Just finished the 2013 Cape Cod marathon in Falmouth, MA on 10/27/2013. It was my 63rd lifetime…read moremarathon and 41st state to run marathons in all of the 50 US states from Hawaii. Not an easy thing to do, but a very rewarding goal when you go through the process. Traveling to Cape Cod, MA was particularly rewarding, since I have heard for a long while that its a popular vacation destination for tourists. When i found out that a marathon was being held there, I jumped at the chance to sign up and plan travel to race there to knock off Massachusetts for my 50 states quest. On race morning, I got to meet up with the race director, Matt, who in his 1st year directing, has done an excellent job!
I do believe that I am the only entrant from Hawaii at this year's race. While the biggest draw would be the Boston marathon in late April, I decided to run Cape Cod marathon just because of logistics and price of airfare. I got a good deal round trip in and out of Providence PVD instead of Boston BOS. So that was great. The field this year capped out about 1,000 runners for the marathon, which was fun and kept the race small enough and manageable. In its 36th running of the Cape Cod marathon, they also had their Clam Chowdah challenge, which mirrors the Goofy Challenge that the Walt Disney World marathon folks do in January, where you would take on the challenge of running a half marathon on Saturday and the full 26.2 course on Sunday - back to back. While I could've done that, it wasn't worth my effort to do so. However, people who do are rewarded with a unique finisher medal, a clam chowder commemorative bowl and t-shirt, and of course, bragging rights. The entry fees for the clam chowder challenge was just over $150, where as marathon only was about $80, if I remember correctly.
Packet pick up and expo this year was held at the Lawrence School in Falmouth. In its gymnasium, it was a small enough expo, where you can get in and out within a matter of 30 minutes when you have checked out everything. Something new I don't see at other races, was where they actually screen the race t-shirts for you for free. If you wanted another type of shirt or design, there is an up charge for that. Race started and ended in Falmouth town center on Main Street. Race day parking can be found at the nearby middle school parking lot, per the marathon's race instructions. Not a bad walk from the finish line to the car - as I did that this year. The course itself is basically a point to point loop around all points of Falmouth. It showcased the residential areas of the areas, as well as photograph inspiring views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Mile markers were good as it counted up from 1 through 26. There was also a marathon relay being held in conjunction with the marathon that day, so it was good. The aid stations were adequately stocked and the support and cheering sections - especially at the relay areas were pretty good, since it was nice seeing people out there along the course besides the cops, random passerby in cars, and other race officials. The race course was not closed to traffic, but there was police patrolling key intersections to keep everyone safe, so that was good. Scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean at mile 4-5 and again at mile 24-25 was great.
As always, the finish line was a nice sight to see for tired mind and legs. The course itself wasn't particularly challenging, but it was hilly more so in the 2nd half. The first half is considered flat. Well marked and lots of fun. If you would like a perfect fall marathon in New England, consider Cape Cod marathon in Falmouth, MA. Wonderful finish line amenities and they announce your name and home town as you cross the line. Got a nice round of applause when those around heard I was from Honolulu, HI. The finisher medal is pretty nice and worth the hurt to add this pretty boy to your bling collection.
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