COHASSET BY THE SEA 10K
by Walter Burgess

Ths early spring race has been a tradition on the south shore for many years. The course is considered one of the most picturesque on the east coast. It is run through the town of Cohasset, which is known for its ocean views and nice expensive homes. As the start of the race approached, we all headed to the start. This years race drew over 900 runners. The race begins at Cohasset Commons. As the clock struck 1pm the race was underway. The course quickly leaves the commons and runs through cohasset village, which resembles a quint New England village with its small shops and restaurants. The first mile is flat and fast. I hit the 1st mile marker in 6:45.

After mile 1, you get your first views of the Mantic ocean, and for the next 2 miles you have spectacular views of the Atlantic ocean on your right and very nice homes on your left. My mile 2 split was 6:25', which undoubtedly meant the 2nd mile was short and mile 3 split was 7:10. About 1/4 mile after mile 3 you make a left turn away from the ocean and hit your first hill. It is short but steep. The next mile and 1/2 is a series of rolling hills. There is good crowd support along this stretch with lots of water stops and a lot of children excited to hand you a cup of water. I ran the 4th mile in 7:30

As we approached mile 5 the course flattens out but this was also the point where some residents thought it would be a good time to burn some leaves, so with the air filled with smoke it made breathing a bit harder. My mile 5 split was 7:25. The last mile is flat except for a small rise right befcire the finish which is back at Cohasset Commons. I finished in 43:19

The course of this race reminds you somewhat of the Falmouth Road Race, so if your looking for a very scenic spring race with plenty of ocean views, then this one is for you!