Nearly 800 Runner Compete In 2nd Annual Bridgehampton Half-Marathon

On Saturday, May 9th, the Bridgehampton Half-Marathon saw its first finisher after just 1 hour, 10 minutes, and 15 seconds (5:22 pace). Nick Lemon (22) crossed the finish line well before anybody else. Lemon, a part time resident of Sag Harbor, works at Gubbins Running Ahead. Arne Bostrom (28) finished second, and Luis Ramirez (24) finished third. Fourth place went to last year’s winner, Chris Koegel (31), and Noah Kaufman (37) finished fifth. The first female finisher was Jamie Sutherland, 37, from New York, who finished 11th overall in 1 hour, 25 minutes, and 30 seconds (6:32 pace).

This year’s half-marathon was just the second one hosted in Bridgehampton, last year being the inaugural race. The morning started out foggy, but that did not stop runners from getting a prompt 9 a.m. start at the historic Beebe Windmill on Ocean Road. 797 runners completed the race. For the men, the age range was between 19 and 77-years-old. The women ranged between 15 and 64-years-old.

The Active Times recently ranked the Hamptons Marathon Series as the #6 marathon in the world. The 13.1 mile long course is scenic and peaceful. As runners made their way through Bridgehampton and Sagaponack, they passed sprawling estates, horse farms, and vineyards. With water stations every two miles and each mile marker equipped with the running time, there is no doubt that a lot of effort and extra hands were involved in the planning of this race. The police did a great job of controlling the crowds and directing traffic, making the runners feel safe and unbothered throughout the run.

At the packet pick up in Southampton on Friday, many runners were able to write down their answer to the question: Why do you run? Answers varied, but all of the reasons were important. “Because I’m a rockstar mom of 2 baby boys,” “Because I just turned 30 and feel like celebrating,” “Because I told my mom I would,” “To feel free,” “To feel sane,” and “To eat” were among responses. At the race, there were groups of runners clad with matching shirts, like a team, running for cancer survivors or family members who could not run.

Like last year’s half-marathon, all of the proceeds of the race benefited Southampton Hospital and the Bridgehampton Museum. Next to the windmill, volunteers help set up food, water, medical services, massage therapy, coffee, and other marathon essentials. The Bridgehampton Half-Marathon is a sister event to the bigger Hamptons Marathon that takes place in September. The race went flawlessly thanks to the runners, the volunteers, and the sponsors.

For more information, visit Bridgehamptonhalf.com.