All of my spring races were cancelled or went virtual. With COVID-19 hanging around all we can do is hope that things change before Fall.
Some races have posted COVID-19 statements. Please read these statements and refund policies before registering for a race.
The Cape Cod Trail race has already cancelled.
Autumnal equinox will be September 22, 2020. The days will continue to grow shorter and cooler until the Winter Solstice on Saturday December 21, 2020. Winter Solstice is the day of the year with the fewest minutes of day light.
Fall is a great time for marathon running in New England. In late September the air begins to cool and we usually do not have many major storms. By the end of Autumn on December 21st, the leaves have all fallen and the air has a crisp coolness to it.
Looking for a winter run? There aren’t many marathons in New England over the winter but check out New England Winter 2019 marathons HERE.
GREEN RACE – I am designating any race that makes a serious effort to reduce waste and keep recyclable materials out of a landfill.
Let your friends know about these great fall marathons! Click To TweetNew England Marathons Fall 2020
Cape Cod MOVES “Y-Not” Trail Races
Sandwich, MA | 26 September | Saturday | 8:00 AM
CANCELLED
GREEN RACE
COVID 19 strikes again.
The course is rolling with a nice variety of single track and double track. There are some short paved road sections. The course is a 5K loop almost entirely set on the YMCA Camps Hayward and Burgess. Some sections have sticks, roots and ruts. Trail shoes are recommended but not needed for this course.
There will be a short loop to make up the distances needed for the half marathon and marathon.
Base Camp for the race will be Camp Hayward, 52 Pinkham Road, Sandwich, MA.
This event has something for everyone. Ranging from a 50K to a 5K and a marathon relay.
Stay by the Race!
Three season cabins will be available for rental! These will be for $25 per person, per night. They have electricity but no heat. There are showers on the property. These can be reserved when you register.
This is a Green Event!
There will be no cups allowed on the course! We will be composting out of the race and using only compostable materials (e.g. forks and spoons!). Bring a container to fill with fluids.
Race shirts were available for $10.
Registration closed May 7th. Registration was $50 for the Marathon and $40 for the Half. 10K is $30 and the 5K is $20.
The Ultra 50K is $60 and the 8 person marathon relay is $75.
Clarence Demar Marathon and Half-Marathon
Keene, NH | 27 September | Sunday
Start times: 7:00 AM FULL, 8:00 AM HALF
This point to point marathon is almost as legendary as the man. In Melrose we run by the monument to Clarence Demar on our winter running route and on many Sunday Long runs as well. Many runners in my club make it a point to touch the monument as they run by.
This race encompasses an entire weekend if you want it to. You can drive up to Keene Friday night and pick up your bib at Ted’s Shoe & Sport on Main Street. Drive the course or go for a short run on Saturday. Saturday night there is a pasta dinner at the Courtyard Marriott.
On Sunday buses take runners to the starting line in Gilsum. Marathon buses leave at 6:15, Half-Marathon buses start leaving at 6:30AM.
If you have never heard of Clarence Demar here is a brief bio.
The Clarence Demar Marathon is USATF Certified, a Boston Qualifier and a Runner’s Choice Award recipient from runnersgoal.com!
Registration is open: $90 for the full and $60 for the Half. Frees increase by $10 on August 16th and another $10 on September 13th through race day registration. The field is limited to 600 runners for each race.
Fly to Pie Kingdom Marathon, Half and 10K
Newport, VT | 3 October | Sunday | 9:00 AM
Run it – Bike it – Hike it – But do it!
Doin’ the dirt through “the gut” of the Northeast Kingdom – 26.2 miles, 17 miles, 13.5 miles and 6 Miles courses.
Marathon Distance and 17 Miles: $75
Half Marathon is $60 and the 10K is $25.
Registration is limited to 50 runners each for the marathon and 17 mile Iconoclast. The half marathon and 10K are limited to 75 runners each.
There are four great routes, offering four very different options to all types of athletes, runners, bikers, and hikers of all ages and all abilities.
A tough, “vista riddled,” and spectacularly beautiful full marathon that will challenge the best marathon runner.
The 13.5 distance is also the course for the family bike challenge is perfect for kids and parents of all ages.
