The Ocean Beach 11.6 Mile race in New London, Ct. had its 46 annual running yesterday. It’s always run in the hottest day of the summer through the streets of New London and Wickersham starting at the beach at 9 a.m. The major sponsor is John Kelley (the younger Kelley of Boston Marathon fame) and there is no entry fee. Of course, there’s no Tshirt or traffic control. But there are 8 water stations along the route. The course is mostly flat except for 2 great hills at mile 8. And there’s clam chowder and fresh steamed clams at the finish. Marj and I decided to drive the 110 miles that morning. (We broke it up by spending the afternoon and evening with friends in Providence-about halfway home). Our bibs allowed us to park free in the beach park which was right along the bay. I decided to use it as a training run for our upcoming half marathons this fall. So, I went out slower than usual and found myself 3rd from the back of the pack at mile 1. It was a strong field of about 600 runners. Marj, of course, headed out at the gun and I didn’t see her until the end. I picked up the pace eventually and finished ahead of a sizeable number of runners who were affected by the heat and humidity and mostly walked the last few miles. Marj had some difficulty also and only finished 3 minutes ahead of me (she expected me to pass her as she faded). She did finish 5th in her age group and I ended up 4th in my division (My time was a leisurely 2:20). It was a challenging run and worth doing-once. Edited by Marj - not worth doing once - scenery was good only at the start and finish. Part of the run was on a cracked sidewalk. Water fires and food in Providence were wonderful!

110 miles is sure a long way to go for a race! The post-race food sounds good too. I guess the course could have been better for all you went through to get there. Still a not so great race beats most of the alternatives for a day!

Hi Henry and Marj, One of the things that I admire about you two is that you are always traveling to different races to get some new experiences and perspectives. Even though the heat and humidity were beastly, it seems that you both had a decent run, good eats at the finish, and a good trip overall, with time spent with friends along the way. Good for you! Jay

As with Jay I admire you two so much, it must be a thrill to travel to so many destinations to run these various races and you get to do it together...how cool is that? Great job and keep at it, I love reading about your adventures!

hi Henry and Marge, you sure are two tough runners to pound out a race with hills in heat, humidity and cracked pavement. Clam chowder and steamed clams after a race (on such a hot day) sounds like it's for the strong! Did you really partake in the after race yummies? I always enjoy hearing from you. Hope to run with you again someday soon.

henrun, you and marj did well. The conditions sound a bit tough but the no entry fee and clam chowder at the end sound great. Congrats to both of you. TomS