It all started driving from Boston to Wells. Beautiful scenic views and the weather was getting more beautiful by the minute. We had a great time exploring Newburyport, Portsmouth and Kittery, and the food was incredible 🦞

Morning of:
The race starts at the northern tip of a peninsula with spectacular views of Wells Harbor.
Race was scheduled to start at 7am at the Eastern Shore parking lot. With shuttle buses taking you there. This part did not go smoothly and race got delayed by 45 minutes.
It was a 20 minute drive from our hotel to the local Junior high where we were supposed to park. As soon as we got down the freeway to get to the parking area we hit traffic. At first we thought it was an accident but no, the traffic was all the runners trying to get there. Some people started parking in the side of the road and started walking and / or running to the pick up area. The three of us (all BibRave Pros) decided to stick together and drive. When we finally got to the JH the police told us that parking was full, the we needed to turn around and find parking at the local high school. We could see the lines of people waiting for the shuttle bus and they were huge lines. We drove to the HS found parking and we walked / ran to our assigned pick up area which was like a mile away. Finally got to the shuttle which it was a fun little drive to the start line.

Start line: Things happened fast when we got there. It was not easy to get to the drop off area and they were starting the race. Looked and felt a somewhat chaotic. We were trying to find the drop off, people scrambling to use the restroom (not enough porta potties). We were literally the last ones to start the race.

Course:
It was everything I was looking forward to. Beautiful course, beautiful coastal views with the nice ocean breeze. Also with amazing views of marshes that are part of the Wells Reserve and Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge.
One thing that we all wished we knew before hand was some very nice hills along the course. We had at least 3 long and steep (for a houstonian) and the last one was on mile 12, ouch. I was keeping with the pace I wanted for my goal and when I saw the hill I completely doubted myself.

Finish line:
My Garmin was pretty good aligned with the mile marks along the course, but after we hit the 13 mile mark we ran another almost half a mile to cross the finish line. It felt like it was never ending. Finally crossed the finish line, and crushed my goal. Race ended at the Wells Harbor Community Park. It was fun, great energy, beautiful views and nice party.

Time to head back: Was not easy, first we had to wait a while to get the bags (we’re not delivered promptly). Also, the lines to get in a shuttle to go back to the parking were very long. We decided to walk back (approximately 2.5 miles) After the run that was the last thing I wanted to do. And there was a nice hill to climb. This past was actually my least favorite and I was not having a great time.

This race is great, lots of positive aspects. Views, weather, ocean views, great energy. But it definitely needs improvement in managing parking, shuttles, porta potions availability, water stations and drop off.

Overall: I did enjoyed the run itself. Like a mentioned before it is a beautiful place and the running experience was great.