Who says you have to go to the East Coast to run the Boston Marathon and enjoy the festivities? You can participate closer to home by taking part in the Boston Mini Marathon and Festival in Boston, Georgia. This year’s festival will be on Oct. 25 to 27, and you can register for the race online. It’s $35 for the half-marathon, $35 for the relay, $20 for the 5k walk, and $12 for the one-mile fun run. Racers will meet at the Boston Community Club at 6:30 a.m. on Oct. 26. Of course, the run is just part of the fun. Learn more about what to expect during the 40th annual mini-marathon and festival.
About the Festival
This festival seems to get bigger and better each year. That’s why the organizers had to add an extra day in 2015. Two days simply wasn’t enough for all the fun. The action begins with the Boston Butt Cook-Off on Oct. 25. This has become a local favorite. People descend on the Boston Community Club early to watch the cooks set up and begin. Along with the best butts in Boston, you can expect ribs as well. Give the food a taste so you’ll have an idea of who will go home with cash prizes.
Once your belly is full of good food, it’ll be time to listen to live music in Watt Park. The band starts at 8 p.m., and you can set up a lawn chair and listen. If you get there a little early, stop by some of the shops close to the park. They usually stay open late for the party.
About the Mini Marathon
The next day hits the ground running with the race. The mini-marathon participants start first, right after the singing of the National Anthem. They’re followed by the 5k walkers. Finally, the one-milers get started.
Vendors, Parade, and More
After the race, it’s time to visit the vendors. Food and craft vendors will have items for sale starting at 9 a.m. Then, the costume contest will start at 10:30 a.m. The contest is also at Watt Park, and it’s always a treat. Expect to see costumes that range from ghoulish to funny. Just like the cookoff, the winners will take home some cash.
The fun isn’t even close to being over once the costume contest ends. The parade begins at 11:30 a.m. It starts on Main Street and ends at Commercial Bank. You’ll see Miss Boston, complete with her newly appointed court. Plus, there will be festival queens, a marching band, and so much more.
The parade is followed by a history of Boston at 1 p.m. Then, it’ll be time for the Tour de Boston Family Bike Ride at 2 p.m. The bike ride is free and a great way to get some exercise and see this gorgeous city.
The day ends at 3 p.m. when the organizers announce the cook-off winners. Go home and get some rest afterward so you can come back at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. That’s when you’ll go on a trail ride. It’s $10 to register, and it starts at the Stephen Street Complex.
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Get Ready for the Fun
Wow, there is so much to do at the Boston Mini Marathon and Festival. Gather your friends and family, and get ready for the time of your life.
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