Race Information
Name: Clarence DeMar Marathon Date: September 29, 2021 Distance: 26.2 miles Location: Keene, New Hampshire Website: www.clarencedemarmarathon.com Finish Time: 3:58:12 Weather: Partly cloudy, 55°F at start, 65°F at finish, light breeze
Training
As a 38-year-old runner, father, and heart attack survivor, the Clarence DeMar Marathon was my first marathon. I followed a moderate and cautious 16-week plan, peaking at 55 miles per week. Training was riddled with setbacks, injuries of many kinds, and lots of rookie mistakes. Hydration during those hot summer runs was a constant struggle.
Pre-Race
Living 90 minutes from Keene, I drove early Sunday morning, enjoying the short drive to the starting line. Packet pickup at Keene State College was seamless, where I was handed my race bib, t-shirt, and a drawstring bag. Buses to the starting line were on time and consistent. Breakfast was a salad and oatmeal with apples and raisins.
Race
Miles 1-6: Easy Rolling Start
The race began at 7:00 AM in Gilsum, NH, under a crisp fall sky. A small crowd of 400 runners spread out quickly and easily on the wide open road. I settled into an 8:45-9:05 pace, cautious of my sciatica. The course wound through New Hampshire’s country roads glowing with early fall colors. Gentle hills emerged early, but my training kept me steady. Spectators were sparse but warm.
Miles 7-13: Surry’s Scenic Loop
By mile 7, the course entered Surry, a rural stretch along the Ashuelot River. The rolling hills intensified, with a notable climb at mile 10. I maintained a 9:10-9:20 pace, passing stone walls and red barns under partly cloudy skies. Crowds were minimal, but a family at mile 9 offered homemade cookies, a charming touch. The halfway mark (2:02:30) felt strong, but I braced for tougher hills ahead. Miles 14-20: Hill Country Grind
Returning toward Keene, the course hit its toughest section: a series of rolling hills. My pace slipped to 9:35-9:55 as my quads protested, but my core strength from training held my form. At mile 16, I stopped to eat a bean burrito, which was tethered to my running belt with rubber bands. The scenery—pastures, forests, and distant Monadnock Mountain—kept my spirits high despite the grind. Spectators grew at mile 20, cheering from driveways, but my legs felt heavy, signaling the marathon’s true test.
Miles 21-26.2: Downtown Dash
Miles 21-24 featured Keene’s small-town charm. At mile 24, the course passed through a cemetery and up a hill. I descended back into Keene, with Main Street’s crowds roaring. My pace quickened to 9:50-55, fueled by the finish line’s pull. At mile 26, I sprinted through the corral, crossing at 3:58:12—a sub-4 finish. Post-Race
The after-party at Keene State College offered music, food, and race-day pics, but I stuck to water and my packed salad. The finisher’s medal was simple but elegant. I lingered a while longer, making a video call to my family at home. Then I walked to my truck, relieved no buses were needed. The 90-minute drive home was smooth.
Reflections
The Clarence DeMar Marathon’s small-town charm, scenic hills, and crisp fall vibes made it a nostalgic choice. Its net elevation loss of approximately 500 feet was a welcome reprieve from flat training. Volunteers were stellar, and the small-town embrace drove home the race’s intimate feel.
What’s Next?
I’m targeting the MDI Marathon for 2022, aiming for a 3:45 finish with increased mileage (60-65 per week) and continued hill training. I’ll refine my nutrition and ensure better injury prevention going forward.
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