 23rd, 2025
Start Time: 9:00 AM
Distance: 10k
Venue: Second Beach
Address: 315 Sachuest Point Rd, Middletown, RI 02842
Organizer: Gray Matter Marketing
Website: https://aquidneck10k.com/
The History
The Aquidneck 10k was first held in 2019 and has since grown into an annual early-season favorite in Southeastern New England. The event is open to runners and walkers of all speeds and serves as a fundraiser for the Norman Bird Sanctuary, with a portion of each entry fee supporting their mission. The typical field consists of 800–950 registered runners.
The Course
The looped course starts and finishes at Second Beach in Middletown, running alongside beach grass and sand dunes, around the Sachuest Point Wildlife Refuge and the Norman Bird Sanctuary, and past stunning homes and historic landmarks—showcasing the beauty of Middletown and Aquidneck Island. It includes 271 feet of elevation gain and features two moderately challenging climbs between mile 1 and mile 4 and a flat, fast last 2 miles. The current course records are held by Bronson Venable (31:50 in 2023) and Linda Spooner (38:03 in 2021).
The Mission
Established in 1949, the Norman Bird Sanctuary’s mission is to maintain the land “for the propagation, preservation, and protection of birds, and where birds and bird life may be observed, studied, taught, and enjoyed by lovers of nature and by the public generally so interested in a spirit of humanity and mercy.” As stewards of the largest contiguous open space on Aquidneck Island, Norman Bird Sanctuary protects 300 acres of diverse habitat and 7 miles of hiking trails. Since its establishment in 1949, conservation has remained at the heart of its mission. Whether it be their annual installation of 300+ bird boxes, or their restoration of 40 acres of grassland habitat, they provide a sanctuary to the wildlife in their care.
The Swag
All runners receive a high-quality heather-poly running shirt featuring race branding on the front and sponsors on the back. Each year, the race selects a native bird for the metal-plate 3D-modeled finisher’s medal in honor of the Norman Bird Sanctuary’s conservation work. This year’s bird is the Downy Woodpecker!
