Ran the Smuttynose Half Marathon this weekend to check off NH off my half marathon state list. I was in Boston for a conference and drove just over an hour to Hampton, NH. I got in shortly afternoon on Saturday.

Expo: The expo was from 1-5 pm on Saturday at the start/finish area. Not a whole lot there. There was race day registration available. Bib pick up was based off last name. After you get your bib, you go get your fleeces. I appreciate fleeces because I have way too many shirts. I wish it would have started maybe around noon or something along those lines. Held outside under tents. Takes about 10 minutes tops.

Race day: the half marathon started at 8:05 AM (the 5K at 8:40). The first 2 miles and change were around a loop around the start before heading out towards Seabrook Town Beach and back. Mile 5-6 took you down the main drag. After mile 6 and change we made our way along the Atlantic before turning into part of town and running along the streets for 2 miles or so. After mile 10, we headed back into town and finished along the main drag.

Aid Stations: Feel like this part could do some work. On the way back, not so many of them. I feel like since there were parts that were out and back, the water stops should have been in the middle of the road so you could get to them from both sides.

Parking: Make sure you get there with enough time to park or your parking aways out.

Getting there: be sure to look at the directions. There was bridge work on the main way in, so I took an alternate route in order to avoid traffic

Swag: medals, fleece

Post Race Party: food and alcohol along the beach. Since I had to get to the airport,I couldn’t enjoy it, but it looked like fun :-(