You are here:
Manchester City Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: Manchester, NH, USA
- Race Date: 11/08/2026
- Race Distances: Full Marathon, Half Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: Yes
Manchester City Marathon Description
The Manchester City Marathon is a Boston qualifying race that tours New Hampshire’s largest city, just 45 minutes north of Boston. Starting in downtown Manchester, the hilly loop course winds through the historic Millyard and North End before crossing the Merrimack River to the Goffstown Rail Trail and returning downtown to finish. A half marathon, relay, and 5K run the same November weekend. With rolling hills throughout and a genuine New England mill-town backdrop, this is a solid option for runners chasing a Boston Qualifying time close to home.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
Share This Race
Shop This Race
Handpicked for runners toeing this line.
Manchester City Marathon Additional Details:
The finisher medal at Manchester City Marathon is genuinely oversized, with a stained-glass-inspired design set behind an outline of the city’s buildings, a keepsake runners describe as one of the best in New England. Seventeen aid stations keep the marathon covered roughly every two miles, but it’s the unofficial ones that give the race its personality, think lemonade stands, mimosa stops, beer, and volunteers handing out candy to anyone who looks like they need a boost. Because the field tops out around 400 to 600 marathon finishers, the middle miles stay peaceful and quiet compared to bigger city races. Back at the finish, a beer garden serves soup and beer alongside local vendors and live music, closing out the day with a proper New England celebration.
Course Information
Profile: Hilly
Type: Loop
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: Yes
Time Limit: 7 hours (full), 4 hours (half)
# of Finishers
Half Marathon: 500
Marathon: 572
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 1,105 ft (336 m)
Elevation Loss: 1,105 ft (336 m)
Average Temperature
- Low: 34°F
- High: 52°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Things to Do in Manchester, NH, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Outdoors & Trails
Derryfield Park
Hike the trails of Derryfield Park, leading to the 19th-century Weston Observatory overlooking Manchester — an easy option for tapering or recovering legs after race day.
Arts & Culture
Currier Museum of Art
See works by major American and European artists at the Currier Museum of Art, which also operates the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Zimmerman House — a relaxed, indoor way to spend a taper day.
Sports & Entertainment
SEE Science Center
Explore hands-on exhibits built for learning through play at the SEE Science Center, a favorite family stop in Manchester — a relaxed, indoor way to spend an afternoon after race day.
Museums & History
Millyard Museum
Trace how the Amoskeag Falls shaped Manchester’s textile industry at the Millyard Museum, housed inside a historic mill building — an easy, indoor, low-impact stop after race day.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Manchester City Marathon
Compare nearby hotels and book your Manchester City Marathon race-weekend stay in seconds.
Sunrise Running Company may earn a commission if you book through the map below, at no extra cost to you.
Featured Race
A pancake-flat course made for chasing a PR — and a Boston Qualifier.
Boston Qualifier: Yes