|
|
|
First Timer's Guide
Race Calendars
Training Plans
|
|
Massachusetts > Newburyport Green Stride Half Marathon & Relay
Newburyport, MA • Sunday, October 20, 2013 • Course Map
Set for its 3rd annual running in 2013 here in Massachusetts' northeastern corner, in a city and a region whose residents have long had a passionate attachment to running -- from races like the Yankee Homecoming Race Series in Newburyport to the legendary Boston Marathon each spring -- the Newburyport Half Marathon & Relay is set to take runners on an out-and-back loop course through several of this historic seaport town's most scenic parks and neighborhoods.
The race takes runners through one small part of what is known as the Massachusetts North Shore, the string of towns and cities along the coastal area between Boston and New Hampshire, which is known for the stark beauty of its rocky coastline and beaches as well as its distinct culture and history.
Along the North Shore lies the town of Salem, Mass., where the infamous Salem Witch Trials were held back in the late 1690s, and then further north lies Gloucester, which served as the setting for Sebastian Junger's 1997 nonfiction book The Perfect Storm.
In addition to the natural beauty of the coastline, Newburyport is famous for its walkable city streets, retail shops and inns, and it's these areas that runners will trek through on the out-and-back loop route for the half marathon, which starts and finishes near the city's Cashman Park. A small, family-friendly waterfront park that lies along the Merrimack River, Cashman is also where the finish line lies overlooking the river, almost literally a stone's throw from the starting line.
From the starting line in front of the park on Merrimac Street, runners then head out on what is basically a counter-clockwise loop through the city, heading first in the direction of Moseley Pines Park and Maudslay State Park, which is perhaps most famous as the former Moseley family estate and today is home to gardens, meadows and woods filled with tall pines as well as azaleas and rhododendrons that bloom in the spring. Runners will make their way along the park's eastern edge, along Pine Hill Road and Hoyts Lane, before turning off onto Main Street and then onto Turkey Hill Road.
The next stretch of the course takes runners around the southernmost of two reservoirs that extend out from the river, as runners make their way around the Upper Artichoke Reservoir. Like the rest of the course, this stretch features only gently rolling terrain, and runners will cross over the water twice on their way around the reservoir before rejoining Turkey Hill Road on the way toward Hale Street, which brings runners out of the more rural and natural areas outside the city and back into town.
The final few miles of the race mark a return to the city's intown neighborhoods, as the course turns off Toppans Lane and onto High Street. Runners can expect to find themselves running along tree-lined streets with historic homes, many of which still feature what are known as "widow's walks," areas on the roof where wives and families could climb up to view ships returning to port, hopefully bringing home their husbands, sons, brothers and fathers.
Runners finish the race of course back where they started, at Cashman Park, where plenty of food, beer and music will be waiting. Just over 1,400 runners crossed the finish line in the individual half marathon in 2012.
Race Weather & Climate
Located along the Merrimack River in the state's northeastern corner, along what locals call the North Shore of Massachusetts, Newburyport typically sees cool to sometimes cold weather in October, when the city's average monthly temperatures range between 39°F and 62°F.
On the day of the race (Oct. 20), the average low is 38°F and the average high is 61°F, while precipitation amounts average just over 4.3 inches for the month.
Course Map
View the race route map for the Newburyport Green Stride Half Marathon
Starting Time
11:00 AM
Fees
$60 for the half marathon, if registered by May 15, 2013
$65 between May 16 - September 15
$70 after Sept. 15
$80 on race day, if not sold out
Registration
To reserve your spot in the fall 2013 running of the Newburyport Green Stride Half Marathon or relay race, register online at RaceWire.com.
Official Race Website
www.newburyporthalfmarathon.com
Leave a Comment
Ever run in Massachusetts' annual Newburyport Half Marathon?
Share your impressions, stories and tips from the event.
|
|
|
