Page 27 - SEPT2024

September 2024 NEWFOUNDLAKELIFE.COM Page 27
By BRittaNy amalfi
Newfound Lake Marathon:
A New Hampshire Running Experience
The New Hampshire Mara- thon aims to deliver a premier running event while support- ing local organizations focused on children. The race course winds around Newfound Lake, showcasing the stunning peak foliage of the season. In recent years, the NH Marathon has drawn participants from all 50 states and ten different coun- tries. October 5th, 2024, marks the 31st year of the Marathon at Newfound Lake! Beginning in 1993, the New Hampshire Mar- athon has brought people to- gether for a rewarding day that leaves everyone smiling. The course goes around Newfound Lake at the peak of autumn, and there’s nothing better than being immersed in the foliage of New England. Surrounded by beautiful fall scenery, the New Hampshire Marathon offers a full and half marathon, a 10k, and a kid’s race.
I had the opportunity to speak to Dan MacLean, the
Assistant Director at the Tap- ply-Thompson Community Center, and he had nothing but wonderful things to say about the gratifying day. “The atmo- sphere of the whole day is really upbeat,” said MacLean. “Peo- ple are happy that they achieved a big goal.
Many great peo-
ple are involved,
from volunteers,
runners, and
spectators.”
Dan also in-
formed me
that his fa-
ther, Fred
MacLean, was
on the committee
that started the NH Marathon in 1993. Talk about a full-circle moment! This event has been happening for 31 years, and that’s nothing to cast aside. For 31 years, people have been coming from all over to participate in these eventful races, achieve goals, and give back to the community.
All proceeds from the mar- athon benefit the TTCC, The Circle Program for Girls, and the Mayhew Program for Boys. NH Marathon’s mission “is to promote a world-class run- ning event and to support area
child-centered orga- nizations.” When asked about community feedback, MacLean was delighted to say, “We get a lot of positive feedback from the commu- nity. I think peo- ple really enjoy it and are happy that this whole event gives back to the youth.” And there’s no doubt that people enjoy the Newfound area. “Everyone involved really enjoys the Newfound area,” MacLean stated. “People come from all over to run these races like people from different states and even international runners.” It’s heartwarming to see such an eventful race go on in the New- found area with so many people
involved. “Bringing in all of these people to our area to show how awesome Newfound is has been one of the best things about the marathon,” MacLean continued. The people of New- found have always been about solid community, and the NH Marathon is yet another event that shows off the nature of the strong bond that is Newfound.
The NH Marathon is an all- day event beginning at 9 AM, and MacLean informed me that volunteers could be there as early as 6 AM to prepare every- thing for the big day. The Assis- tant Director also stated that the NH Marathon is always looking for volunteers to help with the event each year, so anyone inter- ested in being a part of the his- toric NH Marathon can check out their website! And just like volunteers, the NH Marathon is also always looking for sponsors.
For more information on the NH Marathon, including past results, pic- tures, and more, please visit https:// nhmarathon.com/.
31st NH Marathon Set for
October 5, 2024
Participants & Volunteers Wanted
BRISTOL – The NH Marathon presented by Jer- emy Hiltz Excavating, heads into its 31st anniversary year. Events include full and half marathons, the popular 10k race, and the ever-fun Kids Run which has benefits in both economic impact and charitable fundraising by sup- porting three area youth-serv- ing nonprofit organizations.
The NH Marathon is con- sidered one of the best full and half marathon courses in the state, with its diverse ter- rain, changing vistas, and in- credible lake shoreline views. The race travels through Bristol, Bridgewater, Hebron, and Alexandria and boasts a blend of New England small lake town charm, tranquil na- ture, and country roads. De- tailed information is available on the NH Marathon website at www.nhmarathon.com. Registration is still open. Sign up now!
“The NH Marathon is more than a race; it is a community event, a posi- tive annual social gathering for people of all ages,” said NH Marathon Chair, Karen Schaffner.
The NH Marathon has steadily evolved into a signif- icant annual event for local businesses and organizations with the proceeds each year helping raise funds for three area youth serving nonprofits – Circle Program, Mayhew Program, and The Tap- ply-Thompson Community Center.
Currently, the NH Mara- thon committee is looking for volunteers to fill special open spots on the day of the race. If you would like to volunteer for this extremely fun and gratifying event please visit www.nhmarathon.com and click on the Volunteer tab and register to become a 2024 vol- unteer.