You’ll get your chance to run through Havre de Grace, MD, one of the nation’s “best small towns to visit,” according to Smithsonian Magazine, at the Susquehanna River Running Festival, which follows a point-to-point route that features a pair of bridge crossings over the river it’s named for, and plentiful …
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You’ll get your chance to run through Havre de Grace, MD, one of the nation’s “best small towns to visit,” according to Smithsonian Magazine, at the Susquehanna River Running Festival, which follows a point-to-point route that features a pair of bridge crossings over the river it’s named for, and plentiful scenic views of the river, Chesapeake Bay and the parks along it throughout the course.
The race, which makes its fifth annual running this year, starts in the small Maryland shore town of Havre de Grace, which has a history that dates all the way back to the nation’s founding — in fact, historical figures from General Lafayette to George Washington spent time here back during the Revolutionary War.
From the starting line Tydings Park, the race heads north through town up Union Avenue, lined with mature trees and grand 19th century architecture.
Then you’ll head onto the 1.2 mile Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge, which will carry runners across the Susquehanna to another historic town of Perryville.
Once across the river and through Perryville, you’ll run a loop around Perry Point, running through Susquehanna Point and Perryville Park along the shores of the upper Chesapeake Bay before heading back to the bridge, which you’ll cross again to go back into Havre de Grace.
Then, the course heads back along the waterfront again, through downtown Havre de Grace, past the Concord Point Lighthouse to the race finish line, in front of Millard Tydings Memorial Park. You will have lots of spectators cheering you on and boosting your spirits as you travel through Havre de Grace and Perryville.
Awaiting you will be a finisher’s medal and a great after-party with food, one beer (included in fee) and live music. For our out of town guests, we arranged blocks of hotel rooms at group rates with shuttle bus service to and from the event.
All net proceeds go to the Al Cesky Scholarship Fund, Inc., a local 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization which awards $54,000 annually to local scholar-athletes.
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Small Town Charm
This race made me think about the word “nice.” It has become a pejorative. What is nice isn’t well regarded. But that is what this event is, and that’s perfectly … MORE
This race made me think about the word “nice.” It has become a pejorative. What is nice isn’t well regarded. But that is what this event is, and that’s perfectly fine. The charm is of a small town on the East Coat. Everyone was friendly. There were enough porta potties. The weather was perfect, not yet quite “crisp.” It warmed up a bit, but not to the point of being hot. There were 300 participants. They had pacers to 2:40.
The route was mostly flat. It crossed a bridge shrouded in fog, which was literally cool and figuratively as well. If I were in the area, I’d run it again.
The bonus is a local seafood festival that occurs the same weekend. So if you like crab, you will enjoy a feast.
Must do race!
Really enjoyed the 10K and look forward to trying the HM next year. Great weather and awesome medals. Ideal for people who like the seaside and running across bridges. Festive … MORE
Really enjoyed the 10K and look forward to trying the HM next year. Great weather and awesome medals. Ideal for people who like the seaside and running across bridges. Festive atmosphere.