Race Spotlight: Bobby Doyle Summer Classic 5 Mile Run

The Course

Starting this year, the race will feature a new certified 5-mile course that also includes a certified 8km split. The mostly flat, out-and-back course starts and ends at Narragansett Pier Middle School and takes you on a scenic tour of Narragansett that features panoramic ocean views. Total elevation gain is 133 feet with the largest climb being a long, gradual one from 0.75 miles to just passed halfway. The current course records are held by Mohamed Reda El Aaraby (23:04 in 2024) and Emily Sisson (25:07 in 2022).

Course Map
Turn-by-turn Directions

The Mission

The race is held to honor the memory and legacy of legendary Rhode Island marathoner, Bobby Doyle. Bobby won seven Ocean State Marathon titles between 1976 and 1990 and finished 12th (1978), 7th (1979) and 5th (1985) at the Boston Marathon. His marathon personal best of 2:14:03 in 1979 still stands as the fastest ever by a native Rhode Islander. Bobby’s contributions to the sport of running continued throughout his life, having coached high school cross country and track and field here in Rhode Island for many years. Sadly, Bobby died of a heart attack at the age of 58 in 2007.

Proceeds from the race support the Bobby Doyle Scholarships and Youth Running Fund, which are devoted to enhancing and supporting high school and youth running in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The are currently four different scholarships offered to high school students which are based on both athletic and academic performance.

The Swag

All registered runners will receive a technical T-shirt, and the first 700 finishers will receive a custom race medal. All pre-registered runners and walkers will be entered in a pre-drawn raffle with gift cards and merchandise being awarded at registration prior to the race. Refreshments will be available on the grounds of Narragansett Pier Middle School following the race.

As part of the USATF-NE 5 Mile Championships, over $11,000 will be awarded to individuals and teams (note: individuals must have a current USATF membership and teams must be a USATF-NE registered club to win these awards). Individual categories for both men and women include open, masters (40+), seniors (50+), veterans (60+), grand veterans (70+), and great grand veterans (80+). Team categories for both men and women include open, masters (40+), seniors (50+), veterans (60+), and grand veterans (70+). A full breakdown of the cash prizes offered in the various categories can be found here.