Seacoast Half Marathon

The Seacoast Half Marathon is one of the longest-running half marathons in coastal New Hampshire. Join us for our 20th annual race on Sunday, October 26. This year's beneficiary is an amazing nonprofit dedicated to improving lives in the Greater Seacoast. So pick up your running shoes, gather your friends, and register for the feel-good race of the year. And consider going the extra mile for your neighbors in need by making a donation when you register. You can also set up your own fundraising page and get family and friends to help with your fundraising efforts. You can even use your donation/fundraising to earn free registration in the 2025 Seacoast Half Marathon!

Mainspring is a new collaborative venture led by longstanding organizations Footprints Food Pantry and Fair Tide. Since 2019, local service providers have asked themselves how to better meet the rising service demand. The leaders of Fair Tide and Footprints are coming together to systematically change how we care for this region — focusing on both short-term responses and long-term solutions to hunger, homelessness, and an array of poverty-related issues.

Individuals and families will be supported through tailored case management at a one-stop resource hub as they build capacity in their own lives and navigate a path out of poverty. Community members will no longer struggle with a fragmented and disjointed system. The entry process will be streamlined, respectful, and welcoming — with relationship-building starting right at the reception.

A centralized intake and assessment process, a shared data system, and coordinated care will help us better meet needs, better understand gaps in services, and better evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. Mainspring’s staff will each bring their own fields of expertise and their agency’s resources to the case management process — working in partnership with every client. The holistic approach will be more effective and more efficient.

Mainspring will serve as a resource for the entire Seacoast region, on both sides of the Piscataqua, and as a critical partner for social service providers throughout the region. The goal is to have our doors open before the end of 2024.

Read more about Mainspring: On the Doorstep of Dignity

Eligibility

Established in 2006, the Seacoast Half Marathon has consistently aimed to leverage the race as a means of generating funds and spotlighting various nonprofit organizations dedicated to serving communities of the New Hampshire Seacoast. Our race tagline, "Caring for the Coast, One Step at a Time," succinctly encapsulates the core mission of the Seacoast Half Marathon.

Beneficiary applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be an approved 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
  
  
• Provide services in the Seacoast of NH (which may include York County, Maine).
  
  
• Serve as the fiscal agent for the Seacoast Half Marathon for the year the organization is the beneficiary. This involves processing all accounts receivables (race registrations and sponsorships) and payables (race expenses). The beneficiary must have a credit card reader to process registrations during packet pickup on the day before the race and on race day.
  
  
• Send a representative to race committee meetings (generally held monthly).
  
  
• Have 1-2 staff members and/or volunteers available for packet pick up and registration.
  
  
• Secure approximately 25–40 volunteers to help out on race day morning.
  
  
• Have a staff member, board members, or volunteers who are willing and able to solicit sponsorships for the race — the number of sponsor dollars raised to help offset race expenses will have a direct impact on the amount of money the beneficiary realizes at the end of the race.
  
  
• Promote the Seacoast Half Marathon (promotion may include social media, newsletters, email blasts, press releases, etc.)
  
  
• Not have been a Seacoast Half Marathon beneficiary in any of the previous five years.

The following organizations are generally NOT eligible for support:

• Religious or faith-based organizations or programs.
  
  
• Political organizations or programs.
  
  
• Organizations that discriminate in any way.
  
  
• Public or private schools.

Grant Priorities

• Improving the quality of life on the Seacoast.
  
  
• Assisting the socio-economically underserved.
  
  
• Organizations that provide health and human services.

Application Process

Application Due: February 1, 2024

All revenue after race expenses will be retained by the selected beneficiary. Each year the amount varies, but in prior years it has ranged between $35,000 and $120,000, based on race registrations, sponsorships, and out-of-pocket race expenses. In addition, grants of $500 are made to each of our five nonprofit groups who continue to support our event by running our water stops.

Funding will be considered for general operating income, new programs, or capital projects.

The Beneficiary Application Summary details the information and documents you'll need to provide to complete the Beneficiary Application. Your completed Beneficiary Application must be submitted online by February 1, 2024. The required supplemental documents can be submitted using the Application Attachments form, which requires you to log in with a Google account. As an alternative, you may email the supplemental documents as attachments to racedirectorshm@gmail.com.

