Race: Hyannis Marathon
Runner: Coach Keith Nadeau
Race Date: 03/05/2023
Location: Hyannis, MA
Results: 2nd place OA – 2:41:20
Strava Activity Link: https://strava.app.link/hyhTOBUP6xb
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
The course is beautiful! Some beachfronts and backroads out on picturesque Cape Cod. The marathon is two loops of the half marathon course, so it is kind of nice to know whats ahead on the second time around. Lastly, the people are great. Very supportive community of runners, and even had Frank Shorter to send us off and greet runners post race!
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
The only thing I didn’t love was that it started at 10am on Sunday. I prefer Saturday races to have the Sunday to relax before going back to work, but it is what it is!
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
The 10km, half marathon, marathon relay, and marathon all start at the same time. So right off the start it is a a mix of everyone trying to find their groove. The first loop was filled with people, second loop nobody around.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
This was a marathon PR for me! I eased in nicely, then maybe went a bit too fast for miles 14 to 18 which led to a tough last few miles. I was happy to have not fallen off pace too much grinding it out to the finish. Also, we got extremely lucky with the weather today! The day before had high winds and rain/sleet, but this day was sunny and mild winds.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
This course has some sneaky hills mixed throughout. I had done a course preview a few weeks prior so knew that going into it, and made sure I didn’t overwork myself on the hills. Other than that the beachfronts can be very windy, so similar to the hills trying to relax through them instead of tensing up and straining.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Stay steady through the middle! I think I would have had a faster time had I stayed more steady in the middle and finished stronger. Tough game to play with marathons distance and I think I was close to my best execution.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Two loops, can be windy, crowded start but lonely finish.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Very pretty course!
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Not too hard, but the hills and wind keeps you honest! Not the fastest course but also not extremely difficult.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
This event has been going on for a long time and is organized very well!
Competition – Is there a strong field?
This race doesn’t see a very competitive field compared to bigger marathons. Some fast locals out there but not many.
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
Easy to get in, and a Boston Qualifying race which got me in for 2024 with this year!
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Plentiful water stops. They had water and blue Gatorade which actually was very nice to switch things up a few times throughout the race.
Weather and typical race conditions
It’s late winter in New England, so weather could pretty much be anything! This year it was about as good as it gets.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
With the warm ish weather I went with shorts, upper base layer and TRR jersey, light gloves, a hat and sunglasses. Also, first time running in the Hoka Carbon x2 which worked very well.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
First loop many spectators, second loop it thins out a good amount. Easy to spectate many different locations.
How’s the Swag?
The race comes with a nice athletic long sleeve. They have many other options you can add on, and some cool free things in the race expo before and after race including a full gear shop for last minute purchases!
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
I would give this race a 4 out of 5 star rating. Overall it is a great race and run very well!
Keith Nadeau is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about him or to work with him, check out his coach profile.
