The second annual road race being held as part of the Marblehead Festival of Arts figures to be twice as much fun as the first — at least for runners who like a challenge.
New this year, there will be a 10K race that will take runners from the starting line near the post office on Smith Street down over the causeway for a loop around the Neck. Both the 5K race and 10K race will have a new finish line at Marblehead High School.
Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each age division (0-13, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79 and 80+), and the top three teams will also receive awards.
Everyone who crosses the finish line will receive a custom commemorative finisher’s medal.
In last year’s inaugural race, the top male finisher was Scott Snyder of Marblehead, who finished the 5K in 17:15, 20 seconds faster than Nate Assa. The top four of the men’s race also featured runners from South Burlington, Vermont, and Decatur, Georgia.
The top female finisher was Kylynn McKinley of Marblehead, with a time of 18:52. Rounding out the top four were Ashley Sanderson, Kristin Gendron and Larissa Bifano, all of Marblehead.
Registration fees, which benefit arts scholarships in the community, are as follows:
— 5K: $40 in advance, $45 day of race.
— 10K: $45 in advance, $50 day of race.
Registration is free for runners under the age of 10.
Early pickup of race bibs will be available on Friday, July 5, 4-6 p.m. at the Work Loft, 1 Spring St.
On the day of the race, the schedule will be as follows:
— 7 a.m., registration closes.
— 7:20 a.m., pre-run/yoga warm-up.
— 7:30 a.m., 10K race line-up.
— 7:45 a.m., 10K start, 5K race line-up.
— 8 a.m., 5K start
— 9:15 a.m., top finisher awards presented.
To register or for more information, see marbleheadfestival.org/5-10k-road-race.
