Swanzey Covered Bridges

Mostly flat, fast terrain with a few gentle, rolling hills thrown in are par for the course along the Swanzey Covered Bridges Half Marathon, which showcases the signature landmarks of this southwestern New Hampshire town, located just over 10 miles each from the borders with Massachusetts and Vermont. The race course – which rises no more than 100 feet in elevation through the entire race – features views and scenery that capture perfectly the quaint, authentic feel of New England, taking runners through covered bridges with names like Thompson, Slate, Carlton and Cresson, most of which date to the pre-Civil War era.

About 500 runners participate in the race each year, across a course made up mostly of paved roads – though shortly after the race start on Swanzey’s Sawyer Crossing Road, the race takes participants across a section of improved railroad bed and about a mile of dirt trails. Thereafter, the race course returns to paved roads as it follows a counter-clockwise loop through the Swanzey area back to the finish line at Monadnock Regional High School.

After the last runners have crossed the finish line, the race organizers host a post-race barbecue, with fresh roasted corn on the cob, hamburgers and hotdogs, and plenty of tomatoes and fresh vegetables. And, organizers add, the race is open to all skill levels – “walkers, joggers and runners are welcome.”