Race Details
The event kicks off with packet pickup at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 5th in Newmarket, NH. Both the half marathon and 5k start at 11 a.m. and the after party is awesome! Click a section below for more details.
The Course
The Half Marathon
The Great Bay Half boasts a challenging but gorgeous course along the Great Bay estuary, featuring a 3.5 mile section on a well-maintained winding dirt road, sightings of bald eagles and great blue herons, and a dramatic finish in the heart of historic Newmarket. Just picture yourself on the final downhill stretch of closed downtown streets running past the centuries-old fieldstone mill buildings and throngs of cheering spectators!
We also provide some on-course entertainment for your running pleasure! Weather permitting, there will be live music at four locations along the course to keep you motivated. Also keep on the lookout for the belly dancers from Lotus Rising Belly Dance at Mile 10!
The Center for Orthopedics & Movement 5k aims to bring awareness (and donations) to Exeter Hospital’s The Beyond The Rainbow Fund – helping local NH cancer patients since 2002. Learn more here.
The 5k starts at the same time and place as the half marathon! You’ll run (or walk) the same course as the half marathon up to Mile 2.5, at which point you’ll veer right when the marathoners stay straight. The course then goes up a short steep hill (sorry!) but finishes with a downhill stretch through the heart of downtown with thousands of cheering spectators!
The After-Party
Not only do you get a wonderful day of amazingly scenic running, but you’re also treated to an after-party at Schanda Park on the banks of the Lamprey River featuring delicious local pizza, healthy Stonyfield Yogurt, energy Bars, and Hint flavored water (look for the big white tent). As if that weren’t awesome enough, runners 21+ get two tasty Smuttynose craft beers! Simply head on over to The Riverworks restaurant or the American Legion when you’re done eating. The best part? It’s all included with your registration!
Directions & Parking
Directions
Registration and packet pickup take place at Newmarket Mills, 55 Main Street, Newmarket, NH 03857. Please arrive by 9:30 a.m. to ensure you have time to park, check-in, and stretch before the race begins at 11 a.m.
Both the half and 5k start at 82 Main Street in front of Newmarket Mills and finish just two blocks down the street.
The after party takes place at Schanda Park for the food and at The Riverworks restaurant and the American Legion for beer.
Parking
Important Parking Warning!
With ongoing construction at the High School and elsewhere near-town parking may be limited on race day. The good news is that, arriving via Rt 108 North, runners have plenty of off-site parking and a convenient shuttle bus service from the Newmarket Industrial Park.
So skip the hassles – look for signs and our helpful attendants – and park at the Industrial Park! The shuttle will bring you close to downtown and registration.
The shuttle brings you back to the Industrial lot and it leaves from St. Mary’s Church on South Main Street. Last shuttle leaves at 3:30 PM.
Parking is also available at Lamprey Health Care, Newmarket Junior/Senior High School, and Newmarket Elementary School. All lots are within an easy 3/4-mile walk to the start/finish!
Packet Pick-up
Packet pick-up will be held at Newmarket Mills on the morning of the race from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. where you’ll receive your bib and commemorative race tee! Half marathoners will get their medals at the finish line. Shirts won’t be mailed out after the event if you don’t pick yours up, so don’t oversleep!
The Newmarket Food Pantry will be collecting non-perishable food and hygiene items at the race! Any donations are greatly appreciated! Items will be collected at the Newmarket Community Church (the same location as bag drop) starting at 9am on race day! See the dropdown list below for items the Pantry needs most.
Ready To Run?
Reserve your spot today at The Great Bay Half Marathon & Beyond The Rainbow 5k!