The 17 mile Iconoclast for something just a little different. (It’s a great training run for the NYC Marathon) And, new in 2016, a 6 mile walk, run, or bike from Irasburg Common to Parker Pie.
For one day in September, we fill these dirt roads through “the gut” of The Northeast Kingdom. Everybody but the 6 milers start at Lakeview Aviation at the Newport Airport in Coventry and heads one way or another to Parker Pie in West Glover, with a great pizza party, great beer, and great music. 6 milers start at Irasburg Common. Shuttle service back to the start is provided by our friends at Jay Peak.
28th New Hampshire Marathon, Half-Marathon & 10K
Bristol, NH | 3 October | Saturday | 9:00 AM
This event features a Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10K, and Kid’s Marathon. Truly something for everyone.
This is a hilly race with less than 200 finishers in each of the past four years and less than 10% of marathoners BQ.
You may want to drive up Friday and enjoy the pasta dinner at 5:00pm at the Union Lodge, and get a good night’s sleep.
This race takes place around Newfound Lake, and lodging options are listed on the race website.
The New Hampshire Marathon is a Runner’s Choice Award recipient from Runnersgoal.com!
All three races are USATF Certified and the New Hampshire Marathon is a Boston Qualifier!
Cash prizes for the top finishers of all three races!
Viewtherace.com NH Marathon course video
Registration is open: $70 for the marathon, $55 for the half and $30 for the 10K. All prices increase by $5 on September 1st and an additional $5 on October 3rd.
NipMuck Trail Marathon and Relay
Ashford, CT | 4 October | Sunday – 8:00 AM
The NipMuck Trail Marathon is a classic old-school trail race taking place along a northern section of the Nipmuck Trail. The race aims to preserve many of the qualities from the early days of the New England trail racing scene.
The race site warns of rough terrain and that in some areas an injured runner may wait an hour or more for medical assistance. This is not for the casual runner!
87 runners finisher the race in 2019.
$35 for the marathon and $60 for the marathon relay. On August 1st the marathon goes to $40 and the marathon relay to $70.
Maine Marathon Half-Marathon and Relay
Portland, Maine | 4 October | Sunday | 7:45 AM
Both races are USATF Certified and the marathon is a Boston Qualifier.
The marathon has some nice prize money!
All three races are on an out and back course with rolling hills and views of the Portland skyline, the Atlantic Ocean, and plenty of fall foliage.
All participants are together for the first 6.5 miles before the half marathon breaks off and returns to Portland. The marathon and relay continue along Route 88 to Yarmouth before the return trip to Portland.
This is a Maine Track Club event and approximately 40% of gross revenue is donated to charities each year.
Registration is open – The marathon is $80 and the half is $55. The Marathon Relay is $140.
In the event that this race is cancelled runners have the option to donate their registration, defer to 2021 or get a refund minus processing fees.
Next price increase has been pushed out to July 1st, 2020.
The combined races are capped at 3,500 runners.
Viewtherace.com Maine Marathon course video
Joe English Twilight Challenge
Amherst, NH | TBD October | Saturday
The Joe English Twilight Challenge is an evening/night trail run hosted by Freestyle Farm in Amherst, NH. The event consists of a marathon, a half-marathon and a 6-hour ultra-marathon. The marathon and half-marathon may be run individually or by relay teams. The relay teams (half or full marathon) consist of 2 or 5 runners completing either 5 or 10 laps on a 2.62-mile loop beginning at 7:00 p.m. The 6-hour ultra-marathon begins at 5:00 p.m. and ends at 11 p.m. Ultra participants run the 2.62-mile loop continuously for 6 hours.
Most of the race will be run at night on the groomed equestrian trails at Freestyle Farm.
The event is expected to draw 350 runners ranging from casual athletes to experienced ultra-runners. The event is set within a unique venue with high quality trails around a 50-acre pond. The course will be marked with fluorescent light sticks, ground flags and signal fires.
Registration for 2020 is not open
Medals will be awarded to the first and last place finishers.
All proceeds benefit the Amherst Land Trust. The trust protects rural, scenic, and open-space lands for future generations. Founded in 1975, the trust has worked to educate the public about conservation and protect thousands of acres of land similar to the lands across which most of the challenge runs.
