Miles for Music to Connect Drake, Iron Horse with 8.2-mile Rail Trail Race

NORTHAMPTON and AMHERST — On Sunday, Sept. 13, runners, walkers, music fans, and community members will travel from Amherst to Northampton for the inaugural Miles for Music, an 8.2-mile running race, relay, and walk supporting the Drake and the Iron Horse.

Beginning at 10 a.m. at the town common near the Drake in downtown Amherst, participants will follow the Norwottuck Rail Trail west toward Northampton, with live music and community activity along the route. The race will finish by Taste of Northampton, where more than 30 local restaurants and two stages of live music will turn the finish line into a full-day celebration in downtown Northampton, just steps from the Iron Horse.

The inaugural Miles for Music will bring Amherst and Northampton together in celebration of the shared experiences, creative energy, and cultural and economic impact that live music brings to both communities.

“Live music is not a competition between venues. It is an ecosystem,” said Chris Freeman, executive director of the Iron Horse. “Miles for Music is a chance for Amherst and Northampton to show the strength of the scene we are building together. When artists see a region that truly shows up for live music, the Valley becomes a more essential tour stop. That means more opportunities for musicians, stronger venues, dozens of full-time local jobs, and more people supporting the restaurants and businesses around us. A thriving music scene makes our region more connected, more vibrant, and a better place to live and work.”

Participants may complete the full 8.2-mile course, register as part of a relay team, or walk the route at their own pace. There will be an official relay party at the Quarters in Hadley, which is five miles from the start and just over 5K to the finish. The event will include professional race timing, volunteer support, aid stations, live performances, and transportation options for the point-to-point course.

The route will connect three towns and two nonprofit venues that play central roles in the region’s music ecosystem. The Drake and The Iron Horse collectively present hundreds of concerts each year while supporting local, regional, and touring artists.

“Miles For Music is more than a race — it’s a bridge between communities, local businesses, artists, and neighbors. It amplifies what makes the 413 special by bringing people together through movement, creativity, and shared purpose,” said Claudia Pazmany, executive director of the Drake. “By supporting the Drake and the Iron Horse, you sustain the cultural spaces that nurture artists, spark discovery, and make our region feel connected. We’re thrilled to launch a tradition that energizes the Valley and keeps live music moving, making it accessible while building cultural and economic vibrancy. We look forward to launching this from Amherst this year and reversing the course next year.”

In addition to registration, participants will have the opportunity to create individual or team fundraising pages. Proceeds will be shared by the Drake and the Iron Horse, helping the nonprofit venues support artists, staff, programming, and accessible community music experiences. As noted, the event is being developed as a new annual tradition for the Valley that will switch directions and run from Northampton to Amherst next year.

Miles for Music is powered by Bueno Y Sano, with additional sponsors and community partners to be announced. Registration is now open at www.runreg.com/miles-for-music. Information about volunteering, sponsorship, fundraising, and event-day logistics is also available online.