18th Annual Seacoast Half Marathon
Sunday, October 29, 2023
Welcome to our FAQ page!
Race Date: Sunday, October 29, 2023
Click here to learn more about our 2023 race beneficiary
- Where can I register for the race, and how much will it cost?
Click here to register. Registration opens in March. - Can we register as a team?
Yes, you and your family and friends can register as a team. You can also enlist your teammates to help you fundraise for our beneficiary. - When will registration close?
On-line registration will close at 11:59pm (EST) on the Tuesday prior to race day. PLEASE NOTE: If you missed the online registration deadline, you can register at Runner’s Alley in Portsmouth the day before the race from 10am-4pm or on race day at Portsmouth High School from 7am-8am. Checks and credit cards are accepted. Checks should be made out to the beneficiary. - Where will my entry fee go?
100% of the race revenue, after expenses, will go our race beneficiary. The expenses include items/services directly related to the race that have not been paid for by our generous sponsors. - Will there be any extra fundraising for the beneficiary?
During online race registration, there is a field to make a donation to the race beneficiary, and you can set up your own fundraising page where your family and friends can help you raise money for our beneficiary. - What do I get with my registration?
Registered racers will get a race t-shirt (please note: due to supply issues, we may only be able to guarantee shirts up to a certain number of registered runner. Information on this will be communicated on Facebook). Finishers will also receive a finishers’ medal. - Will I receive a confirmation when I register?
Yes, if you register on-line and provide a valid email address, you will receive a confirmation email. If you attempt to register on-line, and do not receive a confirmation email within about 5 minutes, your registration did not go through, and you should try again. - If I can’t make it to the race, can I give my number to someone else?
Seacoast Half Marathon race numbers are not transferable, so please do not give or sell your race number to anyone else if you cannot complete your race. Attempts to transfer race numbers will result in disqualification. - If I can’t complete my race, can my entry fee be refunded?
We’re sorry, but entry fees cannot be refunded. If you have registered and cannot participate, consider your entry fee to be a donation to our beneficiary. - How do I get my race number?
We will have our usual packet pick up on the Saturday before race day at Runner’s Alley (104 Congress St, Portsmouth, NH) from 10:00 to 4:00. You can also pick up your packet on race day at Portsmouth High School (Academy Drive, Portsmouth, NH), starting at 7:00AM. - Will I get a race shirt?
We would like every registrant to receive a shirt, but due to supply chain issues over the past two years, we’ve had to place our shirt orders earlier than usual. As a result, we may only be able to guarantee shirts up to a certain number of registered runners. Register early to guarantee a race shirt! - What prizes will be awarded?
Specific Prizes TBD. But they are always fabulous, so plan to run or walk fast. - Can I walk this race?
Of course. All runners and walkers are welcome. If you register for the in-person race as a walker, you MUST walk the entire race. If you think you might run part of the race, please register as a runner. - Will there be an early start for the race?
Registered walkers will start at 8:00, and runners will start at 8:30. There is no early start for runners. - Will there be pacers in the half marathon?
There will be pacers running at 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 8:30, 9:00, 9:30, and 10:00 minute per mile paces. You will be able to run with the pacer of your choice. - How long will the course stay open?
The course will close at 11:30, 3 hours after the runners start. At that time, course marshals will leave the course, and all water stops will close down and pack up. If you are still on the race course at 11:30, please move to the sidewalks and observe all local traffic regulations as you make your way to the finish line. - Will there be finishers medals?
All finishers will receive a finishers’ medal. - Where can I post my race photos?
We’ll set up a Facebook group where everyone can post their Seacoast race photos so you can show your family and friends what you accomplished. - Where can I park on race day?
There is a lot of parking room at Portsmouth High School. However, carpooling will do a lot to help reduce congestion before and after the race. - Will there be a place where I can leave a bag during the race?
There will be a designated bag storage room at Portsmouth High School. Bag storage will not be monitored, so leave your belongings at your own risk, and please leave your valuables in your vehicle.
- Are there any race-day mask requirements?
This depends on school regulations on race day. We may ask all racers to wear a mask at all times while inside at Portsmouth High School. We will have masks available at Portsmouth High School. We’re optimistic that mask requirements are a thing of the past! - Where does the race start, and how can I get to the start area?
The Seacoast Half Marathon will start on South Street which is just outside of Portsmouth High School. Directions to PHS are on the race web site. - What is the course like?
There are a few hills near the start/finish area. Most of the rest of the course is flat or with gently rolling hills. The course passes though suburban neighborhoods, by salt marshes, along New Hampshire’s rocky coastline, through the historic village of New Castle (where you’ll see homes from the 1700s and 1800s), and along part of the Piscataqua River and Portsmouth Harbor. You will be on roads that are open to traffic, so you should always stay to the right for your own safety, unless course marshals ask you to do otherwise. There is one metal-grate bridge on the course, so please be careful of your footing, especially if it is wet. Check the web site for a course map. - Can I wear earphones during the race?
You may, but it’s really not a good idea. Parts of the course are on narrow roads, and you must be able to hear oncoming traffic and instructions from our course marshals. We want you to enjoy the race, and we want you to be as safe as possible while on the course. At the discretion of the course marshals or local Police, anyone using earphones irresponsibly may be disqualified during or after the race. - Can I run the race with a stroller or with my dog?
For insurance and safety reasons, strollers and all pets (yes, even racing gerbils) are not allowed on the race course. - Will there be water stations on the course?
There will be 5 water stations, approximately 2 miles apart. Each of them will have water. The 3rd station (at approximately mile #7) will also have gel packs. Each water stop will be staffed by a different local nonprofit organization. They will all be working hard to provide you with nourishment without you having to miss a step in the race, and to keep you smiling and motivated. Each of these non-profit groups will receive a cash donation for their service at the race. - Will there be port-a-potties on the course?
There will be port-a-potties next to the Bean Real Estate building at the corner of Sagamore Ave and Wentworth Road, which racers will pass at about 1.5 miles, and again at about 7.5 miles. - What kind of weather should I expect?
This is New Hampshire – we don’t know! Fall temperatures in coastal New Hampshire are typically in the 40s. However, the weather can be quite variable, so watch the local forecasts, and be prepared for changes. - Will the race be run if the weather isn’t good?
We will only cancel the race if local authorities decide that it would be unsafe for racers to be on the roads. In the unlikely event that it is necessary to cancel the race, a notice to that effect will be posted on the race web site by race day morning. Please check the race web site on race day morning if the weather is questionable. - Does this race use chip timing?
Yes, the Seacoast Half Marathon uses ChronoTrack “B-Tag” disposable chips for the in-person race only. The chips will be on the back side of your race numbers. Please do not fold your race number, as that may damage the timing chips. Please make sure that your number is pinned in all 4 corners on the front of your torso, and that it is not obscured by a jacket or other garment, water bottle belt, etc. And please make sure you are wearing your own race number! - Will there be food available after the race?
Yes! We typically have amazing support from some local businesses to provide you with delicious food to enjoy after the race! - As a spectator, where is the best place to watch the race?
There are several good places from which to watch the race, including the round-about by the Atlantic Grill restaurant, Wallace Sands Beach, by the Wentworth hotel, and of course, at the finish line. - I’m coming in from out of town. Where do you recommend I stay?
There are several local hotels that are only a short drive to the race start. - Can I get a massage after the race?
We try our best to secure a vendor to give you a well-deserved massage. - Will showers be available after the race?
Showers are not available. Hopefully the weather is nice and you can drive home with your windows open! 😉 - Where and when will the awards ceremony be held?
We are working on the award details. Stay tuned for additional information.