Hampton School District Teacher And Coach Wins Half Marathon

HAMPTON, NH — A Hampton School District teacher and coach beat out thousands of other runners to take the big win at the Smuttynose Rockfest Half Marathon last month, school officials announced Tuesday.

Cassandra Kruse—a physical education teacher at Marston School and cross country coach at Winnacunnet High School—had the credentials to succeed. After all, she is a former collegiate cross country and track and field athlete.

But Kruse said that her win came with the help of a supportive team of Marston and Hampton School District teachers.

"I strive to be a good role model for my students and student-athletes by living a healthy, active lifestyle," Kruse said in a news release from the Hampton School District Tuesday. " I am inspired every day by my students and the people that I work with."

This was the 16th year the Smuttynose Rockfest Half Marathon was held. The event continues to attract more runners each year, with over 4,000 runners participating in the 2022 event.

"Hampton is a wonderful town with a supportive community, and it's fun to be part of a staff that values being active," Kruse said.

"Congratulations to Cassie on her win at the Rockfest Half Marathon," Superintendent Lois Costa of the Hampton School District wrote in the news release. "Cassie is a wonderful educator who is always thinking of how she can help her students grow and prosper."

Costa added that Kruse "does a lot for the students" in the district.

"We greatly appreciate her ambition and caring personality," she added.