New England Marathons Fall 2023

Looking for a great fall marathon in New England? This extensive listing of marathons all over New England has been updated for 2023.

Updated November 18th

The 2022 New England Marathons Fall season is over. I will be updating this post for Fall of 2023 New England Marathons.

Looking for a winter run? There aren’t many marathons in New England over the winter but I have a New England Winter Marathons 2022/2023 listing available HERE.

GREEN RACE – I am designating any race that makes a serious effort to reduce waste and keep recyclable materials out of a landfill.

Let your friends know about these great fall marathons! Click To Tweet

New England Marathons Fall 2023

45th Clarence DeMar Marathon and Half-Marathon

Keene, NH | 24 September | Sunday 2023

Start times: 7:00 AM FULL, 8:00 AM HALF

new england fall marathons, Clarence demar, New Hampshire Marathon

2023 registration has not opened.

This point to point marathon is almost as legendary as the man.

Clarence Demar Memorial, Melrose, new Hampshire marathonClarence DeMar lived in Melrose Massachusetts and our club runs by his monument on many of our club runs. Many runners make it a point to touch the monument as they run by.

This race encompasses an entire weekend if you want it to. You can drive up to Keene Friday night and pick up your bib at Ted’s Shoe & Sport on Main Street. Drive the course or go for a short run on Saturday. Saturday night there is a pasta dinner at the Courtyard Marriott.

On Sunday buses take runners to the starting line at Gilsum Elementary School. The first Marathon bus leaves Keene State College at 5:15 AM and the last Marathon bus leave at 5:45 AM.

For the Half-Marathon, buses start leaving Keene State College at 6:30 AM. The last bus is 6:00 AM. Drop off point is Surry Mtn. Beach.

If you have never heard of Clarence DeMar here is a brief bio.

The Clarence DeMar Marathon is USATF Certified, a Boston Qualifier and was selected a Runner’s Choice Top New Hampshire Marathon from the readers of runnersgoal.com.

The weekend can be a family event with a Kid’s Marathon for children from Kindergarten to Grade 5.

For 2022 there were 229 marathon finishers and 307 half-marathon finishers.

Event Results 2019

Event Results 2021

Event Results 2022

29th New Hampshire Marathon, Half-Marathon & 10K

Bristol, NH | 30 September | Saturday | 9:00 AM 2023

New Hampshire Marathon, Fall New England Marathons

This event features a 1-mile kids race and registration is FREE.

2023 registration has not opened. But had been $90 for the marathon, $70 for the half and $50 for the 10K.

In 2022, this race had it’s best turn out since 2014. There were 188 marathon registrations, 304 for the half, and 114 for the 10K. Total registrations were 606, up from 475 in 2021.

You may want to drive up Friday and enjoy the pasta dinner at 5:00pm at the Union Lodge, and get a good night’s sleep.

This race takes place around Newfound Lake, and lodging options are listed on the race website.

The New Hampshire Marathon was selected as a Runner’s Choice Top New Hampshire Marathon by Runnersgoal.com readers.

All three races are USATF Certified and the New Hampshire Marathon is a Boston Qualifier!

Cash prizes for the top finishers of all three races!

Viewtherace.com NH Marathon course video

Event Results and Photos – 2022 and previous years

Fly to Pie Kingdom Marathon, Half and 10K

Coventry, VT | 7 October | Saturday | 9:00 AM 2023

Fall New England Marathons, Vermont races, Vermont marathonRun it – Bike it – Hike it – But do it!
Doin’ the dirt through “the gut” of the Northeast Kingdom – 26.2 miles, 17 miles, 13.5 miles and 6 Miles courses.

Registration is open for 2023 : $75 for the Marathon and 17 Mile Iconoclast, Half Marathon is $60 and the 10K is $25.

On-site registration IS NOT available.

20% of all registration fees are donated directly to Halo Foundation which provides support for local individuals and families battling cancer to help fund un-covered expenses related to travel and treatment.

Registration is limited to 100 per distance race and 200 for the 10K run/walk.

If you want to run this race you should read their disclaimers are register today!

The full address for your GPS: 2628 Airport Rd, Coventry, VT 05825

There are four great routes, offering four very different options to all types of athletes, runners, bikers, and hikers of all ages and all abilities.

A tough, “vista riddled,” and spectacularly beautiful full marathon that will challenge the best marathon runner.

The 13.5 distance is also the course for the family bike challenge is perfect for kids and parents of all ages.

The 17 mile Iconoclast for something just a little different. (It’s a great training run for the NYC Marathon) And, new in 2016, a 6 mile walk, run, or bike from Irasburg Common to Parker Pie.

For one day in September, we fill these dirt roads through “the gut” of The Northeast Kingdom. Everybody but the 6 milers start at Lakeview Aviation at the Newport Airport in Coventry and heads one way or another to Parker Pie in West Glover, with a great pizza party, great beer, and great music. 6 milers start at Irasburg Common. Shuttle service back to the start is provided by our friends at Jay Peak.

