A few weeks ago the NH Grand Prix running series was set.  I wanted everyone in the club know that you are welcome to join other UVRC runners for any or all of these races.

Before I list the races I want to thank everyone who responded to the poll and help shape the 2023 series.  We got 22 respondents so that was a great help to gauge what the club wanted out of the series.  We wanted 6 races and we got that.  A few people wanted more 5Ks and we got 2. The Down River 10k was the most popular local race and we got that.  Most of us wanted closer races but we did not get that.  

Here are the races.  We should have a van going to all the away races so feel free to start training for the March race.

• 3/26 - Nashua Soup Kitchen (Nashua)10K
• 5/7 - Cinco de Miles (Bedford) 5K
• 7/4 - Run for Freedom (Derry) 10k
• 9/17 - Halfway to St. Patrick's Day (Manchester) 5k
• 10/7 - Down River Trail Run (Enfield/Lebanon) 10k
• 10/22 - Delta Dental / New England Half Marathon (Hopkinton/Concord)

Two changes to NH Grand rules this year:

1. Runners need to complete only 5 out of the 6 races to be a Granite Runner. I am hoping we can get a bunch of Granite Runners in the UVRC this year.  Being a Granite Runner means you get some unique and as of now undetermined swag (I have suggested carving our likenesses on Cannon Mountain but that may not be the prize this year).
2. New England Half Marathon will count 25% more than other races (points out of 125 instead of 100).

I will be posting more about each race and details as we get closer.  I just wanted you to have 2 months notice for the first race.  We may even have announcements about swag for Grand Prix runners.  Right now, we are going to continue to give away UVRC singlets for anyone who runs two or more away races (we can even give them to you in advance if you sign up for 2 races).  A lot of the races this year have bigger after parties than in past years so maybe that may encourage more UVRC runners.  Anyway, there will be singlets for sure for those who have not earned one before and I am looking for other ideas for more swag for those who participate in the series.  

The series is designed and scored to encourage participation (last several Couch to 5K runners earned more than 50 points just by running in Skip's Run).  You can earn more points by placing higher in your age and gender category but it is a team competition so lots of people of all abilities running will earn lots more points than a select few.  Please join us for as many races as you can!

Thanks all and enjoy the winter running.

Jim