From the rural countryside into downtown Concord, this race showcases the best of New Hampshire in October. Runners will experience peak autumn foliage, crisp morning air, and scenic rolling roads along the way.
48th State. 48th Half Marathon. 48th Birthday.
Sometimes the best travel stories are the ones you don’t plan!
The irony of this one didn’t hit me until the night before, but when I put it all together, I couldn’t help but laugh because this was my 48th half marathon, in my 48th state, during my 48th birthday weekend!
The night before the race, sitting in my hotel room, I started drafting a mass email to my followers with one simple ask: donate $48 to support our SuperAging Clinical Trial. By the end of the race, we were over $4,800!
The Starting Line at Gould Hill Farm in New Hampshire
The race begins at Gould Hill Farm, a charming hilltop apple orchard in Contoocook (Hopkinton), NH. With sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and panoramic foliage, it’s a picture-perfect setting to gather, take in the scenery before heading out on 13.1 miles toward Concord.
Rolling Country Roads and Hills with Unexpected Hypothermia (Miles 1-8)
The first chunk of the course takes runners along quiet, rolling country roads through the picturesque New Hampshire countryside of Hopkinton. While the overall layout has a net-downhill profile (featuring roughly 900 feet of descent), it is far from flat, incorporating a few notable rolling hills that will push any runner to the limit.
I’ve run in some pretty cold places, including Antarctica and Mount Everest, but for some reason, this 35-degree New Hampshire morning had my right thumb absolutely frozen! By Mile 1, I was shaking uncontrollably, my thumb was completely numb, and I was genuinely worried about hypothermia and a potential DNF (Did Not Finish)!
I kept hoping to find a discarded glove along the road when I spotted a woman outside a house holding a bin of clothing. I stopped to ask if she had any gloves, and she simply said, “I don’t know, but you can have mine.”
I have no idea who that woman was, but THANK YOU! You quite literally saved my race.
By now, I was finding my groove and getting a front-row seat to everything that makes New Hampshire in October so beautiful. Think winding country roads, rolling hills, and trees showing off every shade of red, orange, and gold. The downhill miles were definitely welcome, although a few sneaky climbs reminded me this wasn’t going to be a completely effortless cruise!
A Change of Scenery on the Old Water Tower Path (Mile 9-10)
Just when you think you’ve seen it all, the course takes a fun little turn into the woods! Around Mile 9, runners leave the open roads behind and enjoy a stretch along Concord’s Old Water Tower Path. This hard-packed gravel and dirt trail offers a refreshing change of scenery, a little shade, and a chance to soak in the natural beauty along the route.
From Fall-Colored Streets to the Capitol Downtown and a Finish Line Full of Emotions (Mile 11-13.1)
The final 2.1 miles were a little gift to the eyes (and a test of the legs!). The course wound through gorgeous New England neighborhoods, where trees were putting on an unapologetic autumn show in every shade imaginable.
And then I crossed the finish line…and completely lost it. The tears came before I could even process what had just happened. This wasn’t just another half marathon. This was the culmination of a dream: completing a half marathon in all 48 continental states!
Standing there, I couldn’t help but think about the journey behind me. Every race had a story. Every state held a memory. Every finish line brought me one step closer to this moment.
But here’s what I hope I take away from this experience — and what I hope you do, too: Dream big. Start before you feel ready. Keep showing up. And never underestimate what you can accomplish when you refuse to give up on something that matters to you. You don’t have to know exactly how you’ll get there. You just have to be willing to take that first step, and then the next, and the next.
Next state up: ALASKA!
Must-Visit Places in Concord, NH for First-Time Visitors
Concord is a mid-sized New England city with roughly 45,000 residents, serving as New Hampshire’s state capital. It offers a wonderful blend of historic character, small-city charm, and easy access to the spectacular outdoor scenery that makes New England so special.
Scenic RailRiders – one of my favorite excursions in all 48 continental states!
Imagine pedaling a custom-built rail bike along historic railroad tracks, surrounded by breathtaking New England fall foliage. Through this family owned business, I traveled approximately 6.5 miles through a spectacular autumn wonderland, with beautiful countryside and river views along the way.
The experience takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes and follows a historic railroad corridor dating back to 1846. You can choose a two- or four-person rail bike, making it a fun adventure for couples, families, and friends.
What makes this so special? You’re not just looking at the scenery, you’re completely immersed in it!
Granite State Candy Shoppe…since 1927!
More than just a candy store, Granite State Candy Shoppe is a Concord tradition built on sweet memories, timeless favorites, and nearly a century of delight.
Inside, you’ll find: homemade gourmet chocolates and truffles, creamy fudge and chocolate-covered treats, Freshly roasted nuts and nut brittles, sugar mints and nostalgic candies, homemade super-premium ice cream
Take a Walk on the Wild Side: Exploring the Trails at the Audubon Center
Sometimes the best adventures are the ones that take you off the beaten path! At the Susan N. McLane Audubon Center, a beautiful network of nature trails invites you to slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and see where the outdoors takes you.
Wander along Wendy’s Loop, a peaceful 0.4-mile walk through a white pine forest, where spring wildflowers add little pops of color along the way. Feeling adventurous? Follow the Great Turkey Pond Loop, a 1.2-mile trail winding through mixed hardwood forests to scenic pond views.
Pull Up a Chair at The Common Man
The Common Man deserves a spot at the top of your list! With its cozy, rustic atmosphere, welcoming hospitality, and delicious New England-inspired comfort food, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to settle in and stay awhile.
From hearty mac and cheese and mouthwatering pot roast to lobster corn chowder, there’s something to satisfy just about every craving. Add in the crackling fireplaces, charming dining spaces, and thoughtful little extras like a free homemade cheese station and crackers, and it’s easy to see why The Common Man is a local favorite.