Steam Train Half Marathon & Relay
- Date Sun 30th March 2025
- Time 10:00AM EDT
- Location Essex, Connecticut
- Price $75.00 - $85.00
- Races 2 races
- Distances Half Marathon
Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Steam Train Half Marathon & Relay on Sunday, March 30, 2025, in the picturesque Lower Connecticut River Valley, Essex! This unique race invites participants to challenge themselves by trying to outrun a century-old steam train, offering a thrilling twist to the traditional half marathon. Runners can choose between the scenic 13.1-mile half marathon or the exciting 2-person relay, which features an 8-mile leg from the Essex Steam Train Depot to Deep River Landing, followed by a 5.1-mile leg to the finish line.
Spectators can cheer on their friends and family as they race against the train, with the train departing shortly after the runners start. Proceeds from this exhilarating event will benefit Community Health Resources and several local nonprofits, making it a great way to combine fitness with community support. With an expected cap of 600 runners, this event promises to be both competitive and fun. Don’t miss out on the chance to earn fantastic swag and a commemorative train whistle for those who finish in under 2 hours and 20 minutes. Mark your calendars and prepare for an exciting day of running, camaraderie, and community spirit!
Spectators can cheer on their friends and family as they race against the train, with the train departing shortly after the runners start. Proceeds from this exhilarating event will benefit Community Health Resources and several local nonprofits, making it a great way to combine fitness with community support. With an expected cap of 600 runners, this event promises to be both competitive and fun. Don’t miss out on the chance to earn fantastic swag and a commemorative train whistle for those who finish in under 2 hours and 20 minutes. Mark your calendars and prepare for an exciting day of running, camaraderie, and community spirit!
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) [https://www.chrhealth.org/], 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
* LOCATION: Essex Steam Train, 1 Railroad Ave, Essex, CT 06426
* DAY OF RACE PACKET PICK-UP: Sunday, March 30, 2025 at Essex Steam Train starting at 8:00 AM
* Spectators tickets are SOLD OUT:
* Spectator tickets are now sold out to accommodate spectators who already purchased their tickets and our relay teams. However, friends and family are encouraged to cheer you on from the finish line!
* PARKING:
* PRIMARY LOT: Essex Steam Train, 1 Railroad Ave, Essex, CT 06426
* OVERFLOW LOT: 36 Plains Rd. Essex, CT 06426
* Once the Essex Steam Train lot has reached capacity, we will direct runners to our overflow lot just down the road at 36 Plains Rd. Essex, CT 06426.
* There will be signage and volunteers to direct you.
* We will have a shuttle bus that will take you to and from the lot to the Essex Steam Train. The shuttle bus will be available until 2pm.
* SWAG:
* All runners receive great swag!
* Runners who complete the half marathon or relay in less than 2 hours and 20 minutes will receive a commemorative train whistle
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
THE COURSE LIMIT IS 3 HOURS (A 13:40 PACE)
At 1:00 PM the course will be shut down, which means that all directional signs, water stops, volunteers and uniformed police will be removed from the course, the finish line will shut down, and the roads will reopen to traffic. We will have a sweep vehicle to pick up anyone who cannot finish. Please review the course on HERE [https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2191034] in advance of the race.
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 IS SOLD OUT
* 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) [https://www.chrhealth.org/], 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
* LOCATION: Essex Steam Train, 1 Railroad Ave, Essex, CT 06426
* DAY OF RACE PACKET PICK-UP: Sunday, March 30, 2025 at Essex Steam Train starting at 8:00 AM
* Spectators tickets are SOLD OUT:
* Spectator tickets are now sold out to accommodate spectators who already purchased their tickets and our relay teams. However, friends and family are encouraged to cheer you on from the finish line!
* PARKING:
* PRIMARY LOT: Essex Steam Train, 1 Railroad Ave, Essex, CT 06426
* OVERFLOW LOT: 36 Plains Rd. Essex, CT 06426
* Once the Essex Steam Train lot has reached capacity, we will direct runners to our overflow lot just down the road at 36 Plains Rd. Essex, CT 06426.
* There will be signage and volunteers to direct you.
* We will have a shuttle bus that will take you to and from the lot to the Essex Steam Train. The shuttle bus will be available until 2pm.
* SWAG:
* All runners receive great swag!
* Runners who complete the half marathon or relay in less than 2 hours and 20 minutes will receive a commemorative train whistle
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
THE COURSE LIMIT IS 3 HOURS (A 13:40 PACE)
At 1:00 PM the course will be shut down, which means that all directional signs, water stops, volunteers and uniformed police will be removed from the course, the finish line will shut down, and the roads will reopen to traffic. We will have a sweep vehicle to pick up anyone who cannot finish. Please review the course on HERE [https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2191034] in advance of the race.
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 IS SOLD OUT
* 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)
$85.00
CLOSED -
Steam Train Two-Person Relay (Per Each Member) LIMITED to 75 TEAMS
Incl. T-Shirt
Sun 30th March 2025 (10:00AM EDT)
$75.00
CLOSEDWant 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
