Issues → March/April 2009 → Features →
Marathon Mania: 10 Long Events
(page 2 of 2)
6. Beam Up
The Boston Science Fiction Film Festival offers 24 straight hours of the best and worst sci-fi movies ever made. Hundreds of the faithful pack into the Somerville Theatre to alternately be awed by and jeer at an endless parade of space zombies, mind melds, and giant iguanas. Intermissions are short; the only real break is the 20 minutes it takes to judge the tinfoil-hat competition.
February 14-15 (Presidents' Day Weekend), Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square, Somerville, MA. 617-625-5700; bostonsci-fi.com
7. Runnin' Wild
Unleash your inner Tarzan! The Untamed New England Adventure Race is not for the faint of heart. At the sound of the starting gun, this marathon doesn't stop for up to 60 hours. Teams of three or four players each will cover more than 170 miles of wilderness. They'll receive no assistance throughout the race. Teams choose their own routes between checkpoints, there are no official aid stations or support crews, and there are no designated sleeping times. The race is held at a different location in New England each June. Challenging for both first-time racers and experienced teams alike, this marathon includes mountain biking, paddling, trekking, ropes courses, and orienteering. The winning team is expected to finish the course in about 55 hours, and there are cut-off points midrace so that no team will be on the course for more than three days. Call or check the Web site for the latest details on location and other race information.
July 9-12, The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel, Cold Spring Road, Dixville Notch, NH 877-486-8263; untamedne.com
8. Two-Wheeling Heaven
Trek Across Maine is a weekend bike trip that let riders enjoy the Pine Tree State's countryside. Starting at Sunday River in Newry, riders have a choice of two scenic routes, each covering about 180 miles, to the finish two days later in Belfast. This marathon event supports the American Lung Association of Maine, having raised more than $13 million for the organization since its inception. Overnight accommodations are provided for riders, or they may choose to camp outside.
June 19-21, Sunday River Ski Resort, Sunday River Road, Newry, ME. 207-622-6394; lungme.org
9. Blistering Pace
North Face Around the Lake Relay: the perfect marathon for beginning footracers. Each lap around Quannapowitt Lake is a little over three miles; choose eight laps, about 26.2 miles overall, or the Ultra's 24-hour run. Because the course is divided up so neatly, runners may stop after each lap for a break or challenge themselves for time or number of laps. Runs begin at 7 p.m., after the temperature has dropped, and the course is well lit with mid- and end-course water stops along the way. Beware of blisters, and bring plenty of socks to change into if you're attempting the Ultra.
July 24-25, Best Western Lord Wakefield Hotel, 595 North Ave., Wakefield, MA 781-416-2857; home.att.net/~lakerun
10. Horsing Around
This is the 73rd year for the Green Mountain Horse Association's annual 100-Mile Ride, a three-day event to support Vermont riding, and the oldest 100-mile trail ride in the country. Riders will travel 40 miles on Friday and Saturday and 20 on Sunday over beautiful and challenging bridle trails. The GMHA will provide stabling on Thursday through Sunday; the event includes pre-ride breakfasts, a post-trail lunch, and a special brunch on Sunday, all catered by Travelin' Willy B's. On-trail snacks will also be provided. Awards in each weight division, plus overall Grand Champion and Reserve.
September 4-6, Green Mountain Horse Association, 110 Route 106, South Woodstock, VT 802-457-1509; gmhainc.org
Reader Comments
Comment from Cathy Barger on February 26, 2009
Hi! Does anyone know where I could get a copy ot the Albert Lorenz illustration of the Pequod and Moby Dick on pp. 88 and 89 of the Marathon Mania article in the March/April issue?? Thank you very much.
Comment from Heather Marcus on March 5, 2009
Hi Cathy, thanks for your inquiry. please go ahead and contact the artist's business manager, Maureen, directly, if you are interested in a print. she may be reached at mlorenzart@aol.com. 'best, Heather Marcus Photo Editor
Registered users can add comments.
Registration is free, and just takes a moment.
Login or Register.