This race is USATF Sanctioned.
Hartford Marathon, Half-Marathon & 5K
Hartford, CT | 10 October | Saturday | 8:00 AM
GREEN RACE
2020 marks the 27th running of the Hartford Marathon. I ran this marathon in 2012 and can verify that it is very well-organized with lots of community and spectator support.
You can read my race recap HERE.
All three races start at 8AM. The kids fun run, HMF FitKids Run starts at 9:30AM.
Registration is open! $105 for the Marathon, $100 for ages 16-22, $80 for the Half, $75 for ages 12-22 and $30 for the 5K.
Additional price bands are available for younger 5K runners. $10 for the HMF Kids Run and don’t forget the Marathon Relay if you don’t feel up to a full marathon. There is no race day registration.
They charge $18 to mail your packet and strongly encourage you to visit the Expo Friday to pick up your packet and visit all the cool vendor booths. There is no race day packet pickup. My 2012 race was a bit of a mess because of this, so pay the fee or pick up your bib!
Check the registration page for relay team and youth prices.
The Hartford Marathon Foundation takes sustainability seriously. Click HERE to see how they are making their races eco-friendly.
Amica Newport Marathon & Half
Newport, RI | 11 October | Sunday | 7:30 AM
Registration is temporarily closed due to COVID-19. Race management is monitoring the situation and will take a decision soon.
Race along the ocean and help support six local charities.
The Amica Newport Marathon was voted as the “Best Marathon in Rhode Island” and a “Top 20 Half Marathon in the USA” in 2018. In 2016 the race was voted as the “Best Half Marathon” and “Best Race Swag” in the Northeast.
Registration for 2020 is open: Marathon $97, Half Marathon $77. Second price increase is July 31, 2020. – TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED –
Both races are USATF Certified and the marathon is a Boston Qualifier.
Shuttle service to the start begins at 5AM. FREE PHOTOS and bag check will be available.
Green Mountain Marathon & Half
South Hero, VT | 18 October | Sunday | 8:30 AM
The marathon and half-marathon begin and end near the house where Clarence H. Demar, 7 time Boston Marathon Winner, once lived.
It is out and back on the west shore of South Hero and Grand Isle; a land of farms, apple orchards and summer cottages. The terrain is flat to rolling and about half dirt road (hard packed and well maintained).
The half marathon course is an out and back that finishes at the Folsom School (same as the full marathon).
Infinite Pasta-bilities Dinner is Saturday night at Folsom School, 4 – 7PM.
This is a race for runners by runners and has a reasonable registration fee of $60 for the marathon and $40 for the Half. Day of registration is $70 and $50, respectively.
Registration for 2020 is open!
Field is limited to 750 runners.
CircumBurke Trail Challenge
18 October | 8:02 AM
Burke Mountain, Sherburne Lodge,East Burke, VT
The Marathon Trail Run is one 27 mile lap and starts at 8 AM. The CircumBerzerk Bikers
MTB Challenge starts at 10 AM.
This 27 mile circuit brings athletes through single track and logging trails on Burke Mountain, the Victory Hill Sector and Kingdom Trails.
The one lap event is for runners or bikers. The two lap “CircumBerzerk 50+ miler is for bikers only.
Elevation gain on the course is more than 3,000 feet.
Registration is open and is $65.
Late (onsite) registration is $160. Number pickup & late (onsite) registration is at Sherburne Lodge from 5:00 to 7:30 PM and on race day from 6:45 until 9 AM.
All proceeds go towards building and maintaining trails along the route!
Start/Finish Venue: Burke Mountain, Sherburne Lodge, East Burke, VT 05832
Mohawk Mountain Races
Cornwall, CT | 17 October | Saturday | 8:00 AM
In cooperation with Mohawk Mountain, the Mohawk Mountain Race is sponsored by Steep Endurance at Mohawk Mountain in Cornwall, CT.
Normally a ski mountain in the winter, the mountain will be transformed into a super fun course! With its challenging ascents and descents on the ski mountain, it is sure to be a race to remember with sweeping viewpoints of the popping Fall foliage at every turn. With several distances to choose from (5K/10K) and NEW this year, Half Marathon/Marathon options, there’s something for every member of the family!
