Hampton Half Marathon and Rockfest – Miles of Scenic Coastline and Peak Foliage October 25-26, 2008
Run a half marathon this October along the scenic New Hampshire coast and enjoy spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, picturesque resort towns and peak foliage of Hampton Beach . Join the fantastic post race celebration in Classy Hampton Beach Casino for a truly one-of-a-kind fall race adventure.

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By Noreen Cohen
Posted Thursday, 25 September, 2008

If you were part of the inaugural race and celebration last February, you know first hand that this half marathon has it all--fast, scenic coastal loop course, outstanding race organization, and a classy sea-side resort. Throw in a Sunday rock concert post race party brimming with fun and good cheer and you have a classic in the making that just can’t be beat. This is one half marathon tradition that you won’t want to miss!

The Time is Right
The race welcomes runners and walkers of all abilities. Whether you have been thinking about trying a half marathon for the first time or running as a half marathon ace, this is the race for you. The course is fast and easy; don’t be surprised if a PR is waiting for you at the end. Fall is the ideal time to set new running goals, reinvigorate your passion and stay motivated. There is no better inspiration than the bright blue skies and cool crisp air that are so typically New England Coast. Training for this half marathon will put a little zing in your step that will last all season long.

New Half Marathon Relay
This year 100 teams of three runners will be allowed. Any mixture of men/women of any age permitted. Distance for the relay is approximately 3.5, 6.5 and 5K. Runners are responsible for travel to and from relay locations. Check the Website for details.)

New Spectacular Course
The course is a true feast for the eyes with its majestic coastal views and the vibrant hues of rural roads. It is extra large memory card quality! It is also one of the easiest and flattest courses in New England. You will find it slightly different from last February’s route with more strides right along the ocean. The highest elevation is only 67 feet and that takes 4 miles to climb. The first two miles and the last five are “pancake flat”, with just two slight hills at mile six and mile eight. You can do it!

The race starts right in the center of Hampton Beach near J Street and the famous Clamshell and finishes at Hampton Beach State Park. You will travel north on Ocean Boulevard. After a refreshing loop of Hampton roads and neighborhoods, it takes a fairly flat and rolling tour into the small and picturesque town of North Hampton. First settled in 1639, this town was the part of Hampton known as “North Hill” following the separation of New Hampshire from Massachusetts.

This is a loop course where the top of the loop eventually ends up back up on Route 1A before mile 8 on the some of the most scenic roads on the rocky New Hampshire Atlantic coast. Along the way, you will enjoy unobstructed views of the ocean surf, rocky cliffs at Little Boars Head, a seaside promontory that became a fashionable summer resort in the 19th century, and contains elegant examples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture.

On your way south, you will have just traveled the so called “two mile drive”. It is said to be one of the most spectacular ocean-side drives on the East Coast. From there, the race sprints to finish at the Hampton Beach State Park.

Beyond the Finish Line
You did it! All of your hard work and training has paid off and it is time to savor your accomplishment with a custom finisher’s medal. You know what a great feeling that is. Celebrate your run or walk ROCKFEST - a live Rock N Roll Concert at the Hampton Casino ballroom for the after race feast. You will be in good company as 1500 runners are expected to participate in the race! There will definitely be Smuttynose Beer flowing. There will be prizes for top runners, teams, and 5-year age group awards.

Get Ready to Rock
There is nothing like music to get you and friends in the half marathon spirit! Come join the fun and good times Sunday October 26th for a rock concert that is sure to thrill. Enjoy a featured live performance from a top rock band at the Hampton Beach Casino ballroom.

The Hampton Beach Casino ballroom is a classy venue that will make this a truly unique event. It has played host to some of the best rock bands of all-time like the Beach Boys, BB King, Pat Benetar, Led Zepplin The Doors, Jimi Hendrix and Jethro Tull. The ballroom has a reputation as one of the best venues to play on the east coast. There is not a bad seat in the house.

The first 700 registered entrants will receive a complimentary concert ticket. Additional concert tickets are available for $20 but seating is limited, so act now.

LOCO Running - For Runners by Runners
This is another great race by the folks at LOCO Running. LOCO sports was founded in New Hampshire by runners just like you who believed that loyal core runners deserved a company truly dedicated to the sport of running and to the running community.

They are experienced in developing running shoes with over 35 years of hands on expertise creating some of the most popular running shoes ever made. For more information about the company and its products, please visit www.locorunning.com

The folks at LOCO have a solid history of very successful race management, including the Great Bay Half Marathon, the Maine Coast Half Marathon, Stowe (Vermont) Eight Miler, and the “Will Run for Beer” series... You can count on them for a fantastic well organized race experience! Speaking of beer

We encourage participants to raise money for their favorite charity using this event. LOCO will be providing special prizes for those who raise money for designated charities. In order to receive your prize for raising money, you must first register with us and designate a charity. You will be able to pick up your prize at the Sunday number pickup. Please go to http://www.locorunning.com/hamptonhalf-rf.php for more details.

Volunteers
Join the Hampton Half Marathon and Rockfest Volunteer team. If your friends, family members, or partner is racing it’s a great way to support them while actively participating in the race. Race volunteers all work hard, have great time and support a great cause. Volunteering is a great way to gain valuable experience, make new connections, and experience the thrill of the first ever Hampton Half Marathon and Rockfest.

Let’s Go
Looking for a memorable racing experience this fall? Half at the Hamptons and Rockfest (relay too) is just the one for you! If you have never run a half marathon before you will have the opportunity to experience the ecstasy of pushing past your limits. If you ran this race last February you will want to come back to experience the modified course with fall weather and foliage, this time without the ice and snow! Experience the innermost energy drawn from a pre-race rock concert, magnificent ocean views and fabulous fall foliage. With its invigorating fall weather, blue skies, ocean views, and inspiring landscape, you will find a surprise at every turn. Then, kick back with friends at what promises to be best post race party of the season.

Mark your calendars, set up your training regime. Have a great time while seeking your best half marathon time. Let’s go!

Register today at www.locorunning.com/hamptonhalf. The first 1500 to enter will receive a long sleeve technical wicking shirt.

Related info:
> Event Website

> Event Registration

> Active Running

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