Great Spring Races in New Hampshire
If there's anything that helps me get through winter running it is looking forward to spring races. Signing up for a spring race is the perfect motivator to get you out the door and dreaming of running in fewer layers. There are a few spring races in Northern New England that I go back to year after year and I thought I'd share them with you: St. Paddy's Day 5 Miler
Date: March 16, 2014
Location: Portsmouth, NH
Entry Fee: $32.50
Course: The course has very little traffic since it is run around a large office park, so there's not much in terms of scenery but you don't have to worry about cars. There's a slight down hill at the start, most of the course is run on flat roads and then an uphill to finish in a parking lot. The up hill at the end is a bit tough, but otherwise the course is good.
Why I like it: The entry fee is a bit steep, but a portion of it goes to New Heights a non-profit that assist teens through adventure programming. You also get a pint glass and free beer at the end. This is a nice also and "early" race with a bit more distance. So if you're not ready to run your fastest at a 5K this is a nice distance to push yourself but not get discouraged. Sometimes those first races after a long winter can be tough, chances are you're not in the same shape you were in the fall (after training all spring and summer) a PR is probably not in the books. I feel like five miles is a good distance to ease back into racing. This race is also well organized: plenty of close parking (a MUST for us since the whole family usually comes to my races), plenty of porto-potties and good post-race food, like hot soups and sandwiches.
Date: March 30th, 2014
Location: Start in Portsmouth, NH finish in Salisbury, MA
Entry Fee: $50.00
Course: The course is point to point, flat and fast, and runs along the ocean from Portsmouth, NH to Salisbury, MA. For most of the race you can see the ocean, which can be spectacular on a beautiful day. This is a great prep race for a spring marathon and is timed perfectly for the Boston Marathon, if you happen to be running. Because this is a point to point race and the finish line is a ways from the finishers party (food etc) you'll be on a shuttle quite a bit, unless your family is willing to drop you off and pick you up.
Why I like it: This course is beautiful. It can be tough, though. The weather is always hit or miss in March (it could rain, it could snow, it could be beautiful) and you can always expect a bit of wind, but the race is well-staffed and there is plenty of food. The only draw back of this race is the logistics of my family spectating. Often it's too cold and with the point to point course it means my husband has to occupy the kids for a couple hours before I cross the finish line.
Date: April 12th, 2014
Location: Durham, NH
Entry Fee: $22.00
Course: This course features short rolling hills through quiet neighborhoods. It's not a fast 5K course, but it's interesting with a few turns and a few little hills. Traffic isn't a concern and most people stand in their driveway to cheer on the runners.
Why I like it: I've run this race for a few years now and keep going back. It is a memorial run for Todd Heuchling, who passed away while trying out for the the West Point Marathon Team. Many cadets come back and run the race in his honor. The race celebrates his life. The logistics of the race work perfectly for our family too: if it's nice enough there's a playground right next to the finish line. And if the weather's bad there's ample space for my family to stay warm in the school gymnasium.
Date: May 10th, 2014
Location: Alton, NH
Entry Fee:
55 until January 31st
$65 from February 1st to April 30th
$75 from May 1st through race day
Course: The course starts and ends about a mile apart, but that hasn't ever seemed inconvenient to me: the buses or family members are a great way to get too and from when you need to. The first half of the course takes you up a busy state route, but you get a few great views of the lake. The second half brings you down right by the water, through wooded neighborhoods. There are some challenging hills in this race, but it has a nice flat, fast finish to the end.
Why I like it: This is by far my favorite spring race. The course is challenging, but rewards with great views of Lake Winnipesuakee. May in New Hampshire can be hit or miss, but if you get it on a good day it can be really spectacular.
I didn't include a spring marathon in this list. I've run Key Bank Vermont City, although I love Burlington, VT it wasn't my favorite course. I'm hoping to find a new favorite marathon this spring!
What are you favorite New England Spring Races? Any must-runs on your list?
-Sarah
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