The new Shamrock Shuffle race in downtown New London was postponed from yesterday, March 14, to Saturday, March 20. The race was delayed because police were busy dealing with downed trees and power lines from the storm and couldn’t support the race.
So the race will take place Saturday, March 20, rain or shine, at 10am.
Visit www.shamrockshuffle5k.com to learn more.
The Niantic Bay Half Marathon and 5K was held on this very soggy Sunday morning at Rocky Neck State Park. The rain produced some sizable puddles, including a huge one under the train bridge where everyone had to pass to get to the start. This caused a delay because people had to walk single file along the edge to avoid getting their shoes completely saturated.
But despite the rainy conditions and late start, the races went relatively smoothly. The starting lines for both races were located at the parking lot behind the pavilion. The 5K racers and half marathoners had separate starting routes and also staggered starting times, with the half kicking off 5 minutes after the 5K. Both races had chip timing and both start and finish mats, so runners received accurate net times.
Both the 5k and the half marathon courses were relatively flat. The 5k loops around the service roads in Rocky Neck. The half marathon is basically two out-and-back legs from the inside of Rocky Neck to the end of Giants Neck. It is a bit tedious doing two long out-and-backs, but at least you know exactly what to expect after the first loop. Usually the area is very scenic as well, although the overcast, rainy weather today diminished that aspect a bit. The course was completely closed within Rocky Neck State Park for the 5k and for that portion of the half marathon. In Giants Neck, one lane is closed to traffic, separated by cones.
There were plenty of water/PowerAde stops along the way, with some offering gu packets as well. The food at the end was ok, although they did run out of pizza.
Running on Longfellow Bridge with a view of the Charles.
Although this site focuses on races around southeastern Connecticut, I’m sure some people are like me and don’t mind traveling a little farther for larger races. Boston’s Run to Remember, a tribute to fallen police officers, featured a half marathon and 5-mile race that took runners right through downtown Boston. I ran the half marathon last Sunday with my friends from Run Rhody.
Both races started at the Seaport World Trade Center and looped through Government Center and Downtown Crossing. But the half marathon route went up to Harvard and back via Memorial Drive. Aside from a few slight hills to either go over or under bridges and then a mile-long incline at about Mile 11 (half marathon) or Mile 3 (5-mile race), the course was pretty flat and fast.
There were water and Gatorade aid stations at about miles 4.5, 6, 8.5, and 11. I think there were two port-a-johns on Memorial Drive at the 4.5-8.5 aid station which had lines of runners. So increasing the number of port-a-johns would be a huge improvement so people don’t have to wait around for so long during the race.
The course was fairly well marked, and there were split time displays at several mile markers. The start was also organized by pace which was nice, though I think some people really overestimated their projected finish time. But with 4000 people participating in the half marathon, I think a general organization of people by pace is key even if it’s not entirely accurate.
All in all, it was a nice race. For people looking for a fun, well-organized half marathon, I highly recommend Boston’s Run to Remember.
After the race at the Seaport World Trade Center with my friends from Run Rhody.
