Last year, thought, most competitors lived in Bedford, Amherst, and nearby towns. This year, many more people are coming from out of state. The challenging 12.4-mile course this year starts at 9 a.m., leading off from the Amherst Post Office on Route 101, heading west into the historic downtown, circling the village green, north toward the Wilkins School and along rolling, wooded back roads to the town green in Bedford. The runners will pass the historic Horace Greeley home as well as watering stations every mile. Miss New Hampshire, Laureen Meehan, will present a finisher's medal to everyone who reaches Bedford Center.
People often come here just to see that green, surrounded by white buildings.
Both police commissioners advised us to stay off of Route 101 this year. It's unshaded and it's dangerous. This third annual racing event includes a separate four-mile race on a measured and certified course around Bedford, starting at 9 a.m. at Riley Field off Nashua and County roads. If a serious runner sets a record for that distance, it will hold up anywhere. Kids up to 12 years old will compete in four age-divided races of their own, the longest a kilometer.