Course Description;

This 13.1 mile little jaunt through Quincy is mostly flat and declared “forgiving” by trial runs. There are very few hills. The biggest challenge is likely to be the elements, as any race may likely be, running in March with long stretches along the coastline. It is the first day of spring so hope for nice weather…

The race starts at Quincy High and heads out Coddington to across Southern Artery along Mnt Wollaston Cemetery on Sea Street. There is some undulation but not much, slightly winding. Taking a left on Norton Street, (approx. Mile 1) into the Merrymount neighborhood there are a few tiny hills as you wind through to Chickatawbot then Shore Ave. You’ll see the ocean behind the houses or maybe even hear it. There are speed bumps on Shore, (don’t flatter yourself they aren’t for you) so take note, don’t trip!

After spilling down along Black’s Creek you’ll take the right on Quincy Shore Drive, (Approx. mile 2), for the long trip along Wollaston Beach. A windy day could make for a challenging run as you are totally exposed to the elements. Mile 3 is about at The Squantum Yaught Club and is the first water stop.

Just before Mile 4 you’ll take the right on East Squantum Street and traverse the Causeway onto the Squantum Peninsula. There is marshland on either side so still more exposure. This brings you into Squantum and time for a long but gradual climb up Huckins Road; you’re at mile 5 at the school. Miles2-4+ have been pancake flat. As you crest Huckins you go left on Bellevue to complete the hardest part of the climb and then begin a long steep descend on Bellevue, (quite the opposite of the summer classic The Squantum 5) before then going left on Dorchester street with the Boston Skyline to your right. Heading out of Squantum is mile 6 more flatness along the water, as you see the rest of the field coming in or out depending on how fast you are.

Next take the right at Victory Road to enter the Marina Bay Complex and circle the office building at 500 Victory where you will hit water stop #2. Go by the land docked yaughts and proceed out the Marina via Victory, and right on Seaport to Commander Shea. Mile 8 is along this flat stretch along the banks of the mighty Neponset.

Continuing on Shea you’ll be funneled onto Hancock and take a right on West Squantum and run through the Montclare section and mile 9. You’ll finally get a break from the windy shore, and see some mild undulation on the course. A left on Harvard by Presidents golf club gives you a quick downhill push and the 10 mile mark and water stop is along this stretch . A little steep but short climb brings you up to Beale where you go right. A left on Adams is around 11 and you’re in the home stretch. Adams undulates and takes you by the Adams national historic site, mile 12 and the last water stop. Coming onto Hancock and Quincy Sq brings you to City Hall and around the United Church mile 13, and the final sprint down Coddington to the finish.

That’s it you’re done and have now completed the ½ of Quincy. Congratulations.

Post Race:

Recovery Drinks:
provided by Mix1 

 

 Food: 

provided by the Culinary arts program at Quincy High School

 

Showers:

Available at South Shore YMCA