Miles for Music: An 8.1-mile race, relay, and walk celebrating live music in the Valley at The Iron Horse on Sunday, September 13 2026
Overview:
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
Awards:
There will be great prizes and awards for participants across a variety of categories, including individual runners, relay teams, youth participants, and top fundraisers.
Individual
Top 3 Male
Top 3 Female
Top Non-Binary
Top Under 18 Male
Top Under 18 Female
Top Under 18 Non-Binary
Relay
Top Relay Team Overall
Top Mixed Relay Team
Fundraising
Ways to get involved today:
Notes:
Rain or ShineNo dogs permittedNo refunds
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.
Miles for Music is part of a broader Valley-wide effort to strengthen our shared music ecosystem, support downtown vitality, and build deeper collaboration between Amherst and Northampton.
Run the trail. Support the scene.
If you are looking to donate to a fundraising team, visit pledgereg.com/miles-for-music.
For more information about The Iron Horse and The Drake, please visit ironhorse.org or thedrakeamherst.org.
For any questions, please email info@ironhorse.org.
