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Hello, on October 5th 2013, you’ll be organizing the New Hampshire Marathon. Can you tell us where it is located?
The NH Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K Road Race, & Health Walk is located in Bristol, NH. The Marathon & Half Marathon travel around beautiful Newfound Lake covering the towns of Hebron and Bridgewater along with Bristol.
How old is the race and why was it created in the first place?
This is the 21st year of the event & it was created to showcase the Newfound Lake area in the peak foliage time of year and has grown into a charitable event that donates proceeds to local youth centered organizations.
What kind of route have you set up for the runners? How would you describe it?
The Marathon is a challenging scenic course with plenty of hills (some gradual & some steep) mainly in the beginning of the race. The last 10 miles are mainly flat and downhill. Half Marathon is mainly flat & downhill as it starts at a different location which takes out many of the early hills the marathoners have to face.
How many runners do you expect on Saturday morning? What type of runners do you plan to attract?
We expect over 600 runners combined in all of the events. With over 300 of them being marathoners. We get many competitive runners as well as a lot of runners from different clubs such as Marathon Maniacs & 50 Staters. We get a lot of repeat runners because they love the small town feel of the race and the beautiful mountain and lake scenery. We also get a lot of first timers as we’re known to be sure to have volunteers out on the course until the last runner comes in.
Do you organize other races during the Weekend?
If so, on what distances? As described above we have a marathon, half marathon, 10K road race and health walk. We’re also proud to announce we will be offering a Kids Marathon this year!
At that time of the year, what kind of weather can we expect?
It’s fall weather in New England, which means it can vary a great deal! Low of 40, High of 60 would probably be the average.
Have you planned festivities around the marathon?
We have a spaghetti dinner the night before as well as an Arts & Crafts Show after the event.
The race finished, what advice would you give a runner who has never been to Bristol before? A good restaurant, a fancy sightseeing?
The foliage is typically beautiful this time of year so a drive around the lake or further up north is always worth it. We also have many great restaurant & lodging sponsors that we’d love to see runners visit – more info on that can be found on our website
In a single sentence, what would you tell the readers of ahotu Marathons to make them register for the New Hampshire Marathon?
Recently named best small town race by Runner’s World magazine really says it all! We’re a small race with lots of volunteers that tend to the runner’s needs and our event benefits three great local youth-centered organizations.
Interview with Dan MacLean, Race director. 2013 is the first year for Dan as Race director. He is working with Everett Begor who has been a part of this event from the beginning. His father, Fred MacLean, was race director over fifteen years ago and now he is glad to be following in his footsteps with this great community centered event!