Dear Ashland Runners,
This is a last little notice that may be repetitive but is going out to all sign-ups new and old. Thank you for choosing Ashland! You will now be added to the storied past of running history, here in Ashland, MA USA.
First, all keep fingers crossed for Sandy to take her time and not hit till Sunday midnight.
NUMBER PICKUP:
For SATURDAY 10/27, you can pick up your bib number and race shirt at the VFW starting at 10:00AM. There will be a Q&A with the greatest, Bill Rodgersstarting at NOON and includes a complimentary lunch, graciously provided by the Ashland Lions Club.
For SUNDAY 10/28 – Race starts at 10:30AM sharp! Pick up and registration also at the VFW 375 Pleasant Street starting at 7:30AM. Consult Ashlandhalfmarathon.comfor a Google maps link for directions.
PARKING:
Pleasant Street closes at 10:00AM If you are arriving from the Main Street side, you wil be directed to the MBTA lot – and if filled – to auxiliary lots on Pleasant Street. Street parking will not be is available. If you are arriving from the Cordaville Road side, you will be directed to the MBTA /Burnham House lot – and if filled – will be directed to auxiliary lots at the Little league complex and Fish and Game. No on street parking along Cordaville is allowed. If you are running late and especially are coming from the Route 135 side of the tracks, the main MBTA lot is available and you can use the footbridge for access. Commuter rail schedule is on the web-site.
COURSE / WATER STOPS:
The course for the Half is challenging, a real roller coaster–welcome the challenge!! The 5K is a screamah out and back. 5K and Half run together until Fountain Street when 5kers will take that left and head back to the finish via Front Street, Pleas familiarize yourself with the course,(consult the web site), so you are prepared. There are 6 water stops in mile 3-4 at the Fire House, in 5-6 @ the Warren Centr on Chestnut. in 7-8 along the State Park boat launch, in 8-9 on Woodland road,in 9-10 on the Fountain Street Bridge which will double as the lone 5k stop and in 11-12 on Winter Street just past the entrance gate. There are 2 portapotties again at Warren Center near the water stop and on Front Street just after the 10 mile mark.
Please note the course is closed after 3 hours, (under 14:00/mile). You should, as a guideline, be at mile 3 by 11:22,, mile 6 by 12:14, mile 9 by 1:06, etc. No baby carriages, bikes or roller blades allowed and we strongly suggest no headphones please. It is an open course you may encounter vehicular traffic, please heed all commands of the local public safety.
Post race festivities take place back at the VFW with food and refreshment available and a live performance by the IT Band. Bill Rodgers will bestow the atta boys. (Food is available to friends who did not run for a nominal fee).
Thanks again, good luck to all and hit those hills hard!
-JJ
Ashland Half Marathon
375 Pleasant Street
Ashland, MA 01721