Half at the Hamptons—Great Seaside Half Marathon at Hampton Beach, New Hampshire’s Famous Coastal Resort
Here it is—Motivation! Spring marathon training run or seaside winter adventure, this half marathon along the serene shore in late winter is ideal; enjoy terrific awards and a super post race party with taps flowing.

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By Skip Cleaver
Posted Friday, 8 January, 2010

The Half at the Hamptons half marathon will be running on the third Sunday in February with a terrific New England seaside course. Be a part of this celebration, perfectly timed for mid winter long runs. New England distance running can be tremendously enjoyable, especially if you have the right combination of scenic course, great organization, historic resort, post race party, and plenty of awards. Where will you be on February 21st?

This event is an ideal February run because of the amenities, the facilities, and the placement on the calendar. Yes, it will still be winter but it is actually warmer along the shore on average, and the daily average high for February 21 at Hampton Beach is 39 degrees with a record high of 61. And days will be much longer than early December; the sun will be getting higher and spring will be right around the corner. A typical February 21st day shows light winds, sunny to mostly sunny 75% of the time, with February having the least precipitation of any month. This is a quiet and enjoyable time at an otherwise bustling resort—a time to appreciate the serenity of the quiet beach and to really take in the natural beauty and rhythm of the New England shore.

Hampton Beach is easy to get to, just minutes off Interstate 95. It is very close to major transportation hubs—less than an hour from major airports.

Beautiful Course, Clockwise Loop, Walkers Welcome
This race is for all who want to experience a half marathon, whether as a goal in itself, or as a marathon trainer. It will include a running division with an 11:00 a.m. start, and a walking division, which will step off at 10:00 a.m. along a clockwise loop that is as flat as it is scenic. The course is beautiful, and nearly all of it will be rural roads with over four miles immediately along the ocean and famous beaches.

It includes scenic byways, elegant, historic Victorian and Edwardian homes, working farms, as well as over four memorable miles along the Atlantic surf. Run adjacent to New England walls and fields, beaches with panoramic ocean views—including famous islands off shore, weather permitting. You will love running along these roads. Race headquarters will be the famous, historic, landmark grand hotel Ashworth-by-the Sea where the race will start and finish—and where the awards ceremony and post race party will held, including runners’ favorites--beer along with delicious Lindt Chocolate (Lindt’s USA headquarters is in nearby Stratham, New Hampshire).

It will be professionally chip timed by Yankee Timing using the Chronotrack system to insure accurate and rapid results.

And this race will be rewarding. Be the early bird. (Save $7 if you register by November 30.) All who register will receive long-sleeved wicking tech shirts. There are five-year age group awards for runners, and awards for the top three women and men walkers overall and top three over 40. They will also have special awards for top Hampton runners. Everyone will receive a memorable finisher’s medal. This beautiful, easy, flat race with breathtaking scenery is an award in itself. (Please see the map on the race Website www.hamptonhalf.com/halfatthehamptons/ ).

Grand Hotel, Ashworth-by-the-Sea
Celebrate your run or walk in the elegant Ashworth-by-the-Sea ballroom. A Hampton beach landmark, this grand historic hotel is an ideal place to appreciate your accomplishment and savor the day and location. The Ashworth-by-the-Sea is your race headquarters, and you should consider it for your destination lodging, a weekend get-away in this grand, historic hotel. It is a great place for a few beers and a post race party. It has a beautiful beach-front view, three floors with 105 rooms, an indoor pool, several dining facilities, a deck overlooking the Atlantic, and a wonderful reputation (serving guests since 1912).

Second Race in the “Will Run for Beer” Series
This will be the second event in the very popular “Will Run for Beer” coastal running series including six races beginning with the Hangover Classic 5K and 10K on January 1st in Salisbury, Massachusetts. Half marathons are worth double points in the series, which has age group awards and a great jacket for those running at least five of the six events: April Fools Four Miler, Salisbury (April 3); Great Bay Half Marathon, Newmarket, NH (April 11); Margaritas Cinco de Mayo 5K, Exeter, NH (May 2); and the Will Run for Beer 5K, Newmarket (June 6). Check the series Website at
http://www.willrunforbeer.com/ for details.

LOCO Race Management
This race is one of many brought to you by the folks at LOCO Sports—a company for runners, by runners, and a company truly dedicated to the sport of running and to the running community. They also produce the tremendously successful Great Bay Half Marathon (April), Stowe Eight Miler in Vermont (July); the “Will Run for Beer” Series; the Smuttynose Rockfest Half Marathon (October), the women’s Harvard Pilgrim Maine Coast Half Marathon (November), and more.

For more information about the company and its various products and apparel, please visit http://www.locorunning.com/

Be a Part of the Half at the Hamptons
Keep your training schedule on track, and keep focus with this important February 21st training goal. Experience the well chosen course and the camaraderie; enjoy the terrific post race party. You can enjoy late winter running in New England with a scenic, historic, and spectacular setting. The Half at the Hamptons is a half marathon for anyone; all are welcome. They have planned really well to make your experience a very special one.

Check the race Website for details, and definitely be there to enjoy a great run at a popular destination. Enjoy the Hamptons—they are far more than a summer destination. Join in this beautiful winter seaside tour with its fast, scenic loop course, outstanding race organization, and classy seaside resort post race celebration. It is Winter Wonder!

Register Now
Please visit the race website: www.hamptonhalf.com/halfathamptons/ which includes registration information, volunteer opportunities, directions, details on charities, course map, lodging options, and much more.

Related info:
Event Website

Event Registration

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