Event Results for 2019

Event Results, write up and Photos for 2021

Event Results and write up for 2022

NipMuck Trail Marathon and Relay

Ashford, CT | 2 October | Sunday | 8:00 AM – see you in 2023

The race is a double out-and-back covering a distance of 26.4 miles. The course is simply a 13-mi-long, northern section of the Nipmuck Trail, which is one of the Blue-Blazed trails managed by the Connecticut Forest and Park Association.

2023 registration has not opened

Marathon registration was $40 and the marathon relay was $70.

Registration was limited to 180 runners in total and there is no race-day registration.

The start line, and middle point, is located at Perry Hill Rd in Ashford. The course runs south for 6.2 mi until reaching Rt 44, then back to the start, then north for 7 mi until reaching Boston Hollow Rd, and finally back to the finish/start line at Perry Hill Rd.

The NipMuck Trail Marathon is a classic old-school trail race taking place along a northern section of the Nipmuck Trail. The race aims to preserve many of the qualities from the early days of the New England trail racing scene.

The race site warns of rough terrain and that in some areas an injured runner may wait an hour or more for medical assistance. This is not for the casual runner!

Event Results 1984 – 2022

Maine Marathon, Half-Marathon and Relay

Portland, ME | 1 October | Sunday | 7:45 AM – 2023

Maine Marathon, New England Fall MarathonThis New England fall marathon went virtual in 2020 but was back to in-person event for 2021 and 2022. As in 2022, this race will feature both in-person and virtual running options.

Virtual runners can run a marathon, half, relay, 10K or 5K either on the course or anywhere.

2023 registration is open!

Through January 1st, 2023 registration fees are:

$75 – Marathon
$50 – Half Marathon
$120 – Marathon Relay

This is a Maine Track Club event and approximately 40% of gross revenue is donated to charities each year. Since 1997 this has amounted to $5.8 million going back into the local community.

Featuring an out-and-back course with rolling hills and views of the Portland skyline, the Back Cove, Casco Bay, and peak fall foliage.

The Marathon is USATF certified and a Boston Marathon qualifier. The Half Marathon is also USATF certified and the Marathon Relay is a unique 2 to 4-person marathon-length event.

While the Maine Marathon community is hopeful for a return to live racing, we will continue to offer our virtual race option, which, in addition to the full, half and relay, includes a 5K and 10K, so all can enjoy this race safely wherever they may be.

We’re also committed to providing as much certainty as we can in these constantly changing times, which is why we have a refund policy if your — or our — plans change.

Viewtherace.com Maine Marathon course video

Event Results 2019

Event Results 2021

Event Results 2022

Joe English Twilight Challenge

Amherst, NH | 1 October | Saturday |5:00 PM – see you in 2023

The Joe English Twilight Challenge is an evening/night trail run hosted by Freestyle Farm in Amherst, NH. The event consists of a marathon, a half-marathon and a 6-hour ultra-marathon. The marathon and half-marathon may be run individually or by relay teams. The relay teams (half or full marathon) consist of 2 or 5 runners completing either 5 or 10 laps on a 2.62-mile loop beginning at 7:00 p.m. The 6-hour ultra-marathon begins at 5:00 p.m. and ends at 11 p.m. Ultra participants run the 2.62-mile loop continuously for 6 hours.

Most of the race will be run at night on the groomed equestrian trails at Freestyle Farm.

The event is expected to draw 350 runners ranging from casual athletes to experienced ultra-runners. The event is set within a unique venue with high quality trails around a 50-acre pond. The course will be marked with fluorescent light sticks, ground flags and signal fires.

New Hampshire trail race, ultra marathon, new England marathons fall

Medals will be awarded to the first and last place finishers.

All proceeds benefit the Amherst Land Trust. The trust protects rural, scenic, and open-space lands for future generations. Founded in 1975, the trust has worked to educate the public about conservation and protect thousands of acres of land similar to the lands across which most of the challenge runs.

Registration for 2022 is closed but had been $45 for adults and $35 for youth for all distances.

This race is USATF Sanctioned.

Event Results 2019

Hartford Marathon, Half-Marathon & 5K

Hartford, CT | 8 October | Saturday – see you in 2023

Registration for 2022 is closed but had been – Marathon – $130, Half Marathon – $110, 5K – $40, Youth Charity 5K – $20. HMF FitKids is only $12.00

All virtual races were $46.00

GREEN RACE

hartford marathon, new england fall marathons2022 marked the 28th running of the Hartford Marathon, wherever you run it.

I ran this marathon in 2012 and can verify that it is very well-organized with lots of community and spectator support.

You can read my race recap HERE.

The Hartford Marathon Foundation takes sustainability seriously. Click HERE to see how they make their races eco-friendly.

When you run the virtual events this year, be sure to keep the spirit alive and be responsible with your trash.

359 people ran the virtual marathon and 1,135 ran the virtual half. Thousands of people ran the 5K and 10K.

