Can I register on race day?
Race day registration for the 20-Mile will open at 9am inside the Traip Academy in Kittery, ME.
Race day registration for the Half-Marathon will open at 9am at Wallis Sands Beach in Rye, NH.
When and where can I pick up my race packet?
Pre-Race Day Bib Pick-Up will be held at:
Runner's Alley
104 Congress Street
Portsmouth, NH.
03801
**All participants are encouraged to pick up their bib number and swag early and will receive a 20% discount on purchases made during bib pick-up (certain exclusions apply).**
Race Day Bib Pick-Up:
20 Mile Race Day Bib Pick-Up starts at 9am at the following address:
Traip Academy
12 Williams Avenue
Kittery, ME.
03904
Half-Marathon Race Day Bib Pick-Up will start at 9am at the following address:
Wallis Sands State Beach
Rye, NH.
03870
How does the bus work? (Stay tuned as this information may change)
20 Mile participants are encouraged to park at Winnacunnet High School:
Winnacunnet High School
1 Alumni Drive
Hampton, NH.
03842
From Winnacunnet High School the 20 Milers will be bussed to Traip Academy (start) during the hours of 7:15am-9:20am. The last bus is scheduled to leave promptly at 9:20am.
Half-Marathon Participants are encouraged to park at Winnacunnet High School:
Winnacunnet High School
1 Alumni Drive
Hampton, NH.
03842
From Winnacunnet High School the Half-Marathoners will be bussed to Wallis Sands Beach (start) during the hours of 8:15am-9:20am. The last bus is scheduled to leave promptly at 9:20am.
Busses will bring everyone from the finish line back to Winnacunnet High School where there will be food/refreshments and a relaxing atmosphere for recovery.
Do I have to take the bus?
No. If however, someone is picking you up at the finish, please be advised it is extremely congested at the finish line. Your ride will have to park on Route 286, before the intersection at Route 1A. There is an empty lot at the fireworks store right before you reach 1A.
Where is the start?
The start of the 20 mile is in front of the Kittery Library, a short walk from the pre-race gathering space at Traip Academy.
The start of the half marathon is at Wallis Sands State Beach in Rye, NH., on route 1A.
Can I park at the start?
There is VERY limited parking at Traip Academy (20Mi). There is parking at Wallis Sands (half marathon), but please be advised there is NO return bus service to either location after the race.
Where is the finish?
The finish is on Bay State Road in Salisbury, MA., just beyond the state line and the Route 1A and 286 intersection.
Can someone pick me up at the finish line?
Yes. Again, if someone is picking you up after the race, see above for parking instructions.
Is there baggage transport?
Yes, please have your bag well secured and clearly marked with your race number (they will be posted before the race) and bring it with you to the start. We will provide bag tags if needed. Your bag will be returned by bus to the finish line, where a race volunteer will help you retrieve it.
Is there a course map I can see somewhere?
A course map can be found on the registration page: www.lightboxreg.com/esroadrace **Please Note: The half marathon follows the final 13.1 miles of the 20-mile route. Wait, this map says the race is 20.25 miles! In fact, it is. To make sure the race gets the three different states included in the route, you will get a bonus quarter mile. We will have a 20-mile split included in the results.
Is the course hilly?
No, it is fairly flat, and in fact a small, net downhill from the start of the 20-mile to the finish. Another reason why it is good training for the Boston Marathon!
Can I start the race early?
No, unfortunately, we cannot allow official runners to start early. Our permits, police coverage, and bridge crossings prohibit the race from offering this option.
Can I get a refund/deferral for my registration?
Regarding Refunds/Deferrals: 2023 registration fees will NOT be refunded. 20 Mile/Half-Marathon deferrals are allowed from the date of registration through March 15th, 2023. Absolutely NO deferrals will be allowed after March 15th, 2023. Once a 20 Mile/Half-Marathon deferral is requested, the decision is final. The Marathon/Half deferral is good for one year only. An entrant with a 20 Mile/Half-Marathon deferral will be discounted 65% for the 2024 race. If you want to defer, please email (steve.infa@marathonsports.com) in writing that you would like to defer and you will get a confirmation email back confirming.
