Latest reviews by Jason

(2014)
"Exeter Day 5K"
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The Exeter Day 5K is a fantastic family race. There were lots of families, lots of children, and lots of smiles. The challenging 5K race course traversed the meticulous fields and trails of Phillips Exeter Academy. Hopefully, Exeter Day School continues the tradition and celebrates their 76th anniversary with another outstanding race in 2015.

Originally posted at: http://saltmarshrunning.com/2014/06/01/2014-exeter-day-5k/
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Parking/Facilities/Registration: Parking was provided in a few different places. Each remote lot was within a 1/4 mile of the race start and finish area. There were two porta potties with zero lines. The registration process was quick and friendly. Runners received t-shirts and swag bags with various product samples.

Race Course: The race course was the best feature of this race. The fields and trails of Phillips Exeter Academy are simply beautiful. The course challenged runners with a couple of short hills and lots of twists and turns. After running on pavement for the majority of my training, the wet fields did a number on my tired legs. The course was well-marked with arrows, ribbons, balloons and traffic cones. A big shout-out goes to the race volunteers who were everywhere at once. Runners passed the water stop twice and many took full advantage.

Refreshments: A tent by the finish line offered runners cold bottled water, orange slices, bananas and Dunkin Donuts Munchkins. There were also three food trucks selling hot dogs, soups and ice cream. The ice cream truck seemed to have the most business on this beautiful sunny day.

Awards and Results: Results were posted very quickly after runners crossed the line. The finish line announcer did a great job keeping things lively and entertaining. Upbeat music kept people engaged, and more than a few were caught dancing. Awards were given to the overall male and female winners, and the first place finisher in each age group. There were also several prizes awarded to spectators and participants who purchased raffle tickets.

Overall Experience: The Exeter Day School trail race is a great race event for everyone in the family. The volunteers were exceedingly friendly (must be the pre-school teacher personality). I was thanked by at least three different volunteers for coming to run and support Exeter Day School.

The race was well-organized and it is clear that race organizers carefully planned and prepared to offer runners a pleasant race experience. Free childcare was offered during the race! That’s a huge plus for moms and dads that want to run a race together.

The Exeter Day School 5K trail race definitely has the potential to grow. I’ll be looking for this race again next year.

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(2014)
"Angel 5k Run and Walk"
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The 2014 Angels 5K Run and Fitness Walk is a fundraising effort to give college scholarship money to seniors at Merrimack Valley High School. The race is held in the small rural community of Penacook, NH and organized by the Loudon Lions Club. As you might expect, there were lots of families and young runners enjoying some friendly competition and supporting their local high school at this Thursday evening run.

Parking/Facilities/Registration: Registration was located behind Merrimack Valley High School by the baseball field. There was plenty of parking, bathrooms were close by, and the start and finish were separated by about 200 yards. Registration was smooth and there were no waiting lines. The volunteers were very friendly and courteous.

Race Course: A trip though downtown, a run past dairy cows, and a good dose of ups and downs define the Angels 5K course. Penacook Street is to the Angel 5K what Heartbreak Hill is to the Boston Marathon. After slamming down the hills in mile 1, runners climb a mountain up Penacook street in mile 2. Of course, that makes mile 3 interesting as runners try to squeeze something out of their tired legs and hold on until the finish line. The course was well-marked and there was a water stop at the half-way point.

Refreshments: After finishing the race, runners left the chute area and refreshments were spread out for them just a few steps away. There were plenty of bagels, water, cookies, and other snack items available for hungry runners and walkers.

Awards and Results: Nice cotton t-shirts were given out to runners (see pic below). There was a raffle for runners and walkers with some very nice gifts donated by local businesses. Medals were awarded to the fastest overall runners as well as age group winners. Awards went three deep in each class. Because this race was held on a Thursday night, some runners were grumbling about the ceremony taking too long. Maybe awards first and raffle afterwards would be a better idea for next year?

Overall Experience: I noticed lots of smiles on the faces of the runners, walkers, spectators and volunteers. This race is a special event and I was happy to have been a part of it. If you can make it to the Angel 5K Run next year, I guarantee you’ll find a challenging 5K course and a friendly group of people to run with.

Original Post: http://saltmarshrunning.com/2014/05/02/2014-angels-5k-run/
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(2014)
"Peeper 5k - Small Race with Big Perks"
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The Peeper 5K Run is a beloved race in the small town of Barrington, New Hampshire. The race is organized and sponsored by the Greater Barrington Chamber of Commerce. For the past twenty years, this race has been run on the first Saturday of May. The Peeper 5K has the convenience of a small town race, and the benefits of a big-time road racing event.

Parking/Facilities/Registration: Parking was close and convenient at the nearby Barrington Elementary School. The registration tables and porta-potties were behind the Post Office in a nice green space. The walk from the school to the race area was less than a quarter mile. The registration process went smoothly and personal gift bags were given to each pre-registered runner. In the swag bag, runners could find local coupons, pens and pencils, and a colorful cotton race t-shirt. My only suggestion would be to staff the heavily used pre-registration table with a few more people to speed up the process.

Race Course: The race course was a gently rolling “out and back” affair. Runners turned around at 1.5 miles and saw the faces of the runners behind them. This led to lots of cheering and encouragement. We stayed on one road the entire way, and volunteers were present at every intersection to keep us moving in the right direction. Traffic was stopped, and we had the road all to ourselves! What a great feeling to run without worrying about vehicular traffic. This course is ideal for fast race times.

