"Of course, as a born-and-raised New Englander, at the top of that list is the Boston Marathon, which started 130 years ago. There are also the iconic Falmouth Road Race and Mount Washington Road Race, both of which have been in existence for over half a century. And, along with them, hidden in a little nook on the North Shore of Massachusetts, is the Yankee Homecoming 10 Mile, which will be celebrating its 66th running this July."
"The Yankee Homecoming, held on the last Tuesday night in July, is not just a race; it's a community festival. For over six decades, the small fishing village of Newburyport, Massachusetts, has hosted this annual gathering, which brings folks back together from far and wide in an idyllic New England town to celebrate the past, plan for the future, and, at 6:10 p.m., attempt to run 10 miles as fast as they can."
"I was fortunate enough to run the Yankee Homecoming a few times in the 1990s when I first came of age as a runner, and I was struck by the outpouring of community support for runners, as well as the feeling of belonging that appeared to be felt by everybody, runners and townspeople alike. It felt like everyone was sharing in this special event that truly felt like a homecoming."
"Homecomings, by their nature, are designed to bring people back together, typically in a place where they have some history, and after some time away. The best homecomings do this in a way that brings everyone back, no matter how long they've been gone, to a place that just feels right."
The Boston Marathon, Falmouth Road Race, Mount Washington Road Race, and Yankee Homecoming are long-standing events in the New England racing calendar. Yankee Homecoming takes place on the last Tuesday night in July in Newburyport, Massachusetts, and is both a race and a community festival. For over six decades, people return from far and wide to celebrate the past, plan for the future, and attempt to run 10 miles as fast as possible at 6:10 p.m. The event creates a strong sense of belonging, with community support for runners and shared participation between runners and townspeople. Homecomings are framed as gatherings that bring people back to a place that feels right, regardless of how long they have been away.
Read at iRunFar
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