Are You Ready for the 2019 Hyannis Marathon?

It's time to pull the running shoes out of the closet, as the 2019 Hyannis Marathon will take place on February 23 and 24. Come to think of it, if you plan to run, you’ll probably want to invest in a warm base layer, some ear warmers, and a comfortable pair of mitts, as well, since the daytime highs on these days are set to reach only 39 and 41 degrees respectively. There’s also a chance of rain or snow in the forecast. Of course, we still have some time for that to change, so hopefully the race is able to go off without a hitch.

The Hyannis Marathon is a vital event on the running calendar because it offers USATF certification in the marathon and half marathon categories, and also acts as a Boston Marathon qualifier. If you run the Hyannis Marathon in a time under the standard set for your age and gender, you may have the chance to compete in Boston in 2020.

You can register as a team or individual online before the event, but keep in mind that spots in the marathon are limited, so signing up as early as possible is a good idea.

Runners of all ages are encouraged to participate in what should be a wonderful time in Hyannis, and even if you’re unable to complete a full or half marathon, there are shorter runs that could give you the opportunity to get involved.

The Weekend's Events

While the actual Marathon doesn't happen until February 24, Hanlon's Shoes on Main Street in Hyannis is holding a 5K Fun Run on February 22. If you aren't participating in a full event but still want to be a part of it all, this is a real chance to do so. The run starts at 7:00 PM and goes through the streets on downtown Hyannis. Palio Pizzeria will host a dinner after the Fun Run, as well.

On Saturday, February 23, the 10K run gets started at 10:00 AM. The 10K is the shortest official event for individuals, as it takes place on a modified course in downtown Hyannis. After the run, there will be an awards' ceremony with refreshments in the ballroom at the Resort and Conference Center at Hyannis, followed by a pasta dinner party. The dinner party tends to fill up quickly, so make sure you buy your tickets ahead of time.

Sunday, February 24 is when the main events take place. Everything begins at 9:30 AM with the marathon’s Early Start. The Early Start is reserved for those who believe they will take more than five hours to complete the entire marathon. If you start early and finish in less than five hours, you run the risk of being disqualified.

The actual Hyannis Marathon gets underway at 10:00 AM, as do the Half Marathon and Team Relay Marathon. The Half Marathon involves completing the street course once, while the team and full marathons take you through the course twice.

In 2019, you’ll have the chance to complete the Hyannis Double Dip Challenge. The gist is that anyone who finishes both the 10K on Saturday and the Full or Half Marathon on Sunday will receive a medal.

Following the Sunday runs, there is another awards’ ceremony on the schedule, along with an after-party featuring the live music of the Grab Brothers. All of the after-run festivities, including the weekend-long Race Expo, take place at the Resort and Conference Center at Hyannis.

The 2019 event will have a special guest, as Boston Billy Rodgers, who won the New York and Boston marathons four times each in the between 1975 and 1980, breaking the Boston Marathon’s American record twice, will be present all weekend long.

A Look at the Course

As for the course, every event begins and ends at the Resort & Conference Center at Hyannis, with the only difference being the route they take to get to the finish line.

Each of the courses runs past beautiful areas like Hyannis Harbor, Veterans Beach, Kalmus Beach, Sea Street Beach, Keyes Beach, Fortes Beach, along with the Michael K. Aselton Memorial Park, the John F. Kennedy Memorial, and the Kennedy Family Compound.

The Full, Half, and Team marathons head all the way to Centerville's downtown area, passing beautiful Craigville Beach along the way, while the 10K finishes before this portion.

As for the total distance, the Half Marathon is 13.1 km, while the Full Marathon and Team Relay are 26.2 km each. The team event is broken down into two legs of 7 km and two legs of 6.1 km.

The route is mostly flat and entirely paved, making for a smooth run, and there are plenty of water stations along the way. Keep in mind that there will be traffic on the course since it is not a closed track, but police and volunteers will monitor the roadway to ensure your safety.

Cape Cod’s Winter Marathon

While it might seem strange to have a marathon on Cape Cod in the winter, it makes sense from a logistical standpoint because Cape Cod has relatively mild weather in late February and runners want to get as many chances in as possible to qualify for high-end events.

Whether you plan to run in the Hyannis Marathon, want to volunteer your time, or simply wish to get out and show your support, 2019’s edition promises to be one of the best ever.