2 running events in Brewster, Massachusetts
From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find running events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
Brewster
2 events in Brewster-
Sat, Jun 27, 2026 at 7:00 AMSee full details
27th Annual Cape Cod Against the Tide
June 27, 2026 | Brewster, MA
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE TIMING RESULTS!
UPDATE regarding the swim events scheduled as part of Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition’s 27th Annual Against the Tide at Nickerson State Park in Brewster this Saturday, June 27:
After careful consideration and continued communication with officials at Nickerson State Park, we have made the difficult decision to cancel all swim events due to the unsafe presence of cyanobacteria in Cliff Pond.
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has advised that the public should avoid contact with the water while the cyanobacteria bloom remains present. As cyanobacteria concerns continue to affect waterways across Massachusetts, current conditions at Cliff Pond do not meet the standards necessary to safely conduct the swim events.
In our 34 years of hosting the Hopkinton event and 26 years of hosting the Cape event, we have never had to cancel the swim portion. While both locations have occasionally experienced algae blooms in the past, conditions have always improved in time for event day. Unfortunately, that has not occurred in Brewster this year.
We understand how disappointing this news is. However, health and safety must come first. Pet owners should also keep their animals away from the shoreline to prevent them from ingesting the water.
The remainder of the event will continue as scheduled! Warm-up exercises and the National Anthem will now begin at 8:00 AM. Enjoy music from Coxswain Media starting at 7:00 AM, plus coffee and bagels courtesy of Dunkin’. The registration tent will open at 7:00 AM as planned.
Registered swimmers are invited to participate in one of our other event options: the USATF-certified 5K Run, USATF-certified 10K Run, or the 3-Mile Fitness Walk.
Our volunteers will assist with transfers at the registration tent, or participants may transfer themselves through Race Roster before the event.
Participants choosing the 3-Mile Fitness Walk may walk at their own pace, and there is no requirement to complete the full 3-mile course. Even if you choose not to participate in another event, we hope you will still join us on the beach to enjoy the festivities, refreshments, and community spirit. Thank you for your understanding and continued commitment to MBCC’s mission. Your support means so much to us.
Against the Tide is a family-friendly, multi-sport event to benefit Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC). MBCC is the only non-profit in the state dedicated to the prevention of breast cancer from environmental causes. The funds raised through Against the Tide help to support and expand our community education program Let’s Talk Prevention: Reducing Toxic Exposures, MBCC Webinar Series, and the newly-expanded student environmental health program, Let’s Talk Prevention: Actions You Can Take. We are grateful to all of you who help prioritize breast cancer prevention. Above and beyond your commitment to participate in the Against the Tide event, we hope that you will also fundraise on behalf of MBCC and our important mission to change the legacy of breast cancer for future generations.
Refunds are not allowed for this event. The participation of minor children under the age of 18 in the Against the Tide events must be authorized by a parent or guardian, and the parent/guardian must sign the Release and Indemnity Agreement.
There is no early bib pickup — bibs can be picked up at registration the morning of the event. Wetsuits are permitted. No dogs or other pets, with exception of service animals, allowed on beach.
Participants can create or join a team during the registration process on Race Roster. Please note that new teams cannot be created after registration is complete.
Online registration closes at 5:00 PM the evening of June 26th. Walk-in registration is welcome the morning of the event at the registration tent starting at 7:00 AM.
Wetsuits are permitted.
For technical support with registering or setting up your fundraising page, please contact Race Roster at +1 855-969-5515 or https://raceroster.com/contact.
If you wish to transfer to a new sub-event, you can follow the instructions here to complete the swap - keep in mind there will be a $1.95 fee to facilitate the change.
