Last Sunday was the rescheduled Weary Traveler Road Race in Bourne, Massachusetts and what a difference two weeks can make here in New England. Two weeks ago, the race was  rescheduled due to 16+ inches of snow and wintry conditions that would have proved far too difficult to run in. Fast forward two weeks, the weather was absolutely perfect with all the snow melted and shorts and short-sleeve running shirts perfectly appropriate for many runners.

The perfect race conditions last weekend made for a nice morning of running at a race that continues to be a hidden gem sort of race. The price of the race is one of the most reasonable ones you will find and every runner gets a pair of running gloves and then a post-race feast of clam chowder and clam fritters which pair nicely with a cold pint of brew.

The race is just shy of a five mile course with the official mileage coming in at 4.87 miles. The course can be classified as being moderately challenging with some really nice hills mixed into the route. The course takes runners along some nice beach-front roads along with some residential neighborhoods free of significant traffic since the town of Bourne is a bit more sleepy than it would be in the middle of summer.

Proceeds from the Weary Traveler Road Race benefit both the children’s burn unit at Shriner’s Hospital in Boston and the Bourne Conservation Trust.

I finished the Weary Traveler Road Race with a time of 41:47, good for 8:35/miles.

It’s time to register for the 6th Annual Mick Morgan’s St. Patrick’s 5K which will be held on March 18th.

This is HESSCO’s 6th Annual St. Patrick’s 5K held at Mick Morgan’s Irish Pub on the Sharon/Walpole line in Massachusetts. A beautiful race route, fun venue, awesome long sleeve tech T-shirts and a spirited St. Patrick’s Day celebration are just some of the reasons this race has become so popular! OUR favorite reason is that all proceeds from this race go directly to support HESSCO programs and services! Join us on March 18th and help us continue our mission of delivering over 130,000 Meals on Wheels each year, providing homemaking and home health aide services, advocating for residents in nursing facilities, counseling Medicare recipients on health insurance options and protecting our seniors from neglect and abuse.

In past years, the event has drawn upwards of 800 runners. This year’s event promises to be another fun-filled, festive morning of celebration. Participants and spectators are encouraged to come adorned in their St. Patrick’s Day best!

Since 1977, HESSCO has been supporting the needs of elders, people living with a disability and their caregivers in South Norfolk County. For more information on HESSCO’s programs and services, please visit http://www.hessco.org or call 781-784-4944.

To register for the 6th Annual Mick Morgan’s St. Patrick’s 5K, please click here to register online. Be sure to also “Like” the race’s Facebook page by clicking here.

In June, head up to Portsmouth, New Hampshire on Saturday, June 10th and join The Running Griffin for the Market Square Day 10K Road Race. The 10K road race kicks off Market Square Day with a 9 AM start time and is a great way to celebrate an early summer weekend.

Market Square in downtown Portsmouth is a quintessential New England area and the starting line for the 10K is right in the middle of Market Square. More than 2,000 runners and competitive walkers will make their way around Portsmouth and will be finishing at historic Strawbery Banke. The course winds its way around town giving participants a unique look at Portsmouth and, in particular, the people who embrace this race. Don’t be surprised to see neighborhood breakfast parties along the route!

For more information about this race, be sure to “Like” the Pro Portsmouth Facebook page by clicking here. Once online registration is open, stay tuned to The Running Griffin for details on registering for the race!

Registration is now open for the GoodLife Fitness Toronto Marathon, a Toronto tradition since 1977. The Marathon is expected to draw upwards of 2,500 participants in a downhill course that is fast and scenic!

The marathon course is fast, downhill, and scenic. Starting at Mel Lastman Square in North York and finishing at Ontario Place, the marathon winds through many of the City’s great neighborhoods. This Toronto favorite is one of the fastest courses you will find anywhere and is a great qualifier for the Boston Marathon.

In addition to the marathon, there is also a half-marathon, 10K, 5K and marathon relay providing some great race options for runners looking to tackle all kinds of challenges.

The main charity partner of the GoodLife Fitness Toronto Marathon is the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. Over the years, run or walk participants have raised more than $7.5 million for The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation!

Runners will receive a technical running shirt and bib with their registration.

As well as entertainment at each aid station, additional “Entertainment Stations” featuring a variety of music or cheering will be located along the course to help keep you motivated and get you to the finish line.

At the end of the race, runners will be able to refuel at a food tent at the finish line and indulge with massages provided by registered massage therapists and physiotherapists.\

For more information about the Toronto Marathon, please visit their website by clicking here. You can also “Like” the race on Facebook by clicking here and can follow the Toronto Marathon on Twitter here.