Granite State Marathon

While it was decidedly a low-budget production, the race was in a beautiful riverfront park (an out-and-back on roads then 5 loops in the park) and was very accommodating to everyone's style -- there was a potluck style food table at the start of the loop, a water stop at the far side (approx. middle) of the loop, and a few volunteers on the course to steer you around and cheer you on. I was dreading running loops, but the park was so nice I actually enjoyed it much more than many of the urban races I've run. Decidedly low-perk and low-spectator, but sooo easy and sooo friendly! Only downside was the delay / format of the results, but now that they're up on MarathonGuide, I'm good!

The only reason to do this race is to get a check mark next to New Hampshire. It is a low budget, low cost run with a bunch of fellow marathoners who are trying to get their states done. It is 5 laps around through a nice enough park with support at the beginning and approximate half-way point. Perhaps if I had done more of the races in this 5 state series, I might have enjoyed it more from a camaraderie standpoint, but I only had the time and stamina to do one.

For those looking to complete all 50 states and hold down travel costs by completing multiple marathons in a week, the New England Challenge races are for you. I was unsure how well I would do running multiple races in a week but with no time limit to these races and Savage racings no runner left behind policy, I signed up for and completed 3 of the 5 races. I too was skeptical about doing a multiple loop course. I found these courses made it easy for my wife to view me and knowing that the aid stations were so well stocked and close by meant I didn't have to carry more than a water bottle when running. Several runners were doing all 5 races and combining them with other races on the weekends to complete 7 or 8 states in a week. I'm headed back this year for the CT race and combining it with Vermont and New York on the weekends. If smaller, relaxed and friendly races are for you then these races should be on your calendar.