Events include:
-
USMS-Sanctioned 1-mile swim
-
1-mile recreational and competitive swims
-
½-mile recreational swim
-
USATF-Certified 5K and 10K runs
-
3-mile fitness walk
USATF Certification Codes:
-
5K: MA23007BK
-
10K: MA23006BK
-
-
Sat, Sep 19, 2026 at 9:00 AMSee full details
EVENT INFORMATION
After five successful years as one of the most difficult sprint triathlons in the world, The GutCheck was reconfigured in 2019 as a point-to-point adventure race within Cape Cod’s 2000-acre DCR Nickerson State Park. Each year, the course will be different — and no one knows exactly what it will be until shortly before the race. Just know that it will be an endurance workout you won’t soon forget!
WARNING!
This is a race for intermediate athletes. Expect cold water, steep hills and difficult cliffside running trails paved with tree roots. While there will be emergency medical support on-site, all participants race at their own risk.
HOW IT WILL WORK:
Until shortly before the race, all you’ll know about this year’s GutCheck is that it will combine running, cycling, navigating and water crossing (paddleboard or swimming) in Nickerson State Park. You will present yourself at designated checkpoints along the way. Expect a finishing time of 1 to 2 hours. Whether you compete solo or with a group of your friends (2, 3 or 4 persons), the objective is to use your wits and fitness to scramble your way (including 92 steps built into a cliff) to the finish.
THE COURSE
Athletes will receive laminated maps that have checkpoints pre-marked before the race. You will navigate between checkpoints using the map and compass. Teams must check in at all checkpoints and the finish line together. Segments will be categorized as either a run, bike, or swim/paddle discipline. Keep in mind that you may have multiple running, biking, and swim/paddling legs that alternate throughout the race. Also, unlike a relay, 2, 3 or 4-person teams compete together the entire race. This is a point-to-point race, there is no central transition area so plan accordingly.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?
Prepare yourself for this event by training to be capable of trail running and biking for two-plus hours. There will be no more than four swim segments, and each swim segment will be 1/2 mile or less. Paddle segments will be longer. Biking elevations range from -5% to 8% grades, running elevations up to 18% grade. You can choose between swimming or paddleboarding. Bring your own, or a limited supply will be available to rent. Be prepared for a mile+ of total paddling or 3/4 of total swimming. Be prepared to read and follow the supplied trail map. There will be four race categories: solo, two-person, three-person and four-person. All members of a team race the entire course together, remain in close contact and finish at the same time.
DISTANCES
Be prepared to:
Paddle 1 - 1.5 miles or Swim .5 - 1.0 miles
Bike (steep hills) 5 - 10 miles
Run (technical trails) 4 - 6 miles
USA TRIATHLON
This is a USAT Sanctioned race! That means that we meet or exceed strict guidelines set by USA Triathlon. This benefits the athlete by providing additional insurance coverage in case of injury.
You are required to have either an annual or 1-day (Bronze) USA Triathlon membership in order to race in any USAT-sanctioned event. Non-USAT members will be required to purchase a one-day event insurance license from USA Triathlon for $14.99.
GEAR LIST
Road Bike
Bike Helmet
Paddle board w/ paddle or surf board
Life vest or safe-swimmer buoy
If swimming; dry bag for shoes, map etc.
Running (or trail) shoes that don't mind getting wet
We'll supply the laminated map
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDED GEAR
Marker to be used on laminated map
Long pants, tights or leg protection
Sunglasses or hat
Bug spray
Sunscreen
Compass
Dry bag or safe swimmer buoy with inner compartment
RACING AS A TEAM
Each person registers as an individual, noting the name of your team during the registration process. This avoids the hassle of one person registering the team but then needing to gather info and collect money from everybody. Team members can also decide prior to the event to "race solo," or vice versa. On race day each member of the team must go through check points and finish line together. May the fastest... and smartest... teams win!
CAN TEAMS SHARE A PADDLEBOARD?
Yes! Up to 2 team members can be on 1 paddleboard at a time.
TRANSFER/REFUND POLICY
There will be no refunds , transfers or wait list.
TIMING
Results are expected to be posted to the GutCheck website and the NEEE website with in one day.
TRAVEL
For those traveling from afar, Cape Cod is awash with hotels, motor lodges, inns, bed and breakfasts, vacation cottages and AirBnB offerings.