A small group of prospective beneficiaries will be selected in February as finalists and at that time additional information may be requested. Finalists may be invited to meet with the race committee. Site visits may be requested for the finalist organizations. One organization will be selected by early to mid-February as the race beneficiary.

Since 2006, the Seacoast Half Marathon has raised over $1,500,000 for these and other nonprofit organizations that serve coastal New Hampshire and Maine.

2024   Mainspring
2023   Gather
2022   Portsmouth NH 400
2021   Cornerstone VNA
2020   Cornerstone VNA
2019   HAVEN & The Child Advocacy Center of NH
2018   The Birchtree Center
2017   Cross Roads House
2016   Seacoast Family Food Pantry (now Gather)
2015   Seacoast Mental Health Center
2014   Chase Home for Children & Dover Children’s Home
2013   Sexual Assault Support Services & The Child Advocacy Center of NH
2012   Families First Health & Support Center
2011   Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Seacoast
2010   Great Bay Services
2009   Womenade
2008   Cross Roads House
2007   New Heights: Adventures for Teens
2006   Market Square Steeple Fund

The Seacoast Half Marathon course is fabulous, fast, and mostly flat with rolling hills. It includes local and town roads through urban Portsmouth, rural Rye, and historic and quaint New Castle, New Hampshire. The course features striking views of woodlands, salt marsh, the rugged seacoast, working and recreational waterways, historic homes, and the Portsmouth Harbor. There are mile markers all along the course, and split clocks at 1 mile, 5 miles, and 10 miles. There are five liquids stations with water and Gatorade on the course, approximately every two miles, and Port-a-potties just before mile 2 and mile 8. Traffic control and course marshals are located at all major intersections to guide you through the course.

USATF-NE Course Certification

NH20001BK

Course Records

1:08:02 — Teage O'Connor, Burlington, VT (2018)
1:17:19 — Andrea Walkonen, Lebanon, NH (2012)

Street Listing

Portsmouth HS (Summit Drive) Start.
Right on South Street to Broad Street.
Right on Broad Street to Jones Street.
Left on Jones Street to Sagamore Road.
Right on Sagamore to the Foye’s Corner traffic circle. Download a (pdf) of the street names.
Bear left onto Pioneer Road.
Pioneer Road to Brackett Road. Right onto Brackett Road.
Brackett Road to Parsons Road. Bear left onto Parsons Road.
Parsons Road to Marsh Road. Go straight on Marsh to Rt. 1A.
Left onto Rt. 1A, and past Oriorne Point Park, and Brackett Road.
Rt. 1A/Pioneer Road to Foye’s Corner, then bear right onto Sagamore Avenue.
Sagamore Avenue to Wentworth Road/Rt. 1B. Right onto Rt. 1B.
Rt. 1B through New Castle onto Portsmouth Avenue, and then Newcastle Avenue.
Newcastle Avenue through the stop sign, and straight to South Street.
Left onto South Street to Summit Drive.
Left onto Summit Drive and into the Portsmouth High School grounds to the finish line.

Where will the race start and finish?

The Seacoast Half Marathon will start and finish at Portsmouth High School in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Can I still register after online registration closes?

Yes! Online registration closes on Thursday, October 24 at 11:59 pm. If you miss the online deadline, you can register in person at Marathon Sports (formerly Runner’s Alley) in Portsmouth on Saturday, October 26, from 10 am to 4 pm or on race day, October 27, at Portsmouth High School from 7 am to 8 am. Checks and credit cards are accepted. Checks should be made out to the beneficiary, Mainspring.

When and where is the bib pick-up?

On the day before the race, Saturday 10/26, the bib pick-up is again hosted by Marathon Sports (formerly Runner’s Alley) at 104 Congress Street in downtown Portsmouth, from 10 am to 4 pm. We will be accepting paper registrations at this time as well. On race day, Sunday 10/27, the bib pick-up is at the entrance of Portsmouth High School from 7 am to 8 am. We will be accepting paper registrations at this time also.

When does the race start?

Walkers will start at 8:00 am, and runners will start at 8:30 am. If staggered starts are required, start times will be adjusted appropriately, and all racers will be notified of the change. Prior to the runner’s start, there will be brief announcements and a performance of the national anthem.

Can I walk this race?