Event Results 2019

Virtual Results 2020

Event Results 2021

2022 Event Results and PHOTOS

Amica Newport Marathon & Half

Newport, RI | 8 October | Sunday | 7:30 AM – 2023

Amica Newport Marathon 2022

Race along the ocean and help support six local charities.

The Amica Newport Marathon was recently voted as having the “Best Half Marathon” and “Best Race Swag” in the Northeast by Competitor Magazine.

In 2018 they were voted as the “Best Marathon in Rhode Island” and a “Top 20 Half Marathon in the USA”.

2023 registration is open! Marathon $100, Half Marathon $70 through December 31st.

Both races are USATF Certified and the marathon is a Boston Qualifier.

Shuttle service to the start begins at 5AM. FREE PHOTOS and bag check will be available.

This is something that I wish more races did. I have bags of race shirts already.

Donate Your Shirt to Charity
You are now able to opt out of receiving your event t-shirt when registering. We will then in turn donate the cost of producing that shirt to our partner charities, and announce the donation amount from this initiative following the event.

The race’s charitable partners are the Aquidneck Land Trust, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, Boys Town New England, The YMCA Newport, and Clean Ocean Access and other local non-profits.

ALL EVENT RESULTS 2019

Event Results 2021

51st GMAA Green Mountain Marathon & Half

South Hero, VT | 16 October | Sunday | 8:30 AM

The marathon and half-marathon begin and end near the house where Clarence H. Demar, 7 time Boston Marathon Winner, once lived.

vermont marathon, fall new england marathonIt is out and back on the west shore of South Hero and Grand Isle; a land of farms, apple orchards and summer cottages. The terrain is flat to rolling and about half dirt road (hard packed and well maintained).

The half marathon course is an out and back that finishes at the Folsom School (same as the full marathon).

Both races are USATF Certified: VT15301JK

2023 registration is not open

This is a race for runners by runners and has a reasonable registration fee of $60 for the marathon and $40 for the Half. Day of registration is $70 and $50, respectively.

Field is limited to 750 runners.

2019 Event Results

2021 Event Results

2022 Event Results

CircumBurke Trail Challenge

East Burke, VT | ? October | Sunday | 8:02 AM – CANCELLED

Burke Mountain, Sherburne Lodge, East Burke, VT

This race was last run in 2018. I’ll keep it on the list and will make updates as new information becomes available.

Circumbruke Trail Challenge, fall new england marathons, vermont marathon

 

The Ride With GPS app will be used to map and track progress. Participants must have access to a device to run the app during the event.

The Marathon Trail Run is one 27 mile lap and starts at 8 AM. The CircumBerzerk Bikers MTB Challenge starts at 10 AM.

This 27 mile circuit brings athletes through single track and logging trails on Burke Mountain, the Victory Hill Sector and Kingdom Trails.

The one lap event is for runners or bikers. The two lap “CircumBerzerk 50+ miler is for bikers only.

Elevation gain on the course is more than 3,000 feet.

Registration is closed

Late (onsite) registration was $160. Number pickup & late (onsite) registration is at Sherburne Lodge from 5:00 to 7:30 PM and on race day from 6:45 until 9 AM.

All proceeds go towards building and maintaining trails along the route!

Start/Finish Venue: Burke Mountain, Sherburne Lodge, East Burke, VT 05832

Event Results 2018

Mohawk Mountain Races

Cornwall, CT | 15 October | Saturday | 8:00 AM – see you in 2023

In cooperation with Mohawk Mountain, the Mohawk Mountain Race is sponsored by Steep Endurance at Mohawk Mountain in Cornwall, CT.

Normally a ski mountain in the winter, the mountain will be transformed into a super fun course! With its challenging ascents and descents on the ski mountain, it is sure to be a race to remember with sweeping viewpoints of the popping Fall foliage at every turn. With several distances to choose from (5K/10K) and NEW this year, Half Marathon/Marathon options, there’s something for every member of the family!

Registration is closed : $90 for the marathon, $80 for the half, $50 for the 10K and $40 for the 5K.

Trapp Lodge Mountain Marathon

Stowe, VT | 15 October | Sunday | 8:00 AM 2023

This race will challenge you! Although Trapp lodge has some of the smoothest, most runnable trail around, they also boast some incredible single track. Steep climbs and descents and a newly updated climb to the highest point on the Trapp Lodge Property; Round Top Mountain!

The 13.1 mile loop course is approximately 2/3 double track wide trails and dirt roads, and 1/3 serpentine, rugged single track. Full marathon racers will traverse this loop twice. This is a challenging trail race with significant elevation gain and loss and some steep scrambling segments.

2023 registration is not open yet Full Marathon was $105 and the Half was $95 in 2022.

2019 Event Results

2021 Event Results

2022 Event Results

Mount Desert Marathon, Half and Relay

Bar Harbor, ME | 15 October | Sunday | 8:00 AM – Marathon and Marathon Relay,
Half begins at 8:30 in Northeast Harbor – See you in 2023

MDI Marathon, Maine Marathon, fall new england marathons

Named ‘Most Scenic & runner-up Best Overall Marathon’ by Runner’s World

New England Runner Magazine’s Race of the Year! And many other accolades, too many to list here.

