Barns & Blooms Half Marathon

Runners will start the race on Bay Road in front of Miles River Middle School. In the early flat and fast miles, runners pass by beautiful Appleton Farms with it’s 1,000 acres of pasture land and historic farm buildings. Established in 1638, and maintained by NINE generations of the Appleton family, Appleton Farms is one of the oldest continuously operating farms in the entire country.

The first right turn brings runners onto Lakeman’s Lane. Runners pass by classic New England fieldstone walls and a quiet, shady tree-lined neighborhood with horse paddocks and riding fields.

The next right turn brings the race onto John Wise Ave and views of open fields, conservation lands and historic barns. Wild flowers, crab apple, dogwood and magnolia trees put Spring on full display along this beautiful stretch of the race. Runners will likely be tempted to stop for a treat at Down River Ice Cream but race veterans know it’s best to save these delicious homemade ice cream flavors for after the finish line.

As the runners make their next right turn in Essex, Massachusetts the views of historic homes and landscapes continue. Town records show settlers as early as 1633, nearly 150 years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The race continues through quiet neighborhoods and past Meadowbrook Farmstand before crossing over a small bridge on the appropriately named, “Bridge Street.”

The final right turn brings runners onto Bay Road as they pass through the charming small village of South Hamilton, Massachusetts. Distant sounds of the finish line begin to encourage runners as they enter the closing 1/2 mile stretch of flat and straight road approaching the arch. Cheers of family and friends welcome runners home as they cross the finish line.