Competitive walkers (recreational walkers, racewalkers, speed walkers, etc.) are welcome. Safety Volunteers will be on course for the walker’s start and we will have a lead bicycle to make sure all walkers stay safely on course. This will be an informally-judged walking race. All registered walkers must walk the entire race or they will be reclassified as a runner. If you think you might run any portion of the race, please register as a runner. 

Are there awards for competitive walkers?

Yes!  Details TBD

How long do I have to complete the course?

No walkers left behind!! But we do need to be able to send our volunteers, water stop hosts, and police details home at some point. We need to be cleaned up and out of the high school by noon.  For this reason, we have an early 8 am start for walkers and runners who need more time. This will allow 3.5-4 hours to complete the 13.1-mile course. We will have a sweep bicycle to be sure that, no matter what, no one is left on course and everyone gets in safely, but most amenities at the finish line will begin being packed up by 11:30 am.

Does this race benefit a charity?

Yes! 100% of the net proceeds go to our nonprofit beneficiary. If you have created a fundraiser page, please remember that the deadline for donations is October 27 at 11:59 pm. Thank you for supporting our beneficiary!

What is your refund policy?

All fees are non-refundable.

Who can I contact if I have more questions?

Send an email to racedirectorshm@gmail.com.  We'll get back to you as quickly as we can.

Visionary Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Mercuria Running hosts a training group each year designed for the Seacoast Half Marathon. Follow this link for more information and to sign up now!

Portsmouth & Seacoast

Portsmouth, New Hampshire
City of Portsmouth
Pro Portsmouth
Seacoast Online

Running

Runner’s Alley
Coastal Athletic Association (CAA)
No Finish Line Running
Six03 Running Club
The Winner’s Circle Running Club
Rochester Runners Club
Exeter Run Club

Restaurants

Portsmouthnh.com: A comprehensive guide to Portsmouth NH restaurants and dining across the Seacoast, including in Portsmouth, Kittery and York, Dover, Hampton, and other Seacoast towns.

Hotels

Residence Inn
One International Drive
Portsmouth, NH 03801
1.603.436.8880
(3.46 miles to start/finish)
 
Courtyard by Marriott
1000 Market Street
Portsmouth, NH 03801
1.603.436.2121
(2.03 miles to start/finish)
 
Wentworth by the Sea
588 Wentworth Road
New Castle, NH 03854
1.603.422.7322
(On the course, 6.65 miles to start/finish)

Volunteers are needed for various off and on-course positions for this year’s Seacoast Half Marathon. Our race cannot exist without volunteers, and we are grateful for all who choose to contribute by volunteering. There are assignments with different start times and duration, so you can choose one that fits your schedule.

All volunteers will receive a Seacoast Half Marathon shirt, coffee, and other treats to start the day. Volunteers are needed throughout the course and in varying capacities. Your support will help our race beneficiary fulfill its obligations and is greatly appreciated. Upon signing up, we will acknowledge we have received your information. We will then contact you via email to let you know details regarding your volunteer duty when all details have been worked out.

On-course volunteers will meet at Seacoast Mental Health Center, 1145 Sagamore Avenue in Portsmouth, at 7:30 a.m. and are on course from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 to 11:45 a.m. (depending on location) to assist with runner safety and traffic control. Please sign up using the button below, so we can update you with info before the race and keep track of our volunteer needs. Thank you!

DAY BEFORE: Saturday 10/25. Bib pick-up is again hosted by Marathon Sports (formerly Runner’s Alley) at 104 Congress Street in downtown Portsmouth from 10 am to 4 pm. We will be accepting paper registrations at this time as well.

RACE DAY: Sunday 10/26. Bib pick-up is at the entrance of Portsmouth High School from 7 am to 8 am. We will be accepting paper registrations at this time as well.

Walker’s Start: 8:00 am
Runner’s Start: 8:30 am

Safety Volunteers will be on course for the walker’s start. We will have a lead bicycle to make sure all walkers stay safely on course.

Registered walkers must walk the entire course, runners may walk or run. This is to be fair to those who are race walking and competing in the walker's race division.

Prior to the runner’s start, there will be brief announcements and a performance of the national anthem.

100% of the net proceeds go to our nonprofit beneficiary.
ALL FEES ARE NONREFUNDABLE.