The New Bedford Half Marathon

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Most of us are still recovering from St. Patrick’s Day, but there isn’t much time to rest: The New Bedford Half Marathon weekend is upon us.  Hosted by the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick ,and with the support and assistance of Mayor Scott Lang and the City of New Bedford,this annual 13.1 mile race is one of the most popular half marathons in the country.

Last year’s field was the largest ever for the event, with 2,665 runners officially entering the race. The previous largest turnout for the event was in 2002, when 2,073 runners eventually crossed the finish line.  This year’s race will be the 34th running of the New Bedford Half Marathon.

The New Bedford Half Marathon is rated as one of the Top 25 Half-Marathons by Runner’s World magazine.  It is also rated in the top half of all half-marathons in New England by New England Runner.   The race is notable for the way it is always under the influence of the weather.  The weather this Sunday should be decent, especially considering that participants in the 2000 race had to run in 17° temperatures.

SPECTATORS
Being a loop course, the New Bedford Half Marathon is a great spectator race. People will have ample opportunity to watch the race as it’s in progress. Spectators can watch the beginning of the race on Purchase Street, walk down Union street to approximately the five mile mark, near Rockdale Avenue, and then walk back to the finish.

new bedford half marathon race course

Another place for spectators is at the top of the County Street hill, right around the 12.2 -mile mark.  From this vantage point spectators will appreciate the make-or-break point for the runners as they near the end of the course.

Many make this trek between the starting line and the five-mile mark, and then return to catch the runners County Street hill, before finishing on Purchase Street.

parking map new bedford half marathonFREE ON-STREET PARKING
There is plenty of free on-street parking the day of the race. Please be aware,
however, of parking restrictions due to race course, handicap access, etc. as
you will be ticketed.

FREE OFF-STREET PARKING
Free Parking is available at the Elm St. Garage, Custom House Square, Zeiterion Parking Lot and at the YMCA.

T-SHIRTS
Free t-shirts are given to the first 2,500 to register.  They are Official New Bedford Half Marathon Long Sleeve T-Shirt. T-Shirts may be ordered at time of registration.
* Note: Limited T-Shirts will be available on day of race

RESTAURANT RUN
Spectators and others visiting Downtown New Bedford for the Half Marathon Road Race will get a special treat this year – a “Downtown Restaurant Run.” Restaurants, pubs and sandwich shops will be offering discounts, special menu items and free samples of their specialties. Not to be outdone, retailers downtown will feature race day discounts and Downtown museums will be open free to the public.

REGISTER ON  RACE WEEKEND

day of race registrationDate: Saturday, March 19, 2011
Time Noon to 4:00 p.m.
Place: YMCA, New Bedford
25 S. Water Street
New Bedford, MA

Date: Sunday, March 20, 2011
Time 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Place: YMCA, New Bedford
25 S. Water Street
New Bedford, MA

INFORMATION FOR RUNNERS

  • Eighty (80) plus police officers on the route to guarantee safety
  • Three to five ambulances on course during entire race.
  • Thirty (30) plus EMT’s for medical emergencies.
  • Seven (7) water stations. All with cell phone hook ups to emergency services.
  • Complete medical area at finish line sponsored by South Coast Emergency Services.
  • Police patrolled, coned and closed loop course.
  • Timed by Yankee Timing Company. Now using D-Tag timing for more accuracy and more comfort! Start and Finish Timing.
  • Times posted on Cool Running Web Site.
  • Long sleeve T-shirts to first 2500 registrants.
  • YMCA open to all runners for showers two minutes from finish line.
  • Cash prizes to winners.
  • Number pick up at YMCA approximately (4) minutes from start.
  • Rated top twenty-five (25) Half-Marathons in United States by Runner’s World magazine.
  • Rated top Half-Marathon in New England by New England Runner magazine.
  • Championship course with previous women’s world record set by Ingrid Kristiansen.
  • Plenty of bathroom facilities as well as porta johns behind starting area.
  • A historic seaport city that embraces the race and welcomes runners as friends.
  • We cater to the runner who expects quality and respect.

PRIZE STRUCTURE

half marathon prize structure

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