Winter Running Steps Up to Take On a Half Marathon

Groton winter running capped off its season on February 22 with a half marathon and ten-kilometer race around the Circle and throughout the greater Groton community.

Unlike last year’s unseasonably warm raceday, Wednesday was cloudy and in the high 30s with a light wind. Runners gathered at a makeshift start/finish line at the west end of the Circle, most dressed in sweatshirts and tights, but a few brave souls in split shorts or tank tops. 

After some last-minute instructions and directional reminders from coaches Ms. Louisa Ebby, Ms. Claire Hawkins, and Mr. Dylan Madden, Ms. Hawkins gave a countdown and they were off.

Student runners chose between a ten-kilometer (6.2 miles) run and a half marathon (13.1 miles). The half was the overwhelming choice, with fifteen of the sixteen runners electing to run that distance. Of that number, eleven were doing their first half marathon. 

“It’s been a good season,” said Mr. Madden. “Everyone realized how empowering it is to sign up for a half marathon, and to try it.” 

The runners trained four days a week, starting at three or four miles and building up through January to a long run of ten miles on the nearby Nashua River Rail Trail. 

In the past, the winter running team’s season concluded with participation in the Hyannis half marathon. When that race was canceled due to COVID-19, the team moved the race onto campus and surrounding roads. A return to Hyannis was considered this year, but organizers there shifted to a new date that’s during Spring Break, so the event was held on the Circle once again.

As runners crossed the finish line, they were greeted by coaches and fellow students, traded their reflective vests for medals and a Gatorade or banana, and shared stories in the cold for as long as their tired legs would allow.

Chase Bellamy ’26 44:04

Jeremy Gall ’24 1:38:36

Andres Palacios ’24 1:38:35

Jasper Sharma ’23 1:41:39

Aidan O’Connell ’23 1:51:35

Charlotte Maturo ’23 1:55:06

David Wang ’23 1:56:53

Frances Waltz ’23 1:58:12

Christina Chen ’23 1:59:23

Amy Ma ’23 1:59:38

Zoe Friedland ’25 2:03:35

Kristen Billings ’25 2:04:16

Gabriela Gil ’25 2:04:17

Margaret Kane ’25 2:23:50

Patrick Keegan ’24 2:23:50

Penelope Tregoe ’25 2:23:50