The Marathon and Half Marathon are sold out. Only the Team Relay has a few bibs available.

The Marathon and Marathon Relay begin in Bar Harbor, hits the half-way mark near Northeast Harbor and ends in Southwest Harbor.

Miles 12 through 19 are run along the eastern shore of Somes Sound, the only true fjord on the Atlantic Coast. While the entire island is beautiful, Somes Sound has always been one of my favorite areas on MDI.

The Half Marathon begins at 8:30AM in Northeast Harbor and runs north along Somes Sound for five miles.

The marathon had 737 finishers in 2018, and the half had 632 finishers. The Marathon is USATF Sanctioned & Certified: ME12018JK.

2023 registration is not open yet But was – $130 for the Marathon, $115 for the Half, Three-person relay is $100.

PAST RESULTS – All races

Baystate Marathon & Half Marathon

Lowell, MA | 15 October | Sunday | 8:00 AM – 2023

2023 registration has opened $115 for the Marathon, $100 for the Half and $50 for the half-marathon relay.

baystate, bay state marathonThis marathon always sells out. There are very few flat marathons in New England, but Baystate is one of them.

If you are looking to qualify for Boston, this is a good choice. The race is mostly flat with the bridges over the Merrimack having the most elevation gain. Part of the course is a double loop, so it can be challenging to see the “Mile 22” sign when you are at Mile 12 and starting to feel it.

This is a well supported race with local high schools competing to have the best water stop! There is plenty of parking at the Tsongas Arena garage.

This is a favorite race for many GBA runners and had about 1,300 finishers in 2018. I’ve run Baystate four times. Baystate Recap – 2014

Viewtherace.com Baystate Marathon course video

EVENT RESULTS 2021 back to the 90s!

8th Annual Ocean State Rhode Races

Narragansett, RI | 29 October | Sunday | 7:30 AM

GREEN RACE

rhode island marathon, fall marathons

The Marathon starts at 7:30AM, Half at 8AM and the 5K at 8:15AM.

2023 registration opens on November 22nd

Marathon – $80, Half Marathon – $55, 5K – $20

Virtual Marathon and Half – $50, virtual 5K – $30.

These races feature FREE PHOTOS and a secured bag check at the start.

The Marathon is a Boston Qualifier. The Ocean State Rhode Races Half is the final stop of the Rhode Race Series, a four stop series of Rhode Island Half Marathons.

This race harkens back to the original Ocean State Marathon with the start in Narragansett Beach.

It follows beautiful Rt 1a and showcases wonderful ocean views, old stone walls, working farms, estuaries and kayak stands. It really is a pretty one.

It is a smaller marathon so if you are looking to BQ – you won’t have to fight through crowds of people at the start.

Rhode Races & Events is committed to recycling at this year’s Ocean State Rhode Races. Road Races create a lot of waste, but we’ll reduce our footprint by diverting hundreds of pounds of cardboard boxes, water jugs, and plastic bottles from the landfill.

To learn more about our race day efforts and how you can help – please click this link. Additionally – all clothing discarded at the start of the race will be donated to North American Family Institute.

Rhode Races offers a variety of discounts and packages for companies looking to foster their corporate health and wellness initiatives. Employees training and participating together helps promote team camaraderie, increased branding and a sense of goodwill. Join our Corporate Fit Challenge and compete to be the “Most Fit” or the “Most Philanthropic” business. Learn more

EVENT RESULTS and PHOTOS

Mayflower Wind Cape Cod Marathon and Half Marathon

Falmouth, MA | 7-8 October | 8:00 AM – Saturday and Sunday – 2023

cape cod marathon, New England fall marathonsThis is a great fall Cape Cod racing event.

Registration for 2023 is open! Early bird rates are: – $95 for the Marathon, $85 for the Half, and $35 for the 5K.

Included in entry fee: (subject to change due to state/town COVID health restrictions on race weekend)

Gender-specific long sleeve shirt
Customized bib with the first name spelled how you registered (if registered by September 13, 2021)
Secure gear check
Boston Qualifier and certified race course stocked with water and Gatorade
Unique coastal medal
Hot clam chowdah and soup station with vegan, gluten free and dairy free options at the finish line!
Apple cider donuts!
The best town, volunteers and committee to support you!

The marathon was named “The Best Marathon in Massachusetts” by the RaceRaves in 2018.

All Event Results

Cape Cod Marathon Half

Falmouth, MA | 7 October | 8:00 AM – see you in 2023

Please see above for details and registration.

2019 HALF RESULTS

Clam Chowdah Challenge

Falmouth, marathon, half, clam chowder, chowdah

The Clam Chowdah Challenge consists of the half and full marathon run on Marathon weekend.

Are you up to the Chowdah Challenge?

All finishers of the Clam Chowdah Challenge will receive a chowdah bowl and “medal” spoon, medals for both races and a race shirt.

