WALTER CHILDS RACE OF CHAMPIONS INFORMATION SHEET

Results are posted here

2013 Race Photos here
By Northeast Race Photo @ SmugMug

HISTORY: The Race of Champions Marathon is held in memory of Walter H. Childs Sr., the founder of the race who died in 1991. This year marks the 51st anniversary of this historic marathon.

COURSE : The race is a full marathon, 26.2 miles. The course is USATF certified and can be used as a qualifying race for entry into the Boston Marathon. The course is very scenic including country roads, both dirt and paved. USATF Certifed Course #MA12039JK Map

TRAVEL DIRECTIONS: The race starts at the Mt Tom Ski Lodge, and ends at the entrance to Whiting Reservoir, which is at the base of the Mt. Tom Ski Area, north of Holyoke, MA off Route 5. From I-91N take Exit 17A to Route 5N (take left): go approximately 1.2 miles north to the Mt Tom access road (at light). Take the Mt Tom access Rd (left turn) at the light and proceed to the top of the mountain. From I-91S take Exit 17 and follow the same directions as above.

NUMBER PICK-UP AND DAY OF RACE HEADQUARTERS : Numbers may be picked up on May 3rd (until 7:00 p.m.) , and May 4th (until 5:00 p.m.) at Fast Feet, 231 Elm St, West Springfield, phone 413 734-0955. Day of race registration is at the Mt Tom Ski Lodge (located at the start of the race). Day of race registration and pre-registered numbers may be picked up the day of the race from 6:45 a.m.-7:45 a.m. Ample parking and restroom facilities are available at the start.

LODGING: There are many motels in the area, particularly on Route 5, Exit 13 off I-91 in West Springfield. Including: Days’ Inn (413-785-5365), Red Roof Inn (413-731-1010), Clarion (413-781-8750), Super-8 (413-736-8080). In addition the America’s Best Value Inn, 671 Northampton Ave. (413 536-3377), Holyoke Hotel & Conference Center, at exit 15 (413 534-3311), and Yankee Peddlar Inn at exit 16 (413 532 9494) are located nearer to the start in Holyoke.

RESTAURANTS: There are a variety of restaurants along Route 5 from West Springfield to Holyoke. For the traditional carbo-loading, we suggest Red Rose Pizzeria, 1074 Main St., Springfield. Also IHOP at the junction of Route 5 and Elm St. in West Springfield, Pizzeria Uno at the Holyoke Mall (exit 15 rte 91, and Friendly’s Ice Cream at exit 15 off of rte 91.

AWARDS: Merchandise prizes to male and female winners in Open, Masters, Seniors, and Veterans age groups. The first 150 entrants will receive commemorative T-shirts. All entrants will enjoy a post-race dinner at the Summit View on Rt. 5.

All finishers will also receive a finishing medallion.

POST RACE MEAL: Post race meal and awards ceremony will be held at the Summit View pavillion at 555 Northamton St (rte 5).

This year we will be donating a portion of the proceeds to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke, Inc.

If you have any questions, call
Fast Feet, Inc. at 413 734-0955, official race headquarters. For more information check out our web site: www.harriers.org
or email marathon@harriers.org