Steam Train Half Marathon & Relay
- Date Sun 30th March 2025
- Time 10:00AM EST
- Location Essex, Connecticut
- Price $65.00 - $75.00
- Races 2 races
- Distances Half Marathon
Event summary
Get ready for a unique and exhilarating running experience at the Steam Train Half Marathon & Relay on Sunday, March 30, 2025, in the picturesque Lower Connecticut River Valley of Essex! This exciting event challenges participants to race against a vintage steam train, making it the only road race of its kind in the country. Runners can choose between the thrilling half marathon or a fun 2-person relay, with the first leg covering 8 miles to Deep River Landing and the second leg finishing the final 5.1 miles back to the Essex Steam Train station.
Join fellow runners and spectators for a day filled with adrenaline and community spirit as friends and family cheer from the train, which departs right at the start of the race! This year, the event is capped at 600 participants, so be sure to secure your spot early. With registration prices ranging from $55 to $85 depending on the date, don’t miss out on a chance to earn a commemorative train whistle if you finish in under 2 hours and 20 minutes. Plus, all proceeds benefit local nonprofits, making this not just a race, but a meaningful community celebration. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable event!
Join fellow runners and spectators for a day filled with adrenaline and community spirit as friends and family cheer from the train, which departs right at the start of the race! This year, the event is capped at 600 participants, so be sure to secure your spot early. With registration prices ranging from $55 to $85 depending on the date, don’t miss out on a chance to earn a commemorative train whistle if you finish in under 2 hours and 20 minutes. Plus, all proceeds benefit local nonprofits, making this not just a race, but a meaningful community celebration. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable event!
Organiser's Description
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 whistle
* Spectators 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 begins
* 9:45 AM: Relay second-leg runners board train; First-leg runners line up at the starting line
* 10:00 AM: Race kicks off and train leaves Essex Steam Train
* 10:20 AM: Train stops briefly at Deep River Landing to drop off second set of relay runners
* 10:25 AM: Train departs Deep River Landing, heading North
* 11:25 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
* 12:00 PM: Surfridge Brewing Company opens for after-party
* 12:20 PM: Train arrives at Essex Steam Train
* 12:30 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)
2-PERSON RELAY
* Leg #1 - Runs from Steam Train Depot to Deep River Landing (8 Miles)
* Leg #2 - Runs from Deep River Landing to the finish line (5.1 Miles)
NOTE:
THIS YEAR'S RACE WILL BE CAPPED AT 600 RUNNERS
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 [https://www.chrhealth.org/steam-train-half-marathon/] and volunteer [https://www.volunteermatch.org/search/opp3850783.jsp?] opportunities. With any questions, please contact Eliza Patterson, Development and Communications Manager of CHR, at [email protected].
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 whistle
* Spectators 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 begins
* 9:45 AM: Relay second-leg runners board train; First-leg runners line up at the starting line
* 10:00 AM: Race kicks off and train leaves Essex Steam Train
* 10:20 AM: Train stops briefly at Deep River Landing to drop off second set of relay runners
* 10:25 AM: Train departs Deep River Landing, heading North
* 11:25 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
* 12:00 PM: Surfridge Brewing Company opens for after-party
* 12:20 PM: Train arrives at Essex Steam Train
* 12:30 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)
2-PERSON RELAY
* Leg #1 - Runs from Steam Train Depot to Deep River Landing (8 Miles)
* Leg #2 - Runs from Deep River Landing to the finish line (5.1 Miles)
NOTE:
THIS YEAR'S RACE WILL BE CAPPED AT 600 RUNNERS
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 [https://www.chrhealth.org/steam-train-half-marathon/] and volunteer [https://www.volunteermatch.org/search/opp3850783.jsp?] opportunities. With any questions, please contact Eliza Patterson, Development and Communications Manager of CHR, at [email protected].
Races
-
Steam Train Half Marathon
Incl. T-Shirt
Sun 30th March 2025 (10:00AM EDT)
$75.00
-
Steam Train Two-Person Relay (Per Each Member)
Incl. T-Shirt
Sun 30th March 2025 (10:00AM EDT)
$65.00
Want to break up the 13.1 miles between you and a friend? Check out the 2-person relay!! The first runner will run the 8 miles to the Deep River Landing, while their partner rides there in style on the steam train! But don't worry about being left out. The steam train will take the first runner to the finish line to cheer on their partner as the second runner finishes the last 5 miles and cross the finish line!
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Steam Train Half Marathon & Relay