Run the Chowdah Challenge for $185

Previous Marathon and Half Marathon results

In 2019 the organizers implemented changes to minimize the environmental impact of these races. They are reducing waste by:

Replacing plastic bags with Eco-Friendly for Number Pick Up bags
Providing compostable cups at all water stops
Replacing single-use plastic water bottles with reusable water bottles at the finish lines
Creating Compost/Recycle/Trash stations at the finish line
Providing compostable bowls and spoons for the soup and chowder at the marathon and relay finish line
Recycling left over medals when needed

While running your virtual race you can reduce your footprint also.

Don’t toss water bottles or drop that tare off from your gel pack. If you have trash while you are running, hold onto it and look for a trash barrel.

9th Annual LOCO Half and Full Marathon

Newmarket, NH | 22 October | Sunday | 8:00 AM – 2023

loco marathon, new hampshire marathon, Newmarket Marathon

The 9th Annual LOCO half and full Marathon is a spectacular 13.1 mile loop course run completely on tree-lined rural roads.

It travels through four local coastal towns: Newmarket, Lee, Epping and Newfields New Hampshire.

Not only is a scenic course, it is designed to be fast and easy. Half marathoners run one loop. Marathoners run a second loop. For the past two years over 32% on average of marathoners qualified for the Boston Marathon.

The Marathon is a double loop of the Half-Marathon. It’s all country roads and 3 miles of rail trail.

This is a runner’s race. The finish time cut-off for 59 years and under is 4:30. For 60 and older it is 5 hours even.

Most marathons have a 6 hour cut-off time. If you are running to see the foliage, you may want to pick another race. If marathon runners cannot make the half-way mark by 2:15 or 2:30 for 60+ years, you will be pulled from the course!

Oh, and marathon runners MUST bring photo ID. So no faking 60+ to get the extra 30 minutes to finish the race!

Cut-off time for the Half-Marathon is 2:30.

The course is USATF Certified at 13.10938 miles. Combined registration is limited to 1,000 runners. Finisher’s medals for all marathon finishers!

Hot food will be served after the race and Smuttynose Brewing will be pouring!

2023 registration is open! $79 for the marathon and $59 for the half marathon.

Events Results 2019

The Roxbury Marathon and Roxbury Half Marathon

Roxbury, CT | 12 November | 8:30 AM

The Roxbury Marathon and Roxbury Half Marathon are hilly, no-frills foot-races that are run over some of the roads used by the Roxbury Races annual series (about 40 races from February into early December each year).

The entry fee is $35 for the half marathon and $40 for the marathon to cover costs.

2023 registration has not opened yet

Manchester City Marathon, Half, Relays & 5K

Manchester, NH | 12 November | Sunday | 7:30 to 9:30 AM

You have the option to run in Manchester or run a virtual race.

Virtual races can be run between November 2nd and 8th.

New Hampshire Marathon, Fall marathon New England

 

 

 

 

START LINE PROCEDURES
This event will utilize “time trial start” format that will facilitate “social distancing” for the entirety of the event. Participants will be seeded based off their self-submitted paces. Athletes will start one-by-one in a time-trial format, 10 seconds after one another. Participants will be assigned a dedicated start time along with specific times for parking, check-in time and report to corral time.

See there website for more details.

The largest New Hampshire marathon, Manchester is USATF Certified and a Boston Qualifier.

The web site describes the race as hilly, challenging and scenic. Many friends have run this race and only had good things to say about their experience.

Registration OPEN – $90 for the Marathon, $75 for the Half, $160 for the 4-way Marathon Relay and $110 for the 2-way Marathon Relay. The 2-way Half Relay is $95. The 5K is $25.

The virtual marathon and half are $40. The virtual 5K is $30.

They are looking for volunteers.

The first 2,000 runners will receive a long sleeve event shirt. All runners will enjoy Sam Adams beverages as well as flat bread pizza, Dasani water and Stoneyfield yogurt.

Free race photos, finisher video and bag check will be available.

Event Results from 2007 to 2022

Viewtherace.com Manchester City Marathon course video

The Millinocket Marathon & Half

Millinocket Marathon, Maine marathon

Millinocket, ME | 3 December | Saturday

Marathon starts at 10AM
Half Marathon starts at 10:10 AM

The last of the New England Marathons for fall of 2022 and registration is closed!

2022 registration is closed

There is no registration fee for this race. This New England Marathon was conceived of as a way to help the economy of a Northern Maine former mill town: Millinocket.

When I was growing up the paper industry made Millinocket a bustling town. While I was attending college at The University of Maine the mill was on it’s last legs. Everyone knew that hard times were coming, just like they did in so many other mill towns across America.

Just like other mill towns across the country, Millinocket is working to reinvent itself.

This race allows you to be a part of that revival and run a great marathon or half marathon.

This race is at least five hours north of Boston. Throw in some traffic or weather and you’ll be well beyond five hours. Just keep that in mind.

Oh, it it’s guaranteed to be cold. It’s just a question of how cold. Keep this in mind before you register.

