• Sunday, June 8, 2008

2008 Seacoast Half Marathon Supports Cross Roads House

The tag line for the Seacoast Half Marathon is “Caring For the Coast, One Step At a Time.” Each year, the race organizers choose a local non-profit organization to be the beneficiary of that year's race. In 2006, it was the Market Square Steeple Fund. Last year, the race donated the $45,000 earned after expenses to New Heights. In 2008, the race organizers are proud to select Cross Roads House – the seacoast's largest emergency and transitional shelter – as the race beneficiary.

Cross Roads House provides temporary housing, food, and support to families and individuals, and has a proven program that helps residents achieve their goal of independent and sustainable housing. Cross Roads House serves people in Portsmouth and other seacoast New Hampshire communities. More information about Cross Roads House is at www.crossroadshouse.org.

This year's Seacoast Half Marathon will be run on Sunday, November 9. The 13.1-mile race starts and finishes at Portsmouth High School, and takes runners through Rye and New Castle. The race is limited to 1,200 runners and walkers; the 2007 race sold out by Labor Day. People came from 20 states, Canada and England to run last year's Seacoast Half Marathon. Details and on-line registration for the race is at www.seacoasthalfmarathon.com .

Sponsors such as Ocean Properties, Mizuno, and Runner's Alley help to cover most of the expenses associated with the race. Many local restaurants and food purveyors also support the effort. This year, the race organizers are trying to get all expenses covered by sponsors so that 100% of the entry fees can go to Cross Roads House. Sponsorship opportunities for the Seacoast Half Marathon are still available. Interested firms and individuals should send an e-mail to racedirector@seacoasthalfmarathon.com.