Steam Train Half Marathon & Relay

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At a Glance:

Date: 23 Mar, 2025 12AM - 31 Mar, 2025 12AM
Location: Essex Steam Train, 1 Railroad Ave, Essex, CT, 06426, US
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Details:

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 and volunteer opportunities. With any questions, please contact Eliza Patterson, Development and Communications Manager of CHR, at epatterson@chrhealth.org.

Events:

Steam Train Half Marathon

Distance: 13.1 Miles
Start: 3/30/2025 10:00
Sign up window: 28 Aug, 2024 9:01 PM - 30 Mar, 2025 9PM
Price: $65.00
Free T-Shirt
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Steam Train two-person Relay (per each Member)

Start: 3/30/2025 10:00
Sign up window: 28 Aug, 2024 12:01 AM - 30 Mar, 2025 9PM
Price: $55.00
Free T-Shirt
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Steam Train Virtual Half Marathon

Distance: 13.1 Miles
Date: 23 Mar, 2025 10AM - 31 Mar, 2025 1PM
Sign up window: 28 Aug, 2024 12:01 PM - 30 Mar, 2025 11:59 PM
Price: $40.00
Free T-Shirt
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Steam Train Virtual Half Marathon for CHR Employees

Distance: 13.1 Miles
Start: 3/30/2025 10:00
Sign up window: 28 Aug, 2024 11:44 AM - 30 Mar, 2025 12PM
Price: $25.00
Free T-Shirt
Sign Up

Race details and prices subject to change at the race organizers’ discretion.

Find out more about Steam Train Half Marathon & Relay