5 Questions with Kelsi Chappell, 2018 Amica Newport Half Marathon Winner

Kelsi Chappelle is deeply involved in the Newport running scene. From participating in races to coaching the Portsmouth High School Cross Country Team, her passion for the sport is obvious and her enthusiasm is infectious. Kelsi won the women’s side of the half marathon for the second year in a row, with a time of 1:25:39, smoking her own winning time from last year by more than three and a half minutes! In a quick chat, Kelsi shares some of her thoughts on running in Newport and what keeps her going:

Why did you decide to run the Amica Newport Half Marathon?

I grew up in Portsmouth, RI so Newport is home to me! I love the course, it is so beautiful and makes me appreciate where I live! I ran the NYC Marathon a few weeks ago so the Newport half was the perfect race to fit into my training and give me the confidence to run the full!

What makes running in Newport so special?

Newport is beautiful! I have run races all over the US, in California, Hawaii, and honestly, nothing has topped the beauty of running down Ocean Drive.  On top of that, Newport is a great community, the race is so well organized and race morning is easy and stress-free!

What do you love about the half marathon distance?

For me, the half marathon is not too crazy but crazy enough! It is the perfect distance to test not only my endurance and fitness but my mental stamina! I love being able to push myself outside my comfort zone and remind myself I can do hard things not only in running but in life!

Who is your role model and who inspires you?

My role model is for sure my mom, I think most of the badass in me comes from her! I am probably most inspired by my 7-year-old little boy, I think of him when I want to give up and what he would say to me!  He gets so excited watching me run and always points out how many boys beat me and that I better “get em next time!”

If you were stranded on a desert island, and could only take two books, what would they be?

Hmmm… that is a hard one… I am going to have to go with, “Oh the Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss to keep me happy and motivated, and some other book about survival on a deserted island.