Running a Mainly Marathon race is more like a family reunion than a race. Both the runners and the race directors are very supportive, and it is difficult to walk … MORE
Running a Mainly Marathon race is more like a family reunion than a race. Both the runners and the race directors are very supportive, and it is difficult to walk away from one of these runs without making a friend or two. This course is not the most interesting one in the world, as it is sandwiched between the Black River and state highway 11 in Springfield. The river is scenic with lush green riparian vegetation, but on the other side of the trail you can see and hear traffic, so it isn’t exactly a wilderness experience. Because this is part of a series of 7 or 8 marathons in as many days, many of the participants are walking, so it is tempting to slow down and walk with other runners. Suffice to say it is difficult to get a PR in these races (runs). There are no awards for the fastest runners, but there is an award for the last runner to finish. Some do these races to hammer out a number of states in a short period of time, and others do it to add to their lifetime marathon or half marathon total. Others probably do it to see all of their other friends. In any event, these races are quite popular, so the race directors have definitely found a niche. If you are very competitive, these races are probably not for you, but if you just like to run with other people, you will probably like these races.
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Flat course for social runners
Running a Mainly Marathon race is more like a family reunion than a race. Both the runners and the race directors are very supportive, and it is difficult to walk … MORE
Running a Mainly Marathon race is more like a family reunion than a race. Both the runners and the race directors are very supportive, and it is difficult to walk away from one of these runs without making a friend or two. This course is not the most interesting one in the world, as it is sandwiched between the Black River and state highway 11 in Springfield. The river is scenic with lush green riparian vegetation, but on the other side of the trail you can see and hear traffic, so it isn’t exactly a wilderness experience. Because this is part of a series of 7 or 8 marathons in as many days, many of the participants are walking, so it is tempting to slow down and walk with other runners. Suffice to say it is difficult to get a PR in these races (runs). There are no awards for the fastest runners, but there is an award for the last runner to finish. Some do these races to hammer out a number of states in a short period of time, and others do it to add to their lifetime marathon or half marathon total. Others probably do it to see all of their other friends. In any event, these races are quite popular, so the race directors have definitely found a niche. If you are very competitive, these races are probably not for you, but if you just like to run with other people, you will probably like these races.
Great Out & Back + Great Food
This was the third day of an 8 day series. I really enjoyed the entire race series. All races are laps, ranging from 5-9 laps for the half marathons. There … MORE
This was the third day of an 8 day series. I really enjoyed the entire race series. All races are laps, ranging from 5-9 laps for the half marathons. There is one massive aid station and the main turn around that has more food than you could ever eat. Great staff and great support the entire time. Most of these races are in parks or near forested areas so I would recommend packing bug spray.
Paved path along the Black River
This is a fun marathon to do if you like to see other runners and wave hello. The course was a relatively straight, tree-lined, out and back along the Black … MORE
This is a fun marathon to do if you like to see other runners and wave hello. The course was a relatively straight, tree-lined, out and back along the Black River in NH. The weather in May was pleasant, and an easy drive to the next marathon in the series. The runners that frequent these series are a tight-knit group, but very welcoming to newcomers. It is difficult not to find a new friend when doing a Mainly Marathon run. In all of their series, you just get one t-shirt per series, one series medal and a medal shaped like the state for each race in the series. It makes a rather unique and distinctive finisher’s medal collection. They usually have just one aid station unless it is hot, but prepare special entrees every few hours and are well stocked with treats.