How can I make sure I stay on course?
Studying the course map (referenced earlier) is a good place to start. If you are in the main pack, following the runners ahead of you should keep you on course. Once the race turns left onto Route 1A just past mile 2, it stays on that road the rest of the way, aside from a half-mile inland detour at mile 12.5. There is an aid station with volunteers to direct you at that point. Just past mile 11, Sea Street curves right off of 1A. You need to keep left to stay on 1A. It is clearly marked in orange painted arrows. We do have a lead pace car, but that will only be ahead of the first runner. Sometimes that runner can get away from the pack, so if you are fast, study the route. Regardless of speed, if you get to a major intersection and are not sure where to go, ask the detail officer we have on duty.
Are the miles marked?
Yes, all miles are marked in orange paint on the road, visible and easy to see from a distance.
Is there anything interesting to see on this route?
Without a doubt, this is one of the singular most scenic races in New England. After crossing the new Memorial Bridge at mile 1, you will run through downtown Portsmouth. At mile 4 you will run by Odione State Park’s wooded forests and marshlands. Stunning seaside views of the ocean will accompany you from mile 6 all the way down the course, into Hampton Beach. After running over the Seabrook Bridge at mile 18, the final two-mile stretch along the dunes and cottages will bring you to the finish line in Massachusetts.
Is there a time cutoff? Can I walk the race?
Yes, the time cutoff is 4.5 hours for the 20-mile and 3.5 hours for the half marathon. You will need to be at mile 10 by 2 hours 15 minutes in the 20-mile race to continue to the finish. So if you can sustain that pace walking, you are welcome to participate.
Where is the best place for my family/friends to see me along the route?
The beach parking lots are good viewing points, and have easy parking access. Wallis Sands in Rye, NH., Jenness Beach in Rye, NH., and North Beach in North Hampton, NH., are a few.
How many aid stations are there along the route?
There will be six aid stations on the 20-mile course:
Mile 3
Mile 7 (GU & Gatorade)
Mile 10
Mile 12.5
Mile 15 (GU & Gatorade)
Mile 18.
There will be 4 aid stations on the Half-Marathon course:
Mile 3
Mile 5.5
Mile 8 (GU & Gatorade)
Mile 11
What about porta potties?
Porta potties will be located at the Winnacunnet High School, the bus loading area, at the start, at miles 3, 7, 15 and 17 on the 20-mile course (miles 8 and 10 for the half marathon) and at the finish. Restrooms will be available at Traip Academy (20 Mile start), Wallis Sands (Half Marathon start), before the race and at Winnacunnet High School (post race recovery). There are no shower facilities available, although you can change there.
What if I need to drop out?
The best place to drop out is at one of the aid stations. We will have a vehicle trailing the runners which can transport anyone needing to drop out. If you need to stop on the route, please let someone else know so we can notify our trailing vehicle and then wait to be picked up. If it is a medical emergency, please call 911, or have a fellow runner or race personnel do so. We do have EMT services on duty in North Hampton and also at the finish line.
Are there medals for finishers?
Yes, very stylish medals for all finishers!
How about shirts?
Yes, high quality, soft, tri-blend shirts for all entrants who register before the deadline of 3/15/20. You will receive them at packet pickup.
Is there food and drink after the race?
We offer a nice post-race gathering at the Winnacunnet High School, where there will be food, music, and results presented by iRESULTS. We will have pizza and light snacks. It is a warm, comfortable setting. We invite you to join us there any time after the race, until 4:00 p.m. There will also be snacks and drinks at the finish line.
Are there awards for top finishers?
Awards will be given to the top 3 male and female finishers, as well at the top finisher in each of the following age groups:
0-18
19-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
70-109
There will be no awards ceremony; All awards will be mailed out in the following days after the race.
Do you think I can set the course record?
It will take quite a run to do it! The men’s 20-mile record is 1:45:40 (5:17 per mile pace), set by Casey Moulton in 2009, and the women’s record is 1:58:55 (5:52 per mile pace), set by Semehar Tesfaye in 2018. If you do, and win the race, there will be a $200 bonus for you.
