Red Island State Marathon

This was my 1st time participating with this group. The course is in a park and it is a lovely park. It also runs by a bay/lake so it is scenic. The course by the water is hilly and when you have to do them 9x you'll feel the effect. It is a small race and spectators are only supporters of the participants. There is adequate nourishment during the race. It took me about 45 minutes to get around the course - I'm a walker. So I had a bottle which I filled to have something in between. The announcer needs to bring a megaphone, so everybody can hear the instructions. I was a bit anxious about the course and that can cause nervous energy. I wasn't sure I would be able to see anyone to make sure I didn't get off course. They do wait for the last person to finish - which is nice. Also the directions to the race could be better. At twilight you can't really see the dog park - so some signs would be good.

Here's what you need to know about the Red Island Race and the New England Challenge series as a whole  it's as close as many of us will ever come to having a personalized support team, one that treats EVERYBODY as an elite athlete. Need something specific at the aid station? Let them know ahead of time and they'll do their best to have it ready for you as you do a loop. Yes, these are loop courses and that can be mentally tough, but the support from the aid station and organizers more than makes up for it. This race is around a city park along the water's edge. It's a really beautiful, serene place. Yes, it's a small race so the spectators are few but mighty! The lower spectator star rating above is only because this isn't a race for people who need big-city block party supporters. This is a race for folks who love running and who love supporting others as they run. While one day is fine, it's best to try and do as many of the race days in the series as possible - there's something magical about running with the same group of people in different places over several days.

This is probably the most scenic race of the New England Challenge 5 day race that I have seen. Very beautiful and there is no way to get lost. I would recommend it to anyone that is interested in a nice quiet park setting for a marathon.