United Healthcare Half Marathon
Newport, Rhode Island
Sunday, October 17, 2010

The temperature was 41 degress at the start of the United Healthcare Half Marathon on Sunday, October 17, 2010 in Newport, Rhode Island. The wind was blowing between 10 and 15 mph with sunny skies. The temperature reached the middle 50's by the end of the half marathon. The course is very scenic. It begins by an Atlantic Ocean Beach and by mile 1 it is in the old Newport neighborhood that contains the mansions built in the 1890's by the rich and famous of the era, including "The Breakers" built by a Vanderbilt. From mile 2 to mile 10 the course is near the ocean, passing by the estates of current rich and famous and offering a spectacular view of the rocky coast with its beautiful breaking waves. From mile 10 to 12 the course returns to the 1890's mansions; however, these are even more impressive as they are the coastal mansions. The last mile returns to the Atlantic Ocean Beach. There is quite a bit of gradual up and down throughout the route which was on paved roads most of which were open to traffic; however, the traffic was slow moving and not very heavy. Police controlled the intersections in the old part of Newport. Water stations were located between 2 and 2.5 miles apart and were manned by plenty of volunteers. Unfortunately two of the 5 stations ran out of cups and I did not get as much water and electrolytes as I would have like to have received. Only two of the stations had Gatorade and it was only about 3 ounces in a cup. By mile 8 I was feeling the effects of not having as much electrolyte drinks as I normally receive in a race. As a result my legs became very heavy and tired and my pace dropped almost two miles per mile slower than usual. A shuttle system was used to transport the participants about 3 miles between a parking area to the start/finish area. I got there 1.5 hours before the race and had no problems; however, many participants did not allow as much time and arrive late for the start. Except for the cup situation, the race was well organized and enjoyable. My wife and I spent the week between the Hartford Half Marathon and the United Healthcare Half Marathon travelling through New England and enjoying the spectacularly beautiful Fall colors.