A note from the Race Director:

Important: Please don’t register unless you are somewhat serious about traveling to Millinocket in the first place. Although our race is FREE, we still prepare bib numbers and accrue expenses to prepare for your participation. We totally understand that life happens, but if you can’t come, don’t just NOT show up; it’s very important to officially cancel your registration in a timely manner so that those volunteering their time and funds do not expend them unnecessarily. Thank you for your understanding — we can’t wait to see you in the Magic City!

2021 Race Results

Looking for a Winter 2019 marathon? Click HERE.

Run well my friends!

Andy

On The Run Half Marathon 2019 Old Orchard Beach Maine

On The Run Half Marathon in Old Orchard Beach Maine was a bit of a haul. But with a group of friends the trip was well worth it. A well organized, low cost race that you might want to check out.

It’s not very often that I drive over an hour to run a half marathon. But I received an email from the race director in November and the On The Run Half Marathon registration was only $32!

The price caught the attention of a lot of people and for about a week I had over a dozen people excited about this race. Ultimately we had five runners from The Melrose Running Club drive to Maine.

The price wasn’t the only reason we signed up. Half marathons in March are few and far between, so you have to seize your opportunities.

Over the past two years I’ve been working to get more club runners to go to races together. It’s much more fun with a group and I hope to get our new members to try racing.

For Dave Bryson, this was his second half marathon. Durm Cahill, Jose Viveiros, Katherine Kulig and I have run a few of these. We really like running halfs though Katherine and Jose do a lot of Ultras also.

On The Road to the On The Run Half Marathon

We estimated the drive time to Old Orchard Beach Maine to be 90 minutes. The race was at 9:00 AM so we decided to leave Melrose around 6:00 AM.

When I looked out my front window before heading to Melrose I was surprised to see snow on the ground! Not a lot, but there was accumulation. When I got to Brueggers in Melrose the snow was still flying! Snow is better than rain, but I wasn’t expecting snow.

And since Maine is often colder than the GBA I worried that we would be running in snow. I’ve done it before, but it’s March 23rd. I’m done with snow.

Brueggers in the snow, Andy NagelinWhen I pulled into the lot Dave was already there. He was our driver because he has the largest car and I had worked out the carpool. Even though I was pretty sure it was Dave it still felt odd rolling down my window to holler and get his attention.

I grabbed my stuff and called shot gun. Durm showed up as I was going into Brueggers for a coffee and restroom break. When I texted Katherine she was walking over and Jose arrived soon after Katherine. With the full crew and the seats figured out, we were off to Maine!

Traffic was light and the snow turned to light rain and then sun peering through the clouds! It looked like it was going to be a good day.

We found the Brunswick Hotel using the wizardry of modern GPS technology. It was about 7:30 and we headed in to get our bibs and swag.

When we walked in it was a bit confusing as the race management company is 5K Sport Race Management, So every sign we saw had a big “5K” on it. It’s not unusual for a half to also have a 5K, so we stumbled around the hotel lobby for a bit looking for the half marathon pick up table. Fortunately the first table I went to was the right one.

It seemed like all five of us were in a bit of a daze. We had all been sufficiently caffeinated but our brains were still cloudy.

5K Sport Race Management had our bib, some promotional literature and our swag all together in a plastic bag. Each of us received a pair of Stickman Sports running gloves and a sport towel. I have several pairs of these gloves and they are Made in USA! They are a nice quality mid-weight glove.

The hotel parking lot was packed and we were told to drive around the block to abundant public parking. Getting out of the tightly packed lot was a challenge, but Dave actually backed about 100 meters to get out. He didn’t use the camera and the warning alarm only went off once!

Getting Ready to Run

Now that we had our bibs and a parking spot, it was time to get ready.

It was still about 33° and there was a good breeze blowing. The forecast said mid 30s with a 10 to 20 mph breeze. I didn’t want to run with a jacket again. But was worried about 10 to 20 mph breezes off of the ocean. That water is still under 40°.

Melrose Running ClubI ended up wearing an old beat up running vest. It blocks the wind and the pockets still zip. The chest pocket is missing but the hole stays closed for the most part.

I had one gel from a brand I’ve never tried and one Shot Block. Not really enough to get through a half marathon, but that’s all I had in the house. My belt held two 9oz bottles of sport drink.

Everyone else went with three layers but I ended up with four on top and three on the bottom. I knew I could un-zip my vest and take off my hat and gloves if need be.

Katherine took off and did some warm up running while the rest of us got ready to run. I don’t warm up before a half marathon. That’s what the first mile is for.

About 8:20 we headed back to The Brunswick Hotel. It was great being inside. Plus they had hot coffee and Krispy Kreme donuts! We hung out for a while, used the facilities and headed outside around 8:50.

The start was in front of the hotel. We could not hear most of the announcements as we stood in the wind. Then at 9:00 AM they played the National Anthem and we all took off our hats and stood silently. The only flag I saw was the Canadian flag!

There wasn’t a timing mat for the start, so I tried to be near the front when the race started.

Moments after the National Anthem they gave the verbal start.