Registration is not open – $70 for the Marathon, $60 for the Half, $40 for the 10K and $30 for the 5K.
Prices increase on August 1st, 2020.
Trapp Lodge Mountain Marathon
Stowe, VT | 17 October | Saturday | 8:00 AM
This race will challenge you! Although Trapp lodge has some of the smoothest, most runnable trail around, they also boast some incredible single track. Steep climbs and descents and a newly updated climb to the highest point on the Trapp Lodge Property; Round Top Mountain!
The 13.1 mile loop course is approximately 2/3 double track wide trails and dirt roads, and 1/3 serpentine, rugged single track. Full marathon racers will traverse this loop twice. This is a challenging trail race with significant elevation gain and loss and some steep scrambling segments.
Registration is open! Full Marathon is $90 and the Half is $75.
Mount Desert Marathon, Half and Relay
Bar Harbor, ME | 18 October | Sunday – 8:00 AM – Marathon and Marathon Relay,
Half begins at 8:30 in Northeast Harbor
Named ‘Most Scenic & runner-up Best Overall Marathon’ by Runner’s World
New England Runner Magazine’s Race of the Year! And many other accolades, too many to list here.
The Marathon and Marathon Relay begin in Bar Harbor, hits the half-way mark near Northeast Harbor and ends in Southwest Harbor.
Miles 12 through 19 are run along the eastern shore of Somes Sound, the only true fjord on the Atlantic Coast. While the entire island is beautiful, Somes Sound has always been one of my favorite areas on MDI.
The Half Marathon begins at 8:30AM in Northeast Harbor and runs north along Somes Sound for five miles.
The marathon had 737 finishers in 2018, and the half had 632 finishers. The Marathon is USATF Sanctioned & Certified: ME12018JK.
Registration is open. $105 for the Marathon, $90 for the Half, Two-person relay is $95, three-person relay is $85.
Baystate Marathon & Half Marathon
Lowell, MA | 18 October | Sunday | 8:00 AM
This marathon always sells out. There are very few flat marathons in New England, but Baystate is one of them.
If you are looking to qualify for Boston, this is a good choice. The race is mostly flat with the bridges over the Merrimack having the most elevation gain. Part of the course is a double loop, so it can be challenging to see the “Mile 22” sign when you are at Mile 12 and starting to feel it.
This is a well supported race with local high schools competing to have the best water stop! There is plenty of parking at the Tsongas Arena garage.
This is a favorite race for many GBA runners and had about 1,300 finishers in 2018. I’ve run Baystate four times. Baystate Recap – 2014
Registration is open – $110 for the marathon, $90 for the half and $130 for the Half Marathon relay. No race-day registration.
Next price increase is August 1st.
Viewtherace.com Baystate Marathon course video
Ocean State Rhode Races
Narragansett, RI | 25 October | Sunday | 7:30 AM
GREEN RACE
The Marathon starts at 7:30AM, Half at 8AM and the 5K at 8:15AM.
These races feature FREE PHOTOS and a secured bag check at the start.
Registration is open – $90 for the Marathon, $60 for the Half and $28 for the 5K.
Exclusively for Omni Running readers – get 15% off of registration when you use code OMNIFAN. Click here to go to the registration page.
First price increase is July 5, 2020.
The Marathon is a Boston Qualifier. The Ocean State Rhode Races Half is the final stop of the Rhode Race Series, a four stop series of Rhode Island Half Marathons.
This race harkens back to the original Ocean State Marathon with the start in Narragansett Beach.
It follows beautiful Rt 1a and showcases wonderful ocean views, old stone walls, working farms, estuaries and kayak stands. It really is a pretty one.
It is a smaller marathon so if you are looking to BQ – you won’t have to fight through crowds of people at the start.
Rhode Races & Events is committed to recycling at this year’s Ocean State Rhode Races. Road Races create a lot of waste, but we’ll reduce our footprint by diverting hundreds of pounds of cardboard boxes, water jugs, and plastic bottles from the landfill.
