Event Information
RACE CANCELLATION
May 7, 2020.
Good morning athletes,
I hope you are all well, and continuing to exercise in the midst of so many lifestyle restrictions.
Unfortunately, we have decided to cancel this years road races, scheduled for June 6. While we were hopeful that the situation would be significantly improved and that we would be able to race as planned, that is just not the case. Governor Baker extended, until May 18, a ban on gatherings of 10 or more people. This made it clear that there's no way for us to host 200 or more people just a couple weeks after that. It's likely that the public gathering restrictions will be lifted slowly, and it could be late June or July that we see gatherings of 200 being allowed.
In addition, May 15 represents a significant date for us, as that was the final day for us to commit most of the spending for the race. Because that commitment would need to be made prior to the end date Governor Baker's executive order, we can't make the commitments we would need to make for race expenditures.
First and foremost, our commitment is to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for athletes. We hope to be back in 2021, so please stay tuned. We will be contacting pre-registered athletes to offer a refund. Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding.
About this event
ASMG is sponsoring this race to benefit the local communities in which we live and work. This is an opportunity for us to say hello to the folks in the local communities where we live and work. Each year, we will choose different projects which benefit local not-for-profit or public agencies. See below for this year's cause!
The Cause
This year, proceeds from the race will be used to hep the Sunderland Fire Department obtain self contained breathing apparati. This critical equipment must be updated to current standards and, unfortunately, town finances aren't able cover the entire cost of this all-volunteer fire department. When duty calls, the men and women of the Sunderland Fire Department willingly put themselves in harm's way to protect homeowners and businesses, and they do it without compensation. We ask that you join us, and consider making an additional contribution to help us fund the purchase of this potentially life-saving equipment. And, while you're at it, say thanks to the volunteers, many of whom will be on our course this year, not only in case of emergency, but making sure you're hydrated!
About the Course
Our course will be one of the fastest courses in the Pioneer Valley! If you are looking for a PR, this is your race.
The start and finish will be at the Sunderland Elementary School, and will follow a loop course through local farms and neighborhoods, with a mixture of shaded streets and open streets, all with beautiful views. While many roads will be open, several will be closed throughout the race to improve your experience.
Both courses are USATF certified (10K: MA17025JK, 5k: MA17026JK).
Course Turn-by-turn
5k:
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Begin on Swampfield Dr., far north side of entrance. Run south, passing the start of the 10k.
0.2 Left @ Old Amherst Rd
0.3 Right @ Russell St
1.4 Right @ Kulessa Cross Rd
1.7 Right @ Hadley Rd
2.8 Right @ Old Amherst Rd
3.0 Left @ Swampfield Dr
10k:
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Begin on Swampfield Dr, near softball field. Run south.
0.15 Left @ Old Amherst Rd
0.7 Right @ S Silver Ln
1.7 Left @ N Plain Rd
2.4 Right @ Plumtree Rd
3.3 Right @ Hadley Rd
3.6 Right @ Burek’s Cross Rd
3.7 Left @ Russell St
4.6 Left @ Kulessa Cross Rd
4.8 Right @ Hadley Rd
5.9 Right @ Old Amherst Rd
6.1 Left @ Swampfield Dr
Course Records
5k Men: 15:41 (Michael Biwott 6/2/2018)
5k Women: 17:25 (Jenna Gigliotti 6/1/2019)
10k Men: 30:32 (Amos Sang 6/3/2017) *
10k Women: 35:15 (Margaret Njuguna 6/1/2019) *
* This year the course was slightly altered, although still USATF certified and about 99% identical.
USATF Sanction
This event is a USATF sanctioned event. Not all races are created equal, and not all are sanctioned.
A sanction demonstrates our commitment to abide by USATF rules of competition, and allows a record to be set at this event and be considered an official USATF record.
In addition, a sanction is evidence of our commitment to provide a safe environment for participants and spectators. USATF members who are injured during the event may also be eligible for secondary medical insurance, per current USATF membership rules.
Awards
Awards and cash prizes for top overall male and female (based on gun time):
10k: 1st: $400, 2nd: $200, 3rd: $100
5k: 1st:$150, 2nd: $50, 3rd: $25
Awards for top male and female in each age group (based on net time):
18/under, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+ $50 gift certificate for first place
Please note that MIAA rules prohibit runners from accepting a cash prize, so we do not offer one for 18/under, but will offer you a great prize without cash value!
We will have an awards ceremony at 10:15, near the finish line. This will be a great photo opportunity, so make sure your husband, wife, kids, or whomever, is there to capture you receiving your award!
Shirts
All participants registered by May 17 will receive a race shirt, custom designed for the event! Please note that shirts are unisex, so please choose your size accordingly.
(Beyond that deadline, we will use our best efforts to get you a shirt but we can't guarantee one will be available)
Race Fees
Race Fees on this page are good through May 17, after that fees increase by $5 for each event. Please help us get an accurate count by registering early!
through 5/17: 5k walk (no prizes) $20, 5k run $25, 10k run $30 ($5 discount for students)
after 5/17: 5k walk (no prizes) $25, 5k run $30, 10k run $35 ($5 discount for students)
Please note that we will not refund registration fees, as this is a charity event. Thank you for your understanding!
Registration
Online registration will be open through Thursday June 4.
You may register the old fashioned way on the day of the race, but T-shirts are not guaranteed!.
Marathon Sports will be hosting a registration and bib pick-up at 28 Pleasant St, Northampton on Friday, June 5 from 3-7pm. It's a great way to save some time on race morning, meet us, and grab your bib and shirt. During this time, Marathon Sports will also be offering a 20% to all participants! So, you can stock up on gels, socks, and whatever else you need!
Also, USATF rules require us to let you know that we can't refund your registration fee. The race is on, rain, shine, or even a freak snow storm in June! Well, if there is a hurricane or tornado, we'll figure something out, but otherwise weather won't stop the race.
Race Day Registration
While we would love you to register online, or to come see us at Marathon Sports, we will also have race-day registration available. Come early, though, we will be busy! From 7am-8:45am on the day of the race, you will be able to register all your friends who couldn't make it to the store, and pick up your bib and shirt.
Parking
Parking will be adjacent to the Sunderland Elementary School. You will be able to arrive from 7:00am forward. You will be able to exit before 11:00, but you will be directed east toward Amherst Rd.
Overflow parking will be at the Goten Restaurant, 1/4 mile from the school.
Fun Run
There will be a fun run at the elementary school for children. There is no age restriction, but let's keep it for the little ones. No registration is required. Fun run will start promptly at 8:30.
Refreshments!
As we are doing with every aspect of this event, we will go above and beyond to bring you good food and drink! In addition to the two on-course water stops (2.25 and 4.50 miles - roughly) and one at the finish line, we are hoping to bring you some special treats as we have in the past. Stay tuned for more information!
Safety
We are doing our best to bring you a safe event! There will be signs and course monitors at every turn, and they will keep you on course. There will be water on the course, and medical personnel present. Please do your part to keep us safe, too. That means being aware of other runners, and if you're not planning on winning the race, please leave room for others to pass you. This is particularly important at the finish line! Also, while we don't prohibit headphones or strollers, if you plan to use these, you must use extra caution. And, no sudden herky-jerky movements to the side, please, as someone may be flying past you at the wrong time.
Things we do prohibit: dogs, roller blades, ice skates, bow-and-arrows, rocket-propelled shoes, remote-controlled helicopters, etc. Help us out here, folks.