Ashland Half Marathon & 5 Miler Gets New Race Course & Race Director

Ashland Half Marathon & 5 Miler Gets New Race Course & Race Director

The Ashland Half Marathon is set for Saturday, October 28, 2017 beginning at 10 a.m. The races will start and finish at Marathon Park, the original start line location of the Boston Marathon from 1897 through 1923. For the past 6 years, the Ashland Sporting Association has proudly hosted the race and is pleased to announce a new race course, a new distance to run and welcomes new race director, Michael McGrane of Ashland.

The new race course runs through rolling hills traversing Ashland town roads and a loop through the beautiful Hopkinton State Park during the peak fall foliage season. The 2017 race will feature a new 5 Mile race. Race organizers received feedback from previous years 5K runners that they wanted a challenge” but couldn’t go the half marathon distance. “The 5Miler promises to be the challenge they are looking for!” says Michael McGrane, Ashland Sporting Association’s new Race Director. The Half Marathon and 5 Mile race will run together for the first five miles in a loop course through the residential Ashland neighborhoods, then the Half breaks off to run through Hopkinton State Park and finishes at Marathon Park. And for those that want to run with a friend, the Half Marathon also has a two-person team relay competition.

Michael McGrane, professional runner and trainer, brings his years of racing experience to the Ashland Sporting Association and is excited to help enhance all runners’ race experience.

The Ashland Sporting Association believes in helping each other and making the community strong while building a sense of pride and togetherness. For the 3rd year in a row, the ASA is collaborating with the MetroWest YMCA to raise money for both non-profit groups who serve the MetroWest community. Proceeds will be donated to the MetroWest YMCA to sustain and develop new youth and family programs in Ashland, Hopkinton and Holliston.

There are many opportunities for all in the community to participate. The Ashland Sporting Association is currently seeking sponsors, volunteers, runners and spectators to help cheer on the runners! Get all race day details at ashlandhalfmarathon.com