Students, parents, and staff members, will participate in the Amica Iron Horse Half-Marathon, 10k, 5k,
and Kids Fun Run in Simsbury on Sunday, June
2nd.
All races start on Iron Horse Boulevard, which will be closed to traffic for the event. The half-marathon runs a figure 8 on flat, paved country roads and bike paths. The course includes three loops, but you do a different variation each time, according to Beth Shluger, race organizer and Executive Director of the Hartford Marathon Foundation, sponsors and administrators of these races. Runners pass the finish line once—around mile 8—and can use the sound of cheering crowds to pump them up for those last five miles. Check out the full course map online at Course Map.
The 10K race follows the same route as the half, but uses only one loop; 5K racers follow portions of the 10K route. Maps for 10K and 5K races are also available on the website: website.
All three routes are packed with volunteers, aid stations and tons of support. Water and Gatorade stops are available every two miles; Gu will be available for runners at the start of the half marathon. No need to wear your headphones for this race—you won’t need them since entertainment is provided on the roads. Plus, with sights as spectacular and quaint as Simbury’s countryside, you may just want to enjoy some quiet time out there and take it all in. It’s no wonder the Amica Iron Horse Half Marathon course was named one of “Bart’s Best Races” by Runner’s World veteran Bart Yasso. Registration is now open, so get online and sign up today to take advantage of discounted rates: Online Registration.
Sunday’s events also include the Kids’ Fun Run at 10:30 a.m. With three race distances of 50 yards, a quarter mile and 1 mile, kids age 2 to 11 can run the most appropriate distance. Registration for the youth event is available online as well as on race day; for just $10, all Kids’ Run entrants receive a t-shirt and a finisher’s medal.
Families can also hang out at the World of Fitness, a hands-on fitness expo that starts at 9:30 a.m. at the soccer field just off Iron Horse Boulevard. Fitness-focused activities include karate, Zumba, Hula hoops and much more; play equipment will on hand and free to use! In its second year as part of the Iron Horse event, the World of Fitness is sure to be a popular venue again in 2013.