Race day registration for the 20-Mile will open at 9am inside the Traip Academy in Kittery, ME.
Race day registration for the Half-Marathon will open at 9am at Wallis Sands Beach in Rye, NH.
When and where can I pick up my race packet?
Pre-Race Day Bib Pick-Up will be held at:
Runner's Alley
104 Congress Street
Portsmouth, NH.
03801
**All participants are encouraged to pick up their bib number and swag early and will receive a 20% discount on purchases made during bib pick-up (certain exclusions apply).**
Race Day Bib Pick-Up:
20 Mile Race Day Bib Pick-Up starts at 9am at the following address:
Traip Academy
12 Williams Avenue
Kittery, ME.
03904
Half-Marathon Race Day Bib Pick-Up will start at 9am at the following address:
Wallis Sands State Beach
Rye, NH.
03870
How does the bus work? (Stay tuned as this information may change)
20 Mile participants are encouraged to park at Winnacunnet High School:
Winnacunnet High School
1 Alumni Drive
Hampton, NH.
03842
From Winnacunnet High School the 20 Milers will be bussed to Traip Academy (start) during the hours of 7:15am-9:20am. The last bus is scheduled to leave promptly at 9:20am.
Half-Marathon Participants are encouraged to park at Winnacunnet High School:
Winnacunnet High School
1 Alumni Drive
Hampton, NH.
03842
From Winnacunnet High School the Half-Marathoners will be bussed to Wallis Sands Beach (start) during the hours of 8:15am-9:20am. The last bus is scheduled to leave promptly at 9:20am.
Busses will bring everyone from the finish line back to Winnacunnet High School where there will be food/refreshments and a relaxing atmosphere for recovery.
Do I have to take the bus?
No. If however, someone is picking you up at the finish, please be advised it is extremely congested at the finish line. Your ride will have to park on Route 286, before the intersection at Route 1A. There is an empty lot at the fireworks store right before you reach 1A.
Where is the start?
The start of the 20 mile is in front of the Kittery Library, a short walk from the pre-race gathering space at Traip Academy.
The start of the half marathon is at Wallis Sands State Beach in Rye, NH., on route 1A.
Can I park at the start?
There is VERY limited parking at Traip Academy (20Mi). There is parking at Wallis Sands (half marathon), but please be advised there is NO return bus service to either location after the race.
Where is the finish?
The finish is on Bay State Road in Salisbury, MA., just beyond the state line and the Route 1A and 286 intersection.
Can someone pick me up at the finish line?
Yes. Again, if someone is picking you up after the race, see above for parking instructions.
Is there baggage transport?
Yes, please have your bag well secured and clearly marked with your race number (they will be posted before the race) and bring it with you to the start. We will provide bag tags if needed. Your bag will be returned by bus to the finish line, where a race volunteer will help you retrieve it.
Is there a course map I can see somewhere?
A course map can be found on the registration page: www.lightboxreg.com/esroadrace **Please Note: The half marathon follows the final 13.1 miles of the 20-mile route. Wait, this map says the race is 20.25 miles! In fact, it is. To make sure the race gets the three different states included in the route, you will get a bonus quarter mile. We will have a 20-mile split included in the results.
Is the course hilly?
No, it is fairly flat, and in fact a small, net downhill from the start of the 20-mile to the finish. Another reason why it is good training for the Boston Marathon!
Can I start the race early?
No, unfortunately, we cannot allow official runners to start early. Our permits, police coverage, and bridge crossings prohibit the race from offering this option.
Can I get a refund/deferral for my registration?
Regarding Refunds/Deferrals: 2023 registration fees will NOT be refunded. 20 Mile/Half-Marathon deferrals are allowed from the date of registration through March 15th, 2023. Absolutely NO deferrals will be allowed after March 15th, 2023. Once a 20 Mile/Half-Marathon deferral is requested, the decision is final. The Marathon/Half deferral is good for one year only. An entrant with a 20 Mile/Half-Marathon deferral will be discounted 65% for the 2024 race. If you want to defer, please email (steve.infa@marathonsports.com) in writing that you would like to defer and you will get a confirmation email back confirming.