To learn more about our race day efforts and how you can help – please click this link. Additionally – all clothing discarded at the start of the race will be donated to North American Family Institute.
Rhode Races offers a variety of discounts and packages for companies looking to foster their corporate health and wellness initiatives. Employees training and participating together helps promote team camaraderie, increased branding and a sense of goodwill. Join our Corporate Fit Challenge and compete to be the “Most Fit” or the “Most Philanthropic” business. Learn more
Cape Cod Marathon and Half Marathon
24 October | Saturday – 8:00 AM – Half Marathon
25 October | Sunday – 8:00 AM – Marathon and Marathon Relay
Falmouth, MA
GREEN RACE – see what they are doing
The marathon course was changed in 2019 to a flatter, faster, safer and more scenic course. In 2019 The Cape Cod Marathon was the USATF – New England Marathon Championship race in their 2019 Grand Prix Race Series.
Marathon registration is open. $90 through June 30th. The field is limited to 1,000 runners.
Marathon relay registration is: $225 for 2 to 5 person teams. The field is limited to 200 teams.
The marathon was named “The Best Marathon in Massachusetts” by the RaceRaves in 2018.
If you want to run with the big dogs, this is the marathon for you!
Cape Cod Half Marathon
24 October | Saturday | 8:00 AM
The Cape Cod Marathon Half race course is a fast and scenic route that hugs the Falmouth coastline of Nantucket Sound. Designed to maximize runners’ view of Martha’s Vineyard and the beautiful waters of Nantucket Sound this out and back course is limited to one hill. But don’t be alarmed this one hill occurs at miles 3.5 and 9.75 and is over before you know it.
Registration is open. $75 through June 30th or when the 1,750 runner limit is met. No Race-Day registration.
Clam Chowdah Challenge
Why not make a weekend on The Cape out of it and run both the Half Marathon on Saturday and the Marathon on Sunday?
For $185, 100 lucky runners will get to face the ultimate challenge and go for the Clam Chowdah Challenge mug. There is no race day registration for this event.
All finishers of the Clam Chowdah Challenge will receive a chowdah bowl and “medal” spoon, medals for both races and a race shirt.
Previous Marathon and Half Marathon results
In 2019 the organizers implemented changes to minimize the environmental impact of these races. They are reducing waste by:
Replacing plastic bags with Eco-Friendly for Number Pick Up bags
Providing compostable cups at all water stops
Replacing single-use plastic water bottles with reusable water bottles at the finish lines
Creating Compost/Recycle/Trash stations at the finish line
Providing compostable bowls and spoons for the soup and chowder at the marathon and relay finish line
Recycling left over medals when needed
As runners it is up to us to make these efforts work. Don’t throw your trash in the recycle or compost bins. Think before you toss!
LOCO Half and Full Marathon
Newmarket, NH | 25 October | Sunday | 8:00 AM
The 7th Annual LOCO half and full Marathon is a spectacular 13.1 mile loop course run completely on tree-lined rural roads.
It travels through four local coastal towns: Newmarket, Lee, Epping and Newfields New Hampshire.
Not only is a scenic course, it is designed to be fast and easy. Half marathoners run one loop. Marathoners run a second loop. For the past two years over 32% on average of marathoners qualified for the Boston Marathon.
The Marathon is a double loop of the Half-Marathon. It’s all country roads and 3 miles of rail trail.
This is a runner’s race. The finish time cut-off for 59 years and under is 4:30. For 60 and older it is 5 hours even.
Most marathons have a 6 hour cut-off time. If you are running to see the foliage, you may want to pick another race. If marathon runners cannot make the half-way mark by 2:15 or 2:30 for 60+ years, you will be pulled from the course!
Oh, and marathon runners MUST bring photo ID. So no faking 60+ to get the extra 30 minutes to finish the race!
Cut-off time for the Half-Marathon is 2:30.
The course is USATF Certified at 13.10938 miles. Combined registration is limited to 1,000 runners. Finisher’s medals for all marathon finishers!
Hot food will be served after the race and Smuttynose Brewing will be pouring!
Registration is open– $89 for the marathon and $69 for the half marathon.
