As summer winds down and we accept the end of our beloved outdoor festivities, it
means a few different things: time to retire our summer clothes, enjoy the last
weeks of eating outside, and savor our final beach days. But for those making their
way out east, it also means the Hamptons Marathon is looming...and what a spectacle
it is.
In 2007, two women — Diane Weinberger and Amanda Moszkowski — created a marathon
that spans the scenic terrain of eastern Long Island. It seemed that before this,
marathons were traditionally reserved for big cities, and athletes accepted that
in order to run one they had to hop a bus or train (both women had ran the New York
City Marathon in the past). But it turns out there was a real void for an event
like this in suburbia. And why not create a marathon overlooking the Atlantic Ocean,
the Long Island Sound and the rolling hills?
The Hamptons Marathon has been said to be a great form of training for serious runners
who do the New York, Boston, or Chicago Marathons, but that doesn't mean you need
to be doing one of those to participate. Some may be intimidated by the caliber
of athletes who race, but if you're like me (someone who can barely run to get her
mail), you'll be glad to know anyone can sign up.
Aside from being allowed to walk, there is also a half marathon that begins and
ends with the same runners who complete the full one. All runners have six hours
to finish the race, but shouldn't feel alone if they don't do it in that time, as
there are many who take longer. The course is fully equipped with water and Gatorade
stations as well as crowds to support you until the end. Should you want to prepare,
training continues through Labor Day every Sunday at Gubbins in East Hampton at
8:00 am.
One might think it's hard to pull off a race like this, but with the growing number
of marathon participants every year, it's clear the event has become the perfect
way to kick off the cooler months. On Sept. 24, runners are signing up to run from
all over the country and even a few other parts of the world. What began as an idea
for local athletes and spectators has now become a marathon recognized by people
worldwide.
Perhaps the most rewarding part of the event, however, is the charities it has contributed
more than $100,000 to since its inception. The Hamptons Marathon has been affiliated
with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, American Cancer Society, and Friends of
Karen. The Hamptons are known for their formal charity events throughout the summer,
and it's nice to now see a more casual way to give back and get involved in the
community.
This year, proceeds will be going to an amazing charity called Project Most. Its
purpose is to provide an after-school environment for children to learn and grow.
According to projectmost.com,
600,000 children are home alone every day after school in New York with no adult
supervision. From 3:00-6:00 pm, this organization provides a place for the children
to be supervised where they can learn and develop socially. As opposed to babysitting,
Project Most has been referred to as a "school after school," with counselors to
help with homework, music lessons, cooking lessons, and more. In the process, children
are making friends and interacting. Since Project Most is a nonprofit, events such
as the Hampton Marathon keep it alive.
The marathon is also praised for the special attention its participants receive.
Volunteers are helpful, kind, and committed to the cause. At the end, all participants
are greeted with more than just a finish line; they receive a bag with digital photo
proof of finishing, a T-shirt and many other gifts. Finishing medals are handed
out to all, and refreshments are provided to all runners at the end of the course.
While some of this hospitality may be found at major-city marathons, it's easier
to provide this atmosphere among a smaller community, which is perhaps part of the
Hamptons Marathon's charm.
Hampton Jitney is providing special transportation to and from the event, but it's
suggested that you book your trip as soon as possible since spots are filling up
quickly. Parking will be difficult due to the sheer volume of people, so getting
dropped off and picked up is ideal. If you're coming from farther distances and
need help with flights, hotels or any other accommodations, Running Away — the active
travel company — is affiliated with the marathon.
Additional information on signing up, maps of the course, and contact info for all
of the organizers can be found on the marathon's website (www.hamptonsmarathon.com).
Described as the "Race to Run" in Runner's World, this marathon has become a staple
event for the end of the season. With more than 2,000 participants expected to sign
up this year, one can only assume the Hamptons Marathon is special. Some will be
attending to run, others to support the participants and watch the winners, but
for those who may not be interested in either, think of it as a time to enjoy the
final sweet smells of a Long Island summer.