Refreshments: Runners were treated to some spectacular refreshments. Fresh and oh-so-delicious bakery donuts from Stonehouse Baking Company, bananas, oranges, bagels and cream cheese, homemade cookies and granola bars. Juice, water and Gatorade sat chilling in buckets of ice for the thirsty crowd.

Awards and Results: Cash prizes were awarded to the first three men and women as well as the first Masters man and woman. Age group medals were handed out to runners three deep in each age group along with assorted gifts. The results were ready quickly and posted on the registration table. Minutes after leaving the awards ceremony, my phone chimed as my personal results arrived via email.

Overall Experience: Fantastic. So far, this is my favorite NH road race of the 2014 season. I can see why this race has lasted for two decades and counting. I’m truly amazed the secret hasn’t spread. Well, it’s out there now… Definitely add this fast 5K to your calendar in May 2015.

Originally posted at: http://saltmarshrunning.com/2014/05/03/2014-peeper-5k/
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(2014)
"Rescue Run 5K"
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The Kennebunk Savings’ Rescue Run 5K: Race for Marine Mammals is a fun trail race through one of New Hampshire’s premiere natural attractions, the beautiful and rambling Odiorne State Park. The challenging cross-country course is full of ups and downs and twists and turns. The proceeds from this family friendly event go towards Marine Mammal Rescue and ocean education efforts.

Parking/Facilities/Registration: Parking was easy and convenient. The facilities were clean and well staffed. Runners could use indoor bathrooms at the Seacoast Science Center or find porta-potties at the race starting area. Registration was efficient and the volunteers were pleasant and helpful.

Race Course: The 5K cross-country trail route was created by Jennifer Shultis, captain of Team Eastern Mountain Sports, 2006 US Adventure Racing National Champions. The course runs through the forest, by the rocky shore, across a sandy beach, and along historic military fortifications. The hills are short and steep and the turns are tight. Fortunately, there were swarms of volunteers along the course today directing traffic and keeping the runners and walkers moving in the right direction.

Refreshments: A delicious bounty for rain-soaked runners could be found under the refreshment tent: sliced oranges, watermelon, apples, yogurt, bagels and cream cheese, water, Muscle Milk, and hot coffee. There was plenty for everyone. WERZ 107.1 provided the music soundtrack and several runners were happily finding their post-race groove.

Awards and Results: Prizes were awarded to the overall male and female winners, and two deep in each age group. Gift certificates to local businesses, lift passes to Waterville Valley, and Seacost Science Center memberships were among some of the prizes awarded to runners. There was also a much-anticipated raffle with six great prize baskets available for all registered runners and walkers. Timing and results were handled by Millennium Running. After an early hiccup, the results were compiled and made available to all runners. An email was sent out about an hour after the race with personalized results for all pre-registered runners. This is a nice personal touch that runners really appreciate.

Overall Experience: This race is one of my favorites. First called the Whale of a Trail 5K, the name has since changed to reflect the Science Center’s new Marine Mammal Rescue initiative. If you run this race, you can count on a unique cross-country style course, a family friendly event focused on environmental awareness, and spending time with great people on both sides of the finish line.

Original Post at: http://saltmarshrunning.com/2014/04/26/2014-rescue-run-5k/
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(2014)
"SRS Bow Lake 5K"
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The SRS Bow Lake 5K is a community running event held in the small town of Strafford, NH. The road race serves as a fundraiser for the Strafford Recreations Sports organization. As you might expect, there were lots of families and young runners enjoying some friendly competition and the early spring weather.

Parking/Facilities/Registration: Registration took place inside the Bow Lake Grange Hall. Parking was along the side of the road or in the Grange Hall parking lot. I arrived late, but had no problem finding a parking spot. Porta potties could be found outside the Grange Hall. Registration and number pickup took place inside the hall.

The rain and the cool weather made the hall an excellent site for registration. The volunteers were friendly and efficient. They gave out bags, frisbees and colorful cotton t-shirts to the runners. T-shirts came in both adult and youth sizes, which is a really nice touch.

Race Course: Bring a sherpa along for this one. There are some impressive hills in Strafford, NH. In fact, the road I left on was aptly named Rollercoaster Road. Lots of ups and downs with a flat finish. The SRS Bow Lake 5K will challenge runners and keep things interesting. The course was mostly paved, with half mile of gravel road. No traffic issues and two passes by the water stop.

Refreshments: What a feast! There were baked goods, bananas, oranges, donut holes, and bagels presented on a buffet table in the Grange Hall following the race. There was also plenty of bottled water for everyone. It’s really nice to enjoy some good food after a race.

Awards and Results: There were cash prizes for the top two overall winners both male and female, and an assortment of prizes were awarded to the top finisher in each age group division.

Overall Experience: I liked this race. It was well organized, the volunteers were friendly and supportive, and the challenging course kept things interesting. I was particularly impressed by the performance of the younger runners. Keep your eye on this region of the state over the next 5 to 10 years. Or, better yet, come see for yourself at the 2015 SRS Bow Lake 5K.

Originally posted at: http://saltmarshrunning.com/2014/04/13/2014-srs-bow-lake-5k/
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