When is a beach vacation not just a beach vacation? When your quads are still screaming 2 days later.. For 27 years, St. John has hosted 8 Tuff Miles, a unique and beautiful way to traverse the island. Before and after, it’s time for the beach. And time to explore its neighbor, St. Thomas.
Highlights:
- My first-hand experience running the famously hilly 8 Tuff Miles race – and what to expect on race day
- Where to stay, eat, and recover, based on personal testing (including the best post-race massage)
- How to plan a seamless girls getaway between St. John and St. Thomas, from ferries to favorite finds
Editor’s note: The writer was hosted. Opinions on tight quads are the writer’s own.
Planes, Trains, Ferries and Automobiles: How to Get to St. John for 8 Tuff Miles
Getting to St. John may be the hardest part of your trip. (except, ahem, running the 8 miles of hilly terrain). The only way to reach St. John is by ferry from St. Thomas. I flew into St. Thomas, staying at the Westin St. Thomas Beach Resort & Spa, about 15 minutes by car from the airport and another 15 to the Red Hook ferry.
The ferry is the best part of the journey. When the sea is calm. The 20-minute ride takes you right into Cruz Bay, the main town on St. John.
The 8 Tuff Mile race, starting in Cruz Bay and ending in Coral Bay, is actually 8.34 miles long and is so hilly our quads were burning for the next 2 days. Also, a sign announcing the ‘Highest Point” isn’t quite the highest elevation. But why quibble over a few more vertical feet?
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A Family Affair
One of the coolest things about the race was the number of kids running. 8 Tuff Miles raises money for college scholarships, and lots of families run the race together. There were even groups of elementary school children running. And I met a bunch of mother/daughter and sisters runners. (I run a lot of races with my sister, who actually owns property in St. John, but she was in Aruba.)
Where to Stay for 8 Tuff Miles: St. John vs. St. Thomas
St. John is most convenient for the 8 Tuff Miles, but options are fairly limited. I have stayed at The Westin St. John Resort Villas, but the price is nearly double what you’d pay on St. Thomas.
At the Westin St. Thomas Beach Resort & Spa, you have to take an early ferry to Red Hook, and an even earlier cab to the ferry, but those are both quick rides, and you have easier access to the airport and all the restaurants on St. Thomas. You can use all the money you save on duty-free shopping and fine dining.
Luxury at The Westin
At The Heavenly Spa, I melted into a 50-minute Swedish massage that loosened up my tight quads (all that elevation!). The relaxation lounge has comfy loungers, swinging chairs, snacks, and a quiet, serene outdoor pool. There is also an infrared sauna.
There are thick, comfy robes and slippers at the spa (and in your room).
Where to Eat Before and After the Race
Italian Carbs
If you are carbo-loading, head to Pesce Italian, which features handmade pasta. The amazing sounding truffle mushroom pappardelle had meat jus (my friend loved it) so I had the equally crave-worthy gnocchi with gorgonzola, pine nuts and rosemary. I also loved the roasted beet salad with apple, pecans, dried cranberries and pickled red onion.
Our astute waiter steered us away from the spinach artichoke dip when I asked about vegetarian options; it unexpectedly had chicken stock in it. But there was plenty to satisfy everyone.
Food with a View
Cutlass & Cane, overlooking the Charlotte Amalie waterfront, has an elegant dining room but we wanted to enjoy the gorgeous outdoor seating. This Caribbean seafood bar had excellent cocktails (and blue cheese stuffed olives for its on-point martinis) as well as great vegan options.
My chickpea curry included the island condiment mango kuchela, along with plantains, broccoli and coconut rice. There was also a tofu stir fry.
More to do at The Westin: Active Recovery
Daily, except Sundays, The Westin offers 2 free fitness classes. I did pool lounge Pilates and aqua fit. There is also a gym with free weights, Peloton bikes and treadmills but why exercise indoors?
The Westin also offers trivia contests, rum tastings, live music and fire dancers on the beach, all for free. The watersports onsite has sunset sails, jet skiing, snorkeling and night kayaking but the water was too rough for water activities.
FAQ: 8 Tuff Miles Race USVI (Girls Getaway Edition)
It’s challenging. The course is 8.34 miles with hills and heat, and the elevation is what makes it tough —not the distance alone. Even experienced runners feel it in their quads for days, but the views and community energy make it worth it.
Stay on St. John for convenience and walkability to the start. Stay on St. Thomas for better value, more dining options and easier airport access—just plan for an early ferry on race morning.
Fly into St. Thomas, then take a taxi to Red Hook and a 20-minute ferry to Cruz Bay on St. John. If you’re staying on St. Thomas, you’ll need an early cab + ferry combo on race day.
Absolutely. It’s social, scenic and welcoming to all levels, with lots of groups, families and women running together. Plus, you can balance race day with beach time, spa recovery and great meals.
Before: carb-load with a great dinner and hydrate.
After: book a massage, relax at the beach or pool and celebrate with a memorable meal. Build in extra time to explore both St. John and St. Thomas.
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