Nor’Witch Halloween 25K, 50K and 100K
Norwich, VT | 31 October | Sunday | 9:00 AM
Registration has been suspended. Please check back for updates.
Challenging in true Vermont tradition, expect elevation gains between 1400′ and 3550′ !
The course is not, repeat, NOT certified! Being hilly, you can also expect to run between 30-45 minutes slower than your average flat marathon time making a BQ pretty unlikely for many if not most.
The Half’witch time limit of 6-hours and gentle downhill final portion of the course are a great combination for walkers, even with all those 1,400 feet of hills thrown in! You’ll feel like Superman or Wonder Woman at the finish line!
Registration was suspended on April 3rd: 100K – $150, 50K – $95, 25K – $60
The Roxbury Marathon and Roxbury Half Marathon
Roxbury, CT | November 2020 8:30 AM
The Roxbury Marathon and Roxbury Half Marathon are hilly, no-frills foot-races that are run over some of the roads used by the Roxbury Races annual series (about 40 races from February into early December each year).
The entry fee is $35 for the half marathon and $40 for the marathon to cover costs.
Registration opens July 15th – We hope.
Manchester City Marathon, Half, Relays & 5K
Manchester, NH | 8 November | Sunday | 8:50 AM
The largest New Hampshire marathon, Manchester is USATF Certified and a Boston Qualifier.
The web site describes the race as hilly, challenging and scenic. Many friends have run this race and only had good things to say about their experience.
Registration is open – $90 for the Marathon, $75 for the Half, $160 for the 4-way Marathon Relay and $110 for the 2-way Marathon Relay. The 2-way Half Relay is $95. The 5K is $25.
Next price increase is May 29th.
The first 2,000 runners will receive a long sleeve event shirt. All runners will enjoy Sam Adams beverages as well as flat bread pizza, Dasani water and Stoneyfield yogurt.
Free race photos and bag check will be available.
Viewtherace.com Manchester City Marathon course video
The Millinocket Marathon & Half
Millinocket, ME | 5 December 2020 – Saturday
Marathon starts at 10AM
Half Marathon starts at 10:10 AM
There is no registration fee for this race. This New England Marathon was conceived of as a way to help the economy of a Northern Maine former mill town: Millinocket.
When I was growing up the paper industry made Millinocket a bustling town. While I was attending college at The University of Maine the mill was on it’s last legs. Everyone knew that hard times were coming, just like they did in so many other mill towns across America.
Just like other mill towns across the country, Millinocket is working to reinvent itself.
This race allows you to be a part of that revival and run a great marathon or half marathon.
This race is at least five hours north of Boston. Throw in some traffic or weather and you’ll be well beyond five hours. Just keep that in mind.
Oh, it it’s guaranteed to be cold. It’s just a question of how cold. Keep this in mind before you register.
A note from the Race Director:
Important: Please don’t register unless you are somewhat serious about traveling to Millinocket in the first place. Although our race is FREE, we still prepare bib numbers and accrue expenses to prepare for your participation. We totally understand that life happens, but if you can’t come, don’t just NOT show up; it’s very important to officially cancel your registration in a timely manner so that those volunteering their time and funds do not expend them unnecessarily. Thank you for your understanding — we can’t wait to see you in the Magic City!
Looking for a Winter 2019 marathon? Click HERE.
Run well my friends!
Andy
Registration is $90 for the Marathon, $65 for The Half and $160 for the Marathon Relay. The combined races are capped at 3,500 runners. Registration closes when that number is met or September 27th, which ever comes first. So don’t wait!
The one-loop course begins and ends at the Village Green in Falmouth center. The first part is easy, the latter is a test. The people who do well on this course follow the following formula: go out easy, take plenty of fluids, and save energy for the hills. Although the course is not closed to traffic, it is run on secondary roads and monitored by the police and numerous volunteers.
a spectacular 13.1 mile loop course run completely on tree-lined rural roads. It travels through four local coastal towns: Newmarket, Lee, Epping and Newfields New Hampshire.
This is a great marathon that I have run twice. Registration is still open for both races but getting is down to the last few hundred spots as of this writing. Registration is $95 for the Marathon and $75 for the Half-Marathon.