Author: The Running Griffin

If you are hoping for miracle running tips about how to go out and win the next Boston Marathon, then this website is not for you. I am in no stretch of the imagination an elite runner but then again not many of us are or they wouldn’t be called “elite.” What I am is a runner who has realized the joy of running. Whether it be a 5k race in support of a local cause or a half-marathon or full-marathon with the finish line seeming at times to never be in sight, running allows each of us the ability to sort of leave behind the rest of the world and focus on simply getting to the finish line. We might not win a trophy and we might not make a career out of running but what we are guaranteed is a certain friendship among running friends, better health and the endorphin filled pride each time we cross a finish line. This website will allow me to highlight different races that I have done, perhaps some that I plan on doing and maybe other running stories that I hope to share with runners like myself.

FOP Lodge #28 Five Mile 50/50 Charity Run

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We all know that runners have some of the biggest hearts when it comes to running for charity. We sign up for races that support causes, run marathons to fundraise for charities that are important to us and support other runners in their fundraising efforts. Here is a great race that exemplifies the charitable efforts of the running community.

Join the FOP Lodge #28 for their Five Mile Charity Run. This event is 5 Mile 50/50 Charity Run. Course is mainly flat in a rural area. During the on-line registration process you will be asked to designate which 501(c) 3 charity you would like to register for a chance to win 50% of the profits from this event. Once all race expenses are paid MA. FOP Lodge #28 will keep 50% of the profits. All registered runners and the name of your chosen charity will be entered into a drawing. At the end of the run a name will be drawn and that runner’s chosen charity wins the other 50%!!!! NO T-SHIRTS will be given out to keep the cost of the event down thus more money for the charity. Each participant will receive a commemorative inscribed bronze medallion as a memento.

Open for early and day of registration at 7:30am. Indoor facilities are available with plenty of parking. Run begins at 9am!!!! Course is a 5 mile loop in a rural area, mostly flat with one water stop. Post race refreshments will be provided. In lieu of t-shirts all runners will receive a commemorative bronze medallion recognizing their participation in this charity event. NO PETS allowed on the running course. Run takes place rain or shine. Trophies will be given for top overall Male and Female winner. Awards for First and Second Place, Male and Female in all age divisions. 0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70+.

To register for this race, please click here.

2014 Registration Now Underway for Maine Marathon

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A big thank you to the Maine Marathon organizers for supporting Running for Cailin which benefits the Floating Hospital for Children and Tufts Medical Center! Please support the Maine Marathon and register for their race series today.

With both a marathon and half-marathon option, the Maine Marathon takes place in one of my all-time favorite cities of Portland, Maine. For those looking to qualify for the 2015 Boston Marathon, the Maine Marathon is a qualifier race and comes complete with the following amenities:

  • Water stops with Gatorade (lemon-lime Endurance Formula) located approximately every two miles.
  • Hi-tech long-sleeve t-shirt
  • Automatic timing with ChronoTrack B-Tag chip
  • Goody bags to first 3,000 at packet pickup
  • Post-race refreshments
  • Pre- and post-race massages available at start/finish line
  • Baggage check available at start/finish area
  • Finishers medal to all runners and certificate of completion to marathoners
  • Showers and lockers available at USM’s Sullivan Gym
  • Medical tent located at finish line, with additional medical personnel patrolling the course
  • Professional photo service, PhotoChambers, will take photos of all finishers and make them available for purchase
  • All entrants receive a coupon to a selected Portland Sea Dogs game in 2014. The game will be designated as Maine Marathon Day

With 3500 runners allowed to register for the race, the Maine Marathon has a nice feel to not being a crowded run but still ensures all the things a marathon should have. With a race expo leading up to the run, a pristine course and spectators along the way, if you are looking for a marathon to sign up for then this one is for you!

The Maine Marathon features a moderately hilly out-and-back course for all three races — marathon, relay and half marathon. The spectator-friendly course starts and finishes along our beautiful inner bay — the Back Cove.

To register for either the full marathon, the half-marathon or the relay, please click here. You can also “Like” the Maine Marathon on Facebook by clicking here.

Rye By The Sea 5k & Duathlon

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Registration is now open for the Rye By The Sea 5k & Duathlon which will be held on June 7, 2014 in Rye, New Hampshire. This is the 18th annual running of the Rye By the Sea 5k and Duathlon which benefits Annie’s Angels Memorial Fund.

The 5k race has a very reasonable $20 entry fee with a tee-shirt included. If you register before April 30th, you are also entered into the gift card drawing held at the race.

Annie’s Angels is dedicated to helping families struggling financially with the challenges of life threatening diseases and disabilities by connecting neighbor to neighbor and friend to friend in a caring fundraising network.

With the race benefiting such a great cause, let’s pack the starting line of the Rye by the Sea 5k. Click here to register for the race!

Running for Life 5K

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Athletes Of Christ Inc., Jericho Partnership Inc. and residents of Danbury are engaged in promoting health and wholeness in all areas of life. Through the Athletes Of Christ 5K walk/race “Danbury Running For Life”, they bring awareness and awakening to spiritual and physical needs in our community and raise funds to help provide for those in need.

On April 26th the Athletes of Christ will be hosting the Running for Life 5K. To register for the race, please click here to register online.

16 Mile Training Run

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ImageYesterday morning it was off to Norwood, Massachusetts for a 16 mile training run. Sponsored by the amazing folks at Charles River Running, this fun run took runners through various towns including Norwood, Westwood, Dover and more.

The run was a nice mix of flats and hills but some of the roads proved to be a little tricky to run along. With high snow banks to the left and drivers simply flying on some of the roads (notably Route 109), the dodging of cars certainly took its toll and added an additional element of fear into the run. For anyone who sees runners out there training, please slow down, get off your cell phone and perhaps even think for a moment about the myriad of charities, people and causes that runners might be running the Boston Marathon for in April. This will help to put into perspective that the text message you are reading is probably not all that important.

Several members of the Thirsty Irish Runners joined me in completing the fun run and having friends out there as you bust out a 16 mile training run is always helpful. An added bonus was the fact that Charles River Running had volunteers meet us every three miles with water, Gatorade and energy packets.

After the 16+ miles were complete, it was back to Charles River Running for some post-run refreshments including fresh fruit, water, yogurt, granola and amazing bagels from The Spot. Since I am a creature of habit, I also hit up Perks Coffee House which is next door to Charles River Running and is a most-stop coffee house anytime I am in the Norwood area.

With 16 miles done for the weekend, today is going to be a good rest day!