Steam Train Half Marathon & Relay

Saturday, March 25, 2023 Past event
8:00 AM EDT
Essex, Connecticut
$25.00–$85.00 · 4 races
Half Marathon

Event summary

Get ready for an unforgettable race experience at the Steam Train Half Marathon & Relay, taking place on Saturday, March 25, 2023, in the picturesque Lower Connecticut River Valley of Essex. This unique event challenges runners to race against a century-old steam train, making it the only road race of its kind in the country. Participants can choose between the thrilling half marathon or a two-person relay, featuring a scenic 8-mile leg followed by a 5.1-mile leg.

As runners dash towards the finish line, their friends and family will cheer from the train, which will be making its own journey to Deep River Landing and back. This exciting race not only offers the chance for participants to earn a commemorative train whistle for finishing under 2 hours and 20 minutes but also supports local nonprofits, including the Essex Public Library and the Deep River Fire Department. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to combine fitness, fun, and community support in a race that promises to be both exhilarating and rewarding!

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Races

  • Steam Train Half Marathon

    Includes T-Shirt

    8:00 AM EDT

    $85.00

    Entries closed
  • Steam Train two-person Relay (per each Member)

    Includes T-Shirt

    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!

    8:00 AM EDT

    $85.00

    Entries closed
  • Steam Train Virtual Half Marathon

    Virtual

    Includes T-Shirt

    8:00 AM EDT

    $40.00

    Entries closed
  • Steam Train Virtual Half Marathon for CHR Employees

    Virtual

    Includes T-Shirt

    8:00 AM EDT

    $25.00

    Entries closed

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:

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].

Location

Essex Steam Train, 1 Railroad Ave, Essex, 06426, CT, United States

Event data

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