New England: Here’s What You Need To Know About The RockFest Half Marathon

Music and long distance running enthusiasts will once again come together this fall. The 2024 New England RockFest Half Marathon is returning for its 17th annual race. It is once again in partnership with Smuttynose Beer, and there is a 5K option in addition to the half marathon route.

"Shake, rattle, and roll your way across the finish line and into the rockin’ after party—featuring craft-style Smuttynose beer (21+), live music, and unique food options you can only get at Rockfest like clam chowder and lobster rolls," RockFest states.

Specifically, this will take place in Hampton, New Hampshire, once again. The race will start at Ashworth Blvd and B Street Hampton. Those who opt for the 13-mile half marathon will begin at 8 AM. The 5K runners then take off at 8:40 AM.

The half marathon course includes loops around Hampton Beach, a trek along Ocean Boulevard, and a few miles down the tree-lined streets. The minimum age you have to be to enter the half marathon is 14-years-old.

The 5K route measures exactly 3.1 miles and has participants running alongside the Atlantic Ocean. You can run this race option starting at 8 years-old.

Regardless of which option you choose, everyone is invited to the rock n' roll afterparty. "The Smuttynose Rockfest Half and 5k features a massive festival where thousands of people descend on this scenic beach town to cheer on the runners and party all day," RockFest explains.

The music kicks off at the Sea Shell stage inside the beer garden. Upon signing up all runners will receive tickets for two complimentary beers, a lobster roll, clam chowder, and more for them to cash in and enjoy after the race.

Currently, the RockFest race is the largest event of its kind in the state of New Hampshire. Registration tickets for the 5K can be purchased for $54. The half marathon cost is $79.

Bands and artists that will be performing this fall are still to be announced. However, you can learn more about Smuttynose Beer in the meantime.

Smuttynose is a local brewery that dates back to 1994. In fact, they, too, are based in Hampton, New Hampshire. Currently, they have 21 beers on tap. Many of them include a fruit variation like Blueberry Ale or Pineapple Orange Coconut Sour. Their core brews are the Easy Kind IPA, Finest Kind IPA, and the Smuttynose Lager. Their Spring/Summer variety pack is a popular way to try all their seasonal cans along Hampton Beach.

The waves are starting to cooperate here in New England, so now is the time to get outfitted in the raddest gear. Here, I will take you through five of the best outlets to get surf attire in Massachusetts.

Over the past ten years, the shores of Rhode Island and Massachusetts have become hotspots for catching some of the best waves on the Atlantic coast. In recognition of the region fully adopting surf culture, major retail brands have opened locations in the area over the past year. Pairing national chains with local small business household names has made the area an east coast surfing hotspot. Jack Johnson, a Hawaiian north shore native, and the heart and soul of modern acoustic surf music, headlined the 2022 Levitate Music and Arts Festival.

The question is simple but the answer is complex. Obviously, the most crucial component to proper surf gear is a good surfboard. Many outlets allow you to rent, but once you are ready to take up the sport regularly, it's imperative that you have the board that is right for you. The best friend of the surfboard is a wetsuit. Often these items can be purchased from the same location. Though you can order wetsuits on Amazon or other digital retail outlets, they all seem to fit differently. Trust me, a loose wetsuit where water gets in the neck is one of the more initiating feelings in the water. Other necessary surfboard accessories include wax and a leash.

Finally, no surfer is properly equipped without attire to show you are a surfer when you are out of the water. Some of the stores we will list sell clothing that is representative of surf culture. In fact, one particular outlet makes their clothing with the beach in mind. They use recycled garments and often lead philanthropic efforts to help make our oceans cleaner.

Whether you are looking for a new board to hang ten with during the summer of 2023, or for athletic wear to sport while surf training in the winters, these five outlets for surf attire in New England are open and ready for you to cruise right in.

Where: 201 Newbury St.

What can I get here? The most comfortable and flexible athletic wear that you can feel great training or lounging in.

Selected item: Sunday Performance Jogger - perfect to wear to the beach during those cold sunrise mornings where the swell is best. Or - to simply lay on the coach in and watch football. Eight color options are available. Cost $98. www.vuori.com

Where: 1871 Ocean St.

What can I get here? Everything from boardshorts (year around) to fleece pullovers to longboards. And they also sell skateboards.

Selected item: Your first surfboard. A youth-sized soft-top (7 or 8 ft) can come fully equipped with a leash and wetsuit. If you are a youth beginner, this is all you need to jump right in. In addition, they often have boards from Joel Tudor or hand-crafted longboards. Regardless, Levitate always offers the highest quality boards perfect or east coast waves. Cost starts at $450 and up.
www.levitatebrand.com

Where: 131 Newbury St.

What can I get here? Denim made from environmentally sound materials, jumpsuits, and the most comfortable terry cloth sweatshirts imaginable. This brand was started by the most well-known and decorated pro surfers in the country, Kelly Slater. All of their clothing is made with sustainability at the forefront of manufacturing. You can read about their environmental efforts here.

Selected item: Hightide hoodie. Described as incredibly soft with legendary comfort, this is the perfect item to throw on after you have completed a surf session and are looking to wrap-up, sit in the sand, and marvel back at the ocean. This sells for $138.
www.outerknown.com

Where: 376 Gannet Rd.

What can I get here? NorEaster has established itself as the premier outlet for surfboards in New England. They have the largest selection of boards with a wide range of accessories. Their staff are professional surfers themselves, so they provide you with expertise that helps you to match your skill level with the right equipment.

Selected item: Daybag surfboard travel bag. Heading to San Diego because you can’t wait to get back on your board? These protective bags are durable enough to be tossed around in baggage claim while keeping your fully waxed board nice and safe. Cost starts at $149 depending upon size. www.noreastersurfshop.com

Where: 74 Narragansett Ave

What can I get here? You have all the shiny new gear now, how about setting up some lessons? This legendary, family-owned shop is in its 22nd year of business. You can walk through the wind-chiming doors to simply get a forecast or reserve your spot in an upcoming camp. Equally as important, this has become the spot to get Rhode Island branded surf swag. Trucker caps with gnarly logos fly off the shelves on a weekly basis. If you surf, you must show it!

Selected item: Narragansett Richardson trucker cap with “Surf Rhode Island” zip-up hoodie, combined cost of $73. www.narragansettsurfandskate.com