FAQ:
BEFORE THE RACE QUESTIONS:
Where is Packet Pickup?
Newmarket Jr/Sr High School Gym (231 So Main Street, Newmarket, NH 03857)
What times can I pickup my bib and T-shirt?
- Friday April 6th - 5- 7 PM
- Saturday, April 7th - 8:30 - 11:00 AM
Can I pick up someone elses number?
Yes, we do allow you to pick up a friend or relatives number.
Can I run or walk with a baby jogger?
No, for safety reasons, strollers are not allowed on the course.
Can I run with my dog?
NO, we like pets too but please leave your 4-legged friends at home.
Can I run with headphones or ear buds?
For safety reasons, we discourage the use of headphones on the course. Truthfully, this is one of the prettiest routes, you'll find, both visually and aurally. Why not take a day off from the buds and enjoy the sounds of Spring and a "running conversation" with some new friends?
Can I reserve a shirt in a certain size?
When you check the box next to a t-shirt size on your registration form, you are not reserving a shirt; you are helping us plan how many shirts we need to order in each size. If it is important that you get a shirt in your size, please come early.
What Medical Safety plan do you have in effect:
Thanks to our support from the Core Physicians at Exeter Hospital and the Newmarket Fire and Rescue league we have a whole team of doctors and emergency specialists ready to help on the course. At the start and finish is an ambulance, and there are two other squads of paramedics out on the course. At the finish look for the Red popup tent with the Medical logo on it. Many thanks to our core physicians who volunteer their time and expertise to the race: Race Doctor Bios
Can I get a refund if I register but don't run?
Sorry but no. registrations are non-refundable and non-transferrable If, however, you register and do not run, you may still pick up your race packet and shirt and join us in the fun.
What will the weather be like?
The race is in early April, in New England, so expect any type of weather. We have had a couple chilly years and a couple of real stunners. Typical Low Temp is 34, High is 58 and Average is 46 degrees (perfect running weather). We suggest you keep an eye on the forecast and plan accordingly. The race goes on rain or shine!
What distance is this race?
There are two race distances. The Half Marathon is 13.1 miles long and, after wending its way through in-town villages, traverses a lovely dirt road section then brings runners back along a rolling country road featuring spectacular views of the Great Bay. This course is USATF Certified and accurate according to USATF standards and is well-marked.
The 5K race is 3.1 miles long and follows the early portion of the half marathon course before heading to the Finish. Course maps are available elsewhere on this web site and copies will be available near Registration on race day.
Are walkers allowed?
Yes, walkers are welcome to our event. All we ask is that you obey the rules of the course and walk no more than two people abreast so that others may pass easily. Walkers will start at the same time as runners but are advised, for safety reasons, to start their race at the back of the pack. Walker times are recorded using the same B-tag sensor as runners.
Where can I stay ?
There are several excellent places to stay in nearby Durham, Exeter, and Portsmouth. Please see our Lodging page for more details.
AT THE RACE QUESTIONS:
Can I view the course before the race?
Iif you want to drive the course or, race day, arrive early and walk or jog portions of the course. With the exception of the Start & Finish areas, most of the race course is accessible before the race begins.
Where are the best locations for spectators?
Vehicle traffic on the course during the race is highly-discouraged (Durham police will be monitoring the Dame Road and Durham Point Road sections) and will be frustrating for drivers (due to long delays, especially in-town). Please do not attempt to drive on the course during the race!
What are the parking accommodations?
We encourage you to drop your car at the Industrial Park and use the handy shuttle service! Please see our Parking page for more information about parking.
Will there be bag-check facility?
Yes, there will be a bag check set up outside the High School (Registration) and, after the race, bags will be available near the Finish downtown. Note: We are not responsible for lost or damaged property.
Where is the start and how do I get there?
The start is a 5 minute walk west on South Main Street at the intersection of Grant Road. It is approximately 1/3rd of a mile from the Registration area (Newmarket High School). Everyone - Half Marathon and 5k runners (both runners and walkers) start at the same location and time. There is a start mat for your start and your exact start will be accurately recorded.
Are there official pace groups?
YES! The race will supply official pacers for you to run with. Each pacer will be an accomplished half marathon veteran that will run at a targeted per mile pace, designated on their pace bib worn on the back of their shirt.
Where are the Water Stops?
There will be five water stops, located approximately at 2 miles, 4.5 miles (plus Gatorade), 6.5 miles, 9 miles (plus Gatorade) and 11 miles. Hammer Gel is available at 6.2 miles (a bit before the 3rd water stop).
Ok, so now that I’m hydrated, where are the port-a-potties?? In addition to portable facilities at Registration, Start and Finish there are also on-course units – three at 5.8 miles on Dame Road and two at the 9.8 & 12.2 mile Bay/Cushing Road interchange.
Is there a time limit for the Half Marathon?
Yes, to be fair to our race marshals and water stops, the official end is 4 hours for the Half Marathon. However, we keep race signs up for the end of the course until the final person passes by. Also, the final water stop may be self-serve instead of having a team there to serve you. For timing, we often will have the timer keep a watch running until the final person is in.
Where does the race finish? All race participants are treated to a glorious downhill finish along the traffic-free Main Street in downtown Newmarket. The sidewalks and roadside are lined with cheering specators; it’s really quite a spectacle!
Will I receive a medal?
Custom medals will be awarded to all registered finishers in the HALF MARATHON only.
How do I get back to my car after the race?
Most people walk back to their car. If you parked in the lots at the Industrial Park and took a shuttle in, shuttles will be available to get back. Times will be posted.
Will there be an after-race celebration? Oh, yeah! Runners will enjoy a variety of delicious food and drink items at the celebration area down from the Finish at Schanda Park on the waterfront - look for the big white tent. Smuttynose Will Run for Beer cold drafts: Please join us after the race festivities at The Riverworks and the American Legion Hall (both on Main Street, near the Finish) for an after-race party sponsored by Smuttynose Brewing Company.
Are there Award for top finishers?
Yes, there are awards for top overall finishers, female and male, as well as age group winners. Look for the Red Tent with the Awards Banner on it. Awards go three deep, with 5-year age groups for the half marathon and 10-year age groups for the 5K. You must be present to receive your award (awards will not be mailed out afterward).
Can I take a shower after the race?
Yes, we have a limited number of showers available at the High School, in the locker rooms.
How is the race timed?
Participants will wear a bib number with an electronically-readable chip (B-Tag) affixed. As runners cross the Finish line they run over a mat with a sensor that recognizes and records each
runner’s “chip time”. Bib numbers must be attached to the FRONT of your shirt to be read accurately.
Note: You do NOT need to return the B-Tag, it is yours to keep.
