From Keene to Conway to Manchester to Bristol, and more.
Marathoners talk a lot about pace, hills, PRs, and splits. But sometimes, what you really need is a race that just slows you down – in the best way. That’s exactly what New Hampshire offers.
Here, race day might start in a high school gym with hot coffee and real bathrooms. You might find yourself making small talk with volunteers who know the course, because they live a mile down the road. You’ll run past mirror-like lakes, fields that still have dew on them, and trees that look like they were dipped in fire.
Marathons in New Hampshire aren’t about the spectacle. They’re about showing up, putting your feet to the pavement, and letting the route do the rest. Whether you’re chasing a 50 States goal or just in it for a scenic fall getaway with a side of Type II fun, this is your kind of race state.
Looking for a different state?
What are the Best Marathons in New Hampshire?
Clarence DeMar Marathon
Keene | Sep 28, 2025
Course Type: Downhill
Elevation Gain: 645 feet (196m)
Participants: 372 Finishers
Price: $110-$130
You’ll start your morning inside an elementary school gym and chat with strangers while the porta-potty line snakes out the door. Then it’s a short walk to the top of a hill in Gilsum – the tippy top – and from the gun, you’re dropping fast into the New Hampshire woods.
The first 10 miles? Gorgeous. A quiet river keeps you company, and the trees are just starting to flicker with early October color. You loop around the Surry Mountain Dam (stunning), pass a golf course, and cruise into Keene before the course throws a few punches: mile 15’s a long grind, and miles 22 and 24 take you through Greenlawn and Woodland cemeteries – beautiful, weirdly contemplative, and surprisingly steep.
The course is a net downhill, but don’t be fooled – it’s no cakewalk. Still, it’s well-supported with water every 1.5 miles, more volunteers than runners at times, and that unmistakable small-town feel. The finish line on Appian Way – just steps from where Clarence DeMar coached—wraps it up with soup, chocolate milk, and a little bit of pride. No hype, no flash, just a New England race with heart and hills.
REVEL White Mountains
Conway | May 4, 2025
Course Type: Downhill
Elevation Gain: 337 feet (102m)
Participants: 1,141 Finishers
Price: $140-$155
If you’re chasing speed, REVEL White Mountains delivers a wild ride through some of the most stunning terrain on the East Coast. The marathon kicks off at the CL Graham Wangan Overlook and wastes no time dropping runners into the heart of the White Mountain National Forest. You’ll tear down the Kancamagus Highway for over 12 miles, flanked by towering trees, rocky outcrops, and the rushing Swift River.
But just when your legs start to settle into the descent, the course throws in a brutal uphill out-and-back around mile 10 that hits hard after all that downhill pounding. It’s not a gentle roll. It’s a proper grind. What makes this course unforgettable isn’t just the elevation drop or the Boston Qualifying potential – it’s the pure isolation of it.
There are no convenience stores, no cafés, no cheering crowds. Just winding asphalt and the raw wilderness of the Kanc. Weather can be moody too. Cold rain, fog, and even temperature swings between the summit and finish are all part of the package.
But the REVEL crew knows what they’re doing. Blankets and gloves at the start. Efficient gear check. Aid stations that actually deliver. And a finisher’s medal that’s massive, weighty, and absolutely deserves space at the front of your collection.
Manchester City Marathon
Manchester | Nov 9, 2025
Course Type: Hilly
Elevation Gain: 1105 feet (336m)
Participants: 567 Finishers
Price: $90-$110
You don’t go to the Manchester City Marathon for a fast, easy time – you go to work. The first half of the course is full of hills that chew your legs up and spit them out long before you reach the rail trail. Cold November air bites through your layers as you snake through downtown, past stark brick mills and Revolutionary War landmarks, before heading toward the quiet.
Once you leave the streets, the crowds vanish, and you find yourself alone on long stretches of out-and-back trail. Flat? Sure. Mentally punishing? Absolutely. You’re retracing your own steps, crossing bridges you’ve already crossed, watching faster runners go the other way while your legs beg for mercy.
And yet, there’s something rewarding in the monotony. The leaves crunch underfoot. The air is clean. You know what’s ahead, and you go anyway. Aid stations are plentiful and reliable. The hot chocolate at the finish might be the best thing you taste all day. It’s not a glamorous race. But it’s honest. And if you’re ticking off states or looking for a Boston Qualifier with a side of suffering, Manchester makes you earn every damn mile.
