I just got word of another local race coming up. The third annual Temple Half Marathon is set for April 28.

It's a road race, and should be a pleasant course… Temple is a beautiful town, and the elevation doesn't sound so lofty by trail race standards. Seven Sisters has 3,700 feet over 12 miles; Northern Nipmuck has 3,200 over 16 miles…

Here's the press release on the race:
Keep those running shoes laced — Temple's Third Annual Half Marathon and Four-Mile Walk is scheduled next month, on Apr. 28, 2007, at 10 am.
With 13.1 miles of hilly back roads and a 1,000-foot climb, the Half Marathon is "a death-wish course, tougher than the Boston Marathon,” says last year's winner David Audet.  Audet frequently runs in the Boston Marathon, which boasts of its Heartbreak Hill; the Temple course includes four heartbreaking ascents. Overall, runners will ascend over 1,000 feet.
“Mile after wonderful test-my-resolve mile, I knew I'd found a gem race,” declares another runner.
This year's race is dedicated to Temple resident Kaj Sonne, who died in December 2006, in special appreciation for his vision.  Kaj and his wife, Kathy, both members of the Friends of Temple Town Hall, conceived the Half Marathon in 2005 as a fund-raiser for the Temple Town Hall Restoration Project.   As in the past two years, proceeds from the 2007 race will benefit Temple's 1842 Town Hall.
Several area businesses have signed on as sponsors of the upcoming race. Leading sponsors so far are Kathy Blake Dance Studio, Amherst; Kimball Physics, Wilton; and Belletete's, Peterborough.  Additional sponsors are Ocean National Bank of Peterborough and Gold's Gym of Milford. Associated Muscular Therapy, will provide massages to triumphant and weary contestants after the race, and Super Feet, will donate $250 worth of premium insoles to be awarded as prizes.
The particular challenges of Temple's Half Marathon attract runners who want to enjoy the beauty of a rural setting while proving themselves on rugged terrain that requires determination, slog, and grit. Less intrepid participants can opt for a four-mile walk along Temple's scenic roads. Post-race snacks for runners and walkers alike will include Temple's famed “Annie's Beans” and Stonyfield Farm yogurt treats.
The first 75 registrants will also receive a commemorative T-shirt. The registration fee for runners is $30 until Apr. 16, $35 thereafter; walkers' fee is $15, or $20 after the Apr. 16 deadline. Registration forms are available at www.TempleNH.info, where a course map and elevation chart are also shown.
To sign up as a sponsor, call Connie Kieley — 603-878-1220.  For race information, call John Tallarico — 603-878-4173, or email TempleHalfMarathon@Yahoo.com