Running The On The Run Half Marathon

There were less than 200 runners, so the start wasn’t crowded. I ran with Dave for a bit but my pace was a bit faster than his.

The entire race was virtually flat. We had a 10ft elevation gain in the first mile and that was the most of any mile. My first mile was 8:28 which was a bit too fast for my plan.

I did notice that my watch chimed one mile right on the one mile marker. Very impressive. For the rest of the race I was usually 0.05 to 0.8 ahead of the mile markers. Still very accurate. My race distance was 13.18 miles which to me is very accurate.

We ran 3.5 miles down Rt 9 through the Ferry Beach neighborhood of Old Orchard Beach and past the Ferry Beach State Park. It was nice to see so much land protected from development. There is a lot of construction going on up there.

At 3.5 miles we took a sharp right on Rt. 9 and continued on Ferry Road. My Garmin shows hardly any hill but it seemed like there were several low incline hills that went on for a half mile or so.

As I ran along I wondered which was better, short steep hills or long slow hills. At that moment the long slow hills seemed worse. They just went on and on.

I like hills but I could tell that other runners were being challenged. This is where I passed most people that I passed during the race.

At 5K I took my one Shot Block. With so few supplies I had to manage what I had and do my best to make it work.

We took a right onto Bayview Road at about 4.5 miles. This took us away from the shore and most of the wind. We hit mile five on Bayview and I told my self that I was one-third through the race. My time was 8:46 for that mile.

I was basically running my 10K pace during a half marathon and worried that I had gone out too fast.

This was my third half in three weeks and I worried that I was becoming complacent and over confident. You always have to respect the distance or it will kick your ass.

Around 5.5 miles we got back onto Rt. 9, Seaside Ave heading East back into town. I began to recognize buildings and marshes that we had run by before.

We hit 10K/6.2 miles before we got back into town. I had run a 53 minute 10K which was about right. I was slowing down. I ran the first 5K under 26 minutes which was way too fast for a half.

At about 7.3 miles we passed The Brunswick Hotel and a few folks out cheering us on. At about 7.5 miles we ran through an intersection with some traffic and got onto East Grand Ave. We were still in downtown Old Orchard but this road would send us out of town to the turn around at mile 10 where we looped through a neighborhood.

Garmin shows miles 7 through 10 to be virtually flat and at Sea Level. But I distinctly recall running one of those long slow hills. It chewed a few people up and I passed a few walkers.

Somewhere around 8.13 miles the lead male runner passed us on his way back. He had a smooth pace and looked in control.

At about 8.36 miles the second place male approached me. Amazingly just as he got to me he broke stride and started walking! I told him he was in second place and to keep going. I have no idea how he did. I was busy running up a hill that doesn’t exist!

I kept counting runners and got to 25 when I saw Katherine heading my way around mile 9. I called out her name and waved. She seemed comfortable and happy.

Bringing it Home

As we looped through the neighborhood the road seemed to keep rising. I could see it and I could feel it.

I kept telling myself that I would be running back down that hill nice and easy just like the lead runners had. But as we headed West back into town it seemed like we were still going uphill.

Again, Garmin doesn’t show this but I sure as hell felt it. Maybe the ocean air was causing me to hallucinate?

I was now down to just my sports drink. Not a lot of sugar but electrolyte infused water. Why do these companies think runners don’t want some carbs in these mixes?

All the way back I was amazed at how many runners were still heading out. I really thought I was about mid-pack.

Around mile 11 I saw Jose in his bright 2018 BAA jacket. He seemed to be doing okay. Then before mile twelve I saw Durm and shortly thereafter Dave. They looked okay also.

My mile twelve pace was 8:48 and my overall pace was 8:41. I really wanted to break an 8:40 pace so I picked it up a bit. We only had 1.1 miles to go.

I didn’t have a lot of energy left and my hamstrings had been sore for a few miles. I drank a bunch of sports drink to at least stay hydrated.

Finally the road seemed to have a slight decline, but not enough to really run down.

So close to the finish and I passed a young guy walking. I felt bad for him. I’ve been there and it is disappointing.

The entire road back to the hotel was mostly strait and just went on and on. As we approached the hotel I could hear people cheering. My watch chimed mile 13 about 0.08 before the mile marker. So I still had about 0.2 miles to go.

And the finish line was in the parking lot, so I couldn’t even see it!

There were two people with red flags so I knew where to turn. So close.

As I turned into the parking lot, the finish was only about 25 feet in! It looked like the clock had 1:54 on it already. I had to kick it in to finish before 1:55. As I approached the line I saw a guy with a camera on a step ladder. I did a thumbs up and did my best to smile as I strained to cross the line.

Right after the finish someone handed me a medal and I put it over my head. When I looked at my watch it was 1:54:13. Not great, but not bad either.

I walked around a bit and got a bottle of water. The cases were on the ground and I had to bend over to get one. It was surprisingly difficult to do this.

I poured water into my sports bottle to get the left over sports drink and headed inside to get out of the cold. As I walked into the bar I saw Katherine at a table with some food.

