Events
Steam Train Half Marathon
Steam Train two-person Relay (per each Member)
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:
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 and volunteer opportunities. With any questions, please contact Eliza Patterson, Development and Communications Manager of CHR, at epatterson@chrhealth.org.
PRESENTED BY CHR
Community Health Resources (CHR) is Connecticut’s most comprehensive, non-profit behavioral health provider serving adults, children and families whose lives have been touched by mental illness, addiction or trauma.
Race Website
Additional race information can be found at http://www.chrhealth.org/steam-train-half-marathon/.
Place
1 Railroad Ave
Essex, CT US 06426
POST-RACE FESTIVITIES
After-Party at Surfridge Brewing Company
Join us for food, refreshments, and live music after the race! The full menu will be available.
Time: Doors open at 12pm
Location: 6 Main Street, Building 3, Essex (next door to the Essex Steam Train)
Parking: Following the race, we request that anyone staying for the after-party move their cars next door to Surfridge Brewing Company (the Witch Hazel Works Factory lot).
Race Contact Info
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