Steam Train Half Marathon

                                                                                               
Race Against the Train

The Steam Train Half Marathon and 2-person relay is the only road race in the country where runners try to outrun a century-old Steam Train. Friends and family members board the train at the start and leave the station at the race start. They will head to Deep River Landing to cheer on runners at the halfway point before both Train and runners return to the station and the finish line. Who will get there first?

Proceeds will benefit Community Health Resources (CHR), an essential behavioral healthcare provider, as well as three local nonprofits: the Essex Public Library in Essex, the Deep River Fire Department, and The Nest Coffee House / A Little Compassion Inc. 

Race Information

 

Day of Race Packet Pick-Up: Sunday, March 30, 2025 at Essex Steam Train starting at 8:00 AM

All runners receive a package of great swag!

Runners who complete the half marathon or relay in less than 2 hours and 20 minutes will receive a commemorative train whistleSpectators can ride along on the steam train for $25; tickets may be purchased via Essex Steam Train & Riverboat: https://essex-steam-train-riverboat.myshopify.com/products/half-marathon-and-relay-steam-train-excursion-saturday-april-13-2024-10-00-am  Race Day Schedule 8:00   AM:  Day-of check-in begins9:45   AM:  Relay second-leg runners board train; First-leg runners line up at the starting line10:00 AM:  Race kicks off and train leaves Essex Steam Train10:20 AM:  Train stops briefly at Deep River Landing to drop off second set of relay runners10:25 AM:  Train departs Deep River Landing, heading North11:25 AM:  Train will return to Deep River Landing / pick up first set of relay runners         Train will remain stationary at Deep River Landing from 11:25 am - 11:55 am 12:20 PM:  Train arrives at Essex Steam Train12:30 PM:  Awards Ceremony Registration

      > Early Bird Special - From September 1st to September 30th, 2024: $65 Half Marathon, $55 2-person Relay (per runner)      

      > From October 1st 2024 to February 28th, 2025: $75 Half Marathon, $65 2-person Relay (per runner)

      > From March 1st through March 30th, 2025: $85 Half Marathon, $75 2-person Relay (per runner)  

NOTE:

Unlike previous years, we will NOT be offering Early Packet Pickup nor the option of mailing bibs to participants. All bibs and swag will be available for pickup ONLY at the race site on race day beginning at 8:00 AM                                                           

Sponsorship and Volunteer Opportunities

Learn more about our sponsorship and volunteer opportunities. With any questions, please contact Eliza Patterson, Development and Communications Manager of CHR, at epatterson@chrhealth.org.