Newburyport, Massachusetts (United States of America) - "Harborside Half Marathon and 5K". The Harborside 5k offers runners a beautiful loop course along the scenic Clipper City Rail Trail, a paved running path with views of rural fields and forests. The finish is at Michael's Harborside Restaurant, where you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the mighty Merrimack River and an awesome after-party. The Harborside Half marathon starts at an industrial park in Newburyport (40 Parker Street) with the first mile on flat, wide, and easy roads through the park before heading out onto some of the prettiest roads in the area. From Mile 4 to Mile 6, you'll run by a very large nature preserve called the Martin Burns Wildlife Management Area. You'll then run through a small section of Newbury, past the ivy-covered buildings of The Governor's Academy at Mile 7 before heading over the gorgeous Parker River Bridge and through the salt marsh. Miles 9 to 12 will repeat Miles 1 to 3 and then you'll venture down the Clipper City Rail Trail, a 1.3-mile paved running path through lush forests, all the way back to the finish at Michael's Harborside, where you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the mighty Merrimack River and an awesome after-party! Course Hills: This is a relatively easy course. The highest elevation is only 64 feet. There are no major hills and most hills are simply rollers that come and go quite easily. There will be five water stops on the course, two of which will also have Gatorade and one will have energy gel: Mile 2.5, 4.5, 6.7, 9.7, and 12. We know that sometimes nature calls at the when it's least convenient, that's why we've put portable toilets near the Mile 12 water stop. The course is USATF Certified. Not only do you get a wonderful day of amazingly scenic running, but you're also treated to an after-party at Michael's Harborside Restaurant in downtown Newburyport, featuring panaoramic views of the Merrimack River, FREE bone-warming soup or award-winning chowda, healthy granola, and bananas. http://go.evvnt.com/450034-0?pid=6562

Hamilton, Massachusetts (United States of America) - "Fast Half Marathon". The starting line for the Fast Half is located on Bay Road in Hamilton. The very same road that is home to the prestigious Myopia Hunt Club that hosts some of the world's most celebrated polo matches. Runners will enjoy racing along the idyllic countryside and open pastures of Hamilton. Then, continue your run as you soak up the New England charm of antique barns and fieldstone walls in neighboring communities of Ipswich and Essex. Set your sights on a PR! This single loop course is mostly flat and fast with a few gently rolling hills. Racers are sure to meet new friends as well as fierce competitors along the way. This is an officially sanctioned and certified USATF race. www.yukanrun.com/Fast-Half.html