Makeadashforit
LACE UP YOUR SNEAKS TO EXPLORE BEAUTIFUL NEW ENGLAND LOCALES
If you asked me six months ago if I'd like to find a pretty 5K road race to run, I'd tell you to get lost. I hated running. But all that has changed. Thanks to a handy app on my phone called Couch To 5K (C25K), I can now run a slow but strong 5K. Would I say I love it? Given all the locations we New Englanders can tie our sneakers up and trot along in official races, I'd say I sure don't hate it anymore.
We have a treasure trove of run choices around here. And as spring moves toward summer, we can find a beautiful, fun and interesting run almost every weekend. Consider it the day trip that has it all: exercise, scenery, often a little history, usually a chance to help a worthy cause via race entry fees and perhaps indulge in a “you can only get it there” post-race treat that you've more than earned. Consider these great 5Ks, download C25K on your phone and open yourself up to a new way to experience our beautiful region.
Payton’s Pace, Jamestown, R.I., May 21: This 5K race winds through beautiful Jamestown and past
the beaches, giving you an ocean breeze and that wonderful smell of salt in the air. It begins at Fort Getty Recreational Area, near Mackerel Cove Beach, and continues along the waterfront, looping back after taking you down quaint New England beach town roads. A cool factor before you even arrive: You drive over the breathtaking Newport Bridge to get to Jamestown.
The race honors a local girl, Payton Watson, who lost her battle with acute myelogenous leukemia just days shy of her 12th birthday. Entry fees (and funds raised by racers who choose to) help support youth programs in the area and raise cancer awareness.
Treats afterward? This event has you covered — there’s food, raffles and even a kids fun run. Register at paytonspace. org/2013/.
Freedom Trail Run, Boston: This fun, educational 5K takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from April through October, and most Saturdays the rest of the year. Starting at the corner of Park and Tremont streets, you’ll be led by a guide well versed in Boston history past 16 historic locations. Need to catch your breath? This run stops at some sites to explore and learn, giving you a chance to get up close to the many beautiful historic spots you may rush past most days.
To make it extra fun, rather than run a traditional loop, runners end their 5K by boarding a ferry that returns them to downtown Boston. On the ferry, you are treated to a drink so you can put those wellworked feet up and take in the beauty of our city from the water.
Post-ride treat (other than that drink?): Modern Pastry or Mike’s, of course. Learn more at freedomtrailrun.com.
Oak Bluffs Memorial Day Road Race, Martha’s Vineyard, May 28: Who doesn’t want to head to the islands on a holiday weekend? This Memorial Day 5K run gives you a chance to do just that in a new way. With the starting line just a quick walk from the ferry, you can enjoy a morning at sea, disembark and step up to run. The course brings you past lovely seaside homes, beach views and quaint spots that just say “Vineyard.”
The 5K is a favorite of running clubs all over, and a family event as well, as it also features a shorter “fun run” that kids can take part in for free.
Post-run you can spend the rest of the day shopping, poking around, beach walking and, of course, eating. A great choice? Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Co., where you can savor the real-deal New England clam chowder before your ferry ride back to the real world. You’ll have done good for the world, too — entry fees support Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard. Learn more at hospiceofmv.org
Fourth of July 5K, Plymouth: Tens of thousands of folks head to Plymouth, America’s Hometown, for July 4. As a runner in this race, you’ll take off from Stephen’s Field on the waterfront just south of downtown and loop around past the Rock and other famed sites and back. Plymouth Harbor and the waterfront are in their glory on this day, and since you’ll be done by 9 a.m., you can then walk a little way and grab a great spot for the town’s huge annual parade. If you have the stamina, stay through dark and take in the fireworks display as well.
Treats to celebrate? Pop into Water Street Cafe for the best pancakes you can imagine, and then later to Cupcake Charlie’s for a sweet treat. Learn more at july4plymouth.com/ events/.
Cohasset Road Race by the Sea, April 2: OK, so this race is a 10K. But you know what? I just downloaded Couch to 10K (C210K), so you can meet me there in a year, right? This race is in its 41st year, and takes racers past amazing mansions, ocean views and quaint and beautiful downtown Cohasset. House-gazing is extra fun in tony Cohasset, and the oceanfront has a rocky, untouched feel.
Post-race, hop over to Maria’s Sub Shop in Scituate Harbor for the best subs anywhere. And maybe have a slice too — you did just run 10K. Learn more at roadracebythesea.com.