New Hampshire Marathon
Bristol | Oct 4, 2025
Course Type: Hilly
Elevation Gain: 948 feet (289m)
Participants: 202 Finishers
Price: $85
While the New Hampshire Marathon may not make many flashy headlines, it delivers exactly what seasoned runners often crave: a challenging, peaceful, and deeply scenic experience.
As you head north on Route 3A and loop through the quiet village of Hebron before circling Newfound Lake, you’re immersed in the quintessential charm of rural New England. This isn’t a PR course – rolling hills and steady climbs are a defining feature, especially in the first half, but the reward is a serene landscape of brilliant fall foliage reflected in the still, glacial waters of the lake.
The race’s small size (typically under 300 marathoners) adds to its intimate, no-stress atmosphere. Packet pickup is smooth, the community support is genuine, and there’s even the option to warm up pre-race inside a nearby school gym. Add in crisp October weather, a well-marked course, and post-race perks like local coupons, hot food, and (cold) showers, and it’s no wonder it’s consistently described as a hidden gem.
What It’s Really Like to Run a Marathon in New Hampshire
If you’re picturing New Hampshire marathons as quiet, scenic events with crisp air and fiery foliage, you’re exactly right. But there’s more to it than that.
It’s beautiful – but it’s not flat.
New Hampshire doesn’t shy away from hills. In fact, the state seems to love them. Whether you’re winding around Newfound Lake or tucked in the mountains, you’ll find rolling hills almost everywhere. Some runners call the New Hampshire Marathon the hilliest course they’ve ever done. But to provide you with some relief, most of the toughest climbs show up early, and there are enough flat stretches to catch your breath.
Expect a race that’s simple, small, and stress-free.
These races are on the smaller side, with start lines that often feel more like a neighborhood gathering than a giant production. There are the kinda of marathons where you can grab your bib inside a local high school and walk straight out to the start.
And then there’s the foliage.
If you’ve never run through a New England fall, October in New Hampshire is pure magic. Trees turn every shade of orange, red, and gold, especially around lakes like Newfound. The views alone were worth the challenge, and they’re often touted as the most scenic races in the whole country.
Weather-wise? Be ready for anything.
October highs average in the 60s, but race day has seen everything from 85°F sunshine to 30°F mornings. It’s one of those “layers are your friend” situations. Watch the forecast, bring options, and prepare for a little weather roulette.
Traveling for a Race in New Hampshire? Read This First.
Planning to check New Hampshire off your 50 states list? Or maybe just craving a small-town fall marathon with serious charm? Either way, here are a few things to know before race weekend.
🏡 Small town = small lodging options
These aren’t big-city races, and that’s a huge part of the appeal. But it also means hotels and inns fill up fast. So I’d recommend local B&Bs (like the cozy Henry Whipple House in Bristol), but keep in mind they often require a two-night minimum. Book early and don’t assume you can snag something last minute.
🚙 Leave extra time for travel
Distances on a map can be misleading. I’ve heard of a Friday night drive from Boston took twice as long as expected, thanks to traffic and backroads. Plan accordingly – especially if you’re aiming for a Saturday morning bib pickup.
🥾 Stay for the weekend if you can
New Hampshire isn’t just for running—it’s for exploring. After your race, take a recovery hike (Cardigan Mountain is a local favorite), grab some lake views, or just wander around a small town coffee shop in your medal and hoodie. You earned it.
🍕Post-race eats hit different
A few standout mentions: Sandwiches and ice cream at The Mill in Bristol. Pizza and granola at the finish line. As well as lots of freebies thrown in, like beer at a local pub or discounts at running stores. Look out for discounts like Runner’s Alley 15% off just for crossing the finish.
Concluesion
Running a marathon in New Hampshire won’t come with a marching band or an inflatable arch the size of a building. Your finisher medal might be modest. The porta-potties? Limited. But if you’re the kind of runner who values beauty over bells and effort over ego, this state gets you.
You’ll get to race beside a glacial lake, maybe share the road with the occasional pickup truck, and high-five volunteers who hand you Gatorade and a smile. You’ll curse the hills and bless the views – sometimes in the same mile. And when you cross that finish line, you’ll probably think the same thing as me: Why don’t more people know about this?
But honestly? I kind of like it that way.
Row Brown is the founder of Refresh Row. He is a keen marathon runner, his favorite being the London Marathon. He’s now set himself the mission of Running the Entire Length of Spain, which is scheduled for late 2024.