How can I make sure I stay on course?
Studying the course map (referenced earlier) is a good place to start. If you are in the main pack, following the runners ahead of you should keep you on course. Once the race turns left onto Route 1A just past mile 2, it stays on that road the rest of the way, aside from a half-mile inland detour at mile 12.5. There is an aid station with volunteers to direct you at that point. Just past mile 11, Sea Street curves right off of 1A. You need to keep left to stay on 1A. It is clearly marked in orange painted arrows. We do have a lead pace car, but that will only be ahead of the first runner. Sometimes that runner can get away from the pack, so if you are fast, study the route. Regardless of speed, if you get to a major intersection and are not sure where to go, ask the detail officer we have on duty.
Are the miles marked?
Yes, all miles are marked in orange paint on the road, visible and easy to see from a distance.
Is there anything interesting to see on this route?
Without a doubt, this is one of the singular most scenic races in New England. After crossing the new Memorial Bridge at mile 1, you will run through downtown Portsmouth. At mile 4 you will run by Odione State Park’s wooded forests and marshlands. Stunning seaside views of the ocean will accompany you from mile 6 all the way down the course, into Hampton Beach. After running over the Seabrook Bridge at mile 18, the final two-mile stretch along the dunes and cottages will bring you to the finish line in Massachusetts.
Is there a time cutoff? Can I walk the race?
Yes, the time cutoff is 4.5 hours for the 20-mile and 3.5 hours for the half marathon. You will need to be at mile 10 by 2 hours 15 minutes in the 20-mile race to continue to the finish. So if you can sustain that pace walking, you are welcome to participate.
Where is the best place for my family/friends to see me along the route?
The beach parking lots are good viewing points, and have easy parking access. Wallis Sands in Rye, NH., Jenness Beach in Rye, NH., and North Beach in North Hampton, NH., are a few.
How many aid stations are there along the route?
There will be six aid stations on the 20-mile course:
Mile 3
Mile 7 (GU & Gatorade)
Mile 10
Mile 12.5
Mile 15 (GU & Gatorade)
Mile 18.
There will be 4 aid stations on the Half-Marathon course:
Mile 3
Mile 5.5
Mile 8 (GU & Gatorade)
Mile 11
What about porta potties?
Porta potties will be located at the Winnacunnet High School, the bus loading area, at the start, at miles 3, 7, 15 and 17 on the 20-mile course (miles 8 and 10 for the half marathon) and at the finish. Restrooms will be available at Traip Academy (20 Mile start), Wallis Sands (Half Marathon start), before the race and at Winnacunnet High School (post race recovery). There are no shower facilities available, although you can change there.
What if I need to drop out?
The best place to drop out is at one of the aid stations. We will have a vehicle trailing the runners which can transport anyone needing to drop out. If you need to stop on the route, please let someone else know so we can notify our trailing vehicle and then wait to be picked up. If it is a medical emergency, please call 911, or have a fellow runner or race personnel do so. We do have EMT services on duty in North Hampton and also at the finish line.
Are there medals for finishers?
Yes, very stylish medals for all finishers!
How about shirts?
Yes, high quality, soft, tri-blend shirts for all entrants who register before the deadline of 3/15/20. You will receive them at packet pickup.
Is there food and drink after the race?
We offer a nice post-race gathering at the Winnacunnet High School, where there will be food, music, and results presented by iRESULTS. We will have pizza and light snacks. It is a warm, comfortable setting. We invite you to join us there any time after the race, until 4:00 p.m. There will also be snacks and drinks at the finish line.
Are there awards for top finishers?
Awards will be given to the top 3 male and female finishers, as well at the top finisher in each of the following age groups:
0-18
19-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
70-109
There will be no awards ceremony; All awards will be mailed out in the following days after the race.
Do you think I can set the course record?
It will take quite a run to do it! The men’s 20-mile record is 1:45:40 (5:17 per mile pace), set by Casey Moulton in 2009, and the women’s record is 1:58:55 (5:52 per mile pace), set by Semehar Tesfaye in 2018. If you do, and win the race, there will be a $200 bonus for you.
