I hope that everyone is having a wonderful start to 2017, isn’t it great so far!  So in honor of starting 2017 off on the right foot, I wanted to share some of my favorite spring races that I have added to my calendar.  Every new year, I am excited to get my new calendar and map out my races for the year using coolrunning.com.  This enables me to map out my training so that I can meet my goals and to hold me accountable and honest!

So, to keep you inspired and excited during this chilly weather, I wanted to share some of my favorite upcoming spring races to possibly add to your calendars and help keep you on track.

If your looking for a series of races than this is one of my favorites.  I personally like the Guiness Tour De Patrick series because with it starting on March 4, 2017, its a good series to look forward to during the winter.   This helps hold me accountable and it has races around the state too which is always fun.

Race 1

Irish 5k- Pawtucket, RI

The first race of the series guides you through Pawtucket on March 4, 2017.  Starting at City Hall, next to the scenic Blackstone River it winds its way through historic downtown Pawtucket and is then followed by the Saint Patricks Day Parade!

Race 2

St. Pat’s- Providence

At the next Race on Saturday March 18, 2017 you will get started in from of the State House at 11:00 am completing an out and back course through the lovely neighborhood of Smith Hill.  This race is also followed with an after party and a parade too!

Race 3

Shamrock Shuffle- North Kingstown

The final race is the series is my favorite personally starting at North Kingstown High School on March 25, 2017.  This races guides you on a scenic loop by Wickford Village and finishes back at North Kingstown High School.

Rhode Races Providence

(formerly the Cox Marathon)

Marathon, Half Marathon, 5k

Another one of my favorites is the Rhode Races Providence.  Having raced this, paced it and ran it with friends since 2011, this has become of my favorite races that I do every year. This is another great race going off on May 7, 2017 that is good long term because it helps to keep you faithful to your long runs throughout the winter.  Having run the half marathon and the first 17 miles of the Marathon with a dear friend I truly enjoyed both courses and haven’t made up my mind on which one for this year yet, but I’ll definitely be out there!  

The half marathon and Marathon both start at Kennedy Plaza and branch off around mile 3 or 4 just incase you haven’t made your mind up yet.  The half Marathon guides you through India Point Park up Gano Street to the Boulevard then by the Providence River and back into the Plaza.  I truly enjoy the half course since it feels at home because the course is on familiar roads that we often run on our group run.  If you are looking to view the course maps that I have included below feel free to check them out by clicking here.

From what I remember the marathon was also a lovely scenic course that begins in Kennedy Plaza and guides you up through East Providence onto the bike path through some neighborhoods in Barrington and then back up the bike path and into Kennedy Plaza.

And incase thats too much running for you this series is also a great option for everyone because there is a 5k course too!

I hope that this was helpful and if you have any questions regarding the races please feel free to let up know.  Keep up the good work and hopefully we’ll see you out there soon!