5K Sports Race Management had chicken wings and pizza for us! Hot food. They also had plenty of fruit and veggies. I filled a plate with wings.

Apre On The Run Half Marathon

As I ate my wings Katherine told me that she came in second in her age group. She hadn’t expected that! The page with my finish time hadn’t been posted yet. I wasn’t thrilled with my 1:54 finish but didn’t let on about it.

Slowly the gang drifted into the bar. Everyone was tired but seemed satisfied with their time. I got another plate of wings and a glass of water.

Katherine Kulig, On The Run Half Marathon 2019When they started doing the awards Katherine sprung to her feet and headed over. We could hardly hear them from our seat, but she seemed to know what was going on.

I followed her over so I could get a few pics of her getting her medal. There was a crowd and large windows looking out onto the ocean. This made it difficult to get into position to get a good shot. I ended up with an okay photo with a little help from Photo Shop.

Usually we hang out a bit after a race. Today we had a 90 minute drive back to Melrose. It kind of felt like we were on the moon. Having a good time far from home with some urgency to depart before time ran short.

So we steeled ourselves for a cold walk back to the car and did a light jog laughing all the way.

The drive home always seems to take so much longer!

Run well my Friends!

Andy

Quick note from Bay of Fundy Marathon

I’m working on a lengthy post for this adventure, but wanted to post some info on my race.

lubec,down east,bay of fundyI finished 49 out of 199 marathon finishers and 11th in my age group.

I also beat my Boston Marathon time by 1 minute and 15 seconds. I did not expect that. After Boston I took a week off and only did two long runs. My total miles over six weeks were about 120 miles. Not the best training plan.

When I looked at the elevation profile for Bay of Fundy I knew it would be a challenge. Great Bay has a few big hills, but it is only a half and there are really only three BIG hills. Bay of Fundy is death by a thousand hills. Once you get onto Campobello Island they just keep on coming at you.

It was a tough race. I met some great people and felt totally welcomed by the community. They were all very happy to see us there and it felt good.

My lengthy post should be ready by Wednesday. More pictures, I promise.

Run well my friends,

Andy

Destination Maine – 2014

Destination Maine Running Events – 2014

Here is my first installment of State by State Marathons and Half Marathons for 2014.

destination maine

This time of year not too many people are thinking about races in Maine, unless you are a race director. Even a modest race takes many hours and days of planning. There are meetings to organize the committee or core group that is organizing the race. There are meetings with public safety officials and donations and sponsorships to be arranged.

Even the smallest race at the end of a gravel road took a considerable effort by someone to make happen. While you are looking at your race calendar for the summer and fall, I hope you will consider some of these races.

Changes from last year

To help with formatting I have combined the columns for Medal and Expo. Now I will just list Y or N. If a medal is given just to half marathon runners I will specify with “1/2”. I have 2014 dates for most races, but not all.

City Date Finishers Medal/Expo FEE
MARATHONS
Maine Coast Marathon Biddeford 5/11/14 750 Y/Y 85
Sugarloaf Marathon & 15K Kingfield 5/18/14 395/455 Y/N 65
Bay of Fundy Marathon & 10K Lubec 6/15/14 447/270 Y/Y 80
Maine Marathon, Half & Relay Portland 10/5/14 986/1972 Y/Y 80
MDI Marathon & Relay Bar Harbor 10/19/14 916 Y/Y 90
HALF MARATHONS City Date Finishers Medal/Expo FEE
Chamberlain March Half & 5K Brewer 3/15/14 1/2 – N
Midcoast Half Marathon Hope CANCELLED 150 ?/N
Race the Runways 2014 Half & 5K Brunswick 4/5/14 275 N/Y 45/25
Acadia Nat’l Park Half Marathon Bar Harbor 6/1/14 180 ? 80
Bands on the Run Half & 5K Lewiston 6/29/14 506/520 1/2 – N 45/15
Rail Trail Half, Relay & 5K Augusta 6/22/14 250 N/N 45
4th Annual PFBF CPAs Half & 5K Run/Walk for Special Olympics Maine Oakland 6/29/14 84/171 N/N 45/25
Shipyard Old Port Half & 5k Portland 7/13/14 1841/528 1/2 – Y 55
The County Open Half Marathon Island Falls 8/16/14 125 N/N
Blueberry Cove Half Marathon Tenants Harbor 8/24/14 300 Y/N 70
Freeport Half & 5K Freeport 9/7/14 136 Y/N 55/25
Lake Auburn Half & 5K Auburn 9/14/14 246/146 ?/Y 45/15
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust Half & 5K Bar Harbor 9/20/14 330/142 Y/N 80/25
MAINEiacs Charities Half & 5K Bangor 9/29/13 military coins
Maine Marathon, Half & Relay Portland 10/5/14 986/1972 Y/Y 55
Hidden Valley Trail Half Jefferson CANCELLED 34 N/N
Moose Pond Half & 5k Bridgeton 11/1/14 169/58 N/N 45/20

Run well my friends.

Andy