Miles For Music

Miles For Music
Sunday, September 13, 2026
Route: Amherst to Northampton via the Norwottuck Rail Trail
Start Area: Downtown Amherst, MA
Finish Area: Downtown Northampton, MA
Start Time: 10:00 AM
Join us for Miles for Music, a unique 8.1 mile race, relay, and walk connecting Amherst and Northampton in support of two beloved nonprofit music venues: The Drake and The Iron Horse.
Travel the scenic Norwottuck Rail Trail while enjoying live music along the route and helping support local artists, nonprofit live music, and the vibrant valley these venues serve.
Choose the full 8-mile course, the 5 & 5 Relay, or walk at your own pace. However you participate, you'll be part of a celebration of music, movement, and community.
Distances:
8.1-Mile Run/Walk - A scenic point-to-point route from Amherst to Northampton.
The Team Relay Challenge - A two-person relay option with one participant completing 5 miles and the other completing a 5K (3.1 miles). Relay teams will hand off at The Quarters in Hadley, right on the rail trail.
Walkers Welcome - Walkers are welcome for the full course and relay options.
The official route map will be shared with runners by mid-August.
Registration Includes:
Entry into the 8-mile race/walk or 5 & 5 Relay
A scenic and supported point-to-point course along the Norwottuck Rail Trail
Live music along the route
Finish celebration at Taste of Northampton
Food Voucher to use at Taste of Northampton
Shuttle service to Start/Finish and Relay points
T-Shirt for $100 in fundraising
Community connection and direct support for local nonprofit music venues
Why we're doing it:
Miles for Music supports two beloved nonprofit venues: The Drake in Amherst and The Iron Horse in Northampton. While many people know these spaces as places to experience great live music, fewer may realize that both are nonprofit organizations working to keep music, artists, and community gathering spaces strong in the Valley.
When music venues thrive, our downtowns thrive. Live music brings people into restaurants, shops, and small businesses, supports local jobs, and creates the kind of energy that makes our communities feel alive.