A very fun trail “marathon” and half marathon at Bear Brook State Park in New Hampshire! The marathon is always more than a marathon and exact mileage is never shared, it can be anywhere from 27 miles to 30 miles. Be prepared and let us know what you got at the end of the race! The half marathon is 13 miles and will stay that way.
We strive to be as earth friendly as possible. We do not have cups at the aid stations. Please be sure to bring your own refillable water bottles or bladders. We do not place flyers or give out swag bags full of advertisements. You will receive your bib number, meal coupon and deerfly patch at registration. If you purchased add-ons such as shirts or cups you will receive those too at registration. We will have a fun finishers award for all finishers as well as prizes for the top guys and girls in each race. We also will have an incredible post race barbeque to help you refuel after your run. Please be prepared for hot weather and bring enough water with you. Some aid stations may take you a while to arrive at and we would prefer to not have any medical emergencies from not carrying water.
This is a TRAIL race, there are rocks, roots, sticks, animals, mud, deerflies, ticks, porcupine, bear, moose, squirrel, chipmunk, turkey, streams, mountain bikers, hikers, horses, horse poop, bobcat, trees, singletrack, double track, dirt roads, the most incredible aid station workers around, wacky race directors, great swag, prizes, finisher awards that are unique, post race barbeque included in entry, raffles, smiling runners, bloody knees and so much more!
This is a fun race that will take you on some of the best trails the park has to offer! Plan on coming up and over Catamount Hill twice! The half marathon will have on unmanned aid station and two fully stocked and staffed aid station where the marathon runners will have 6 aid stations to keep you smiling, hydrated and fueled all day! While the half marathon takes you along some beautiful rolling terrain the full marathon will offer more hills, more miles and more adventure!
If you have never run on trail you are welcome to try but please expect to get your shoes and yourself dirty. There are plenty of things to trip on. Runners attempting to run a marathon in all 50 states be prepared, this is not a road marathon and it is not easy!
You could get hurt, it will be hot out and you will need to be capable of taking care of yourself. Our aid stations will have basic first aid supplies as well as tons of great food and lots of fluids. Please do not swear at volunteers, you will be permanently banned from any future race and immediately disqualified from the race. These people are spending their precious time helping you. They will be battling deerflies, heat and possibly crappy weather while filling packs and feeding you. Without them races do not happen and I expect them to be treated with respect and kindness.
If we want to continue to hold this race we must not have litter on the course at any time. This is not a road race and there is not a sweeper to pick up trash. Respect the wilderness and the park rules. Dogs must be on leashes and there is no alcohol consumption within the park. IF WE CATCH YOU LITTERING YOU WILL BE IMMEDIATELY DISQUALIFIED AND BANNED FROM ANY RACE WE HOLD.
LESS
A race with a small town feel.
Not being from the area, it was a little hard to find. Only one sign on the main road that we passed. However, once we parked , and there was … MORE
Not being from the area, it was a little hard to find. Only one sign on the main road that we passed. However, once we parked , and there was plenty of room for parking , things went wonderfully. All the volunteers and the hosts went out of their way tending to the runners wants and needs. All runners, not just a select few! Friendly and outgoing volunteers! Beautiful scenery on the trail. Lots of rocks, roots and ups and downs. It can be a bit challenging if you are new to trails. Definitely worth doing!!
The Mindgames Race
This race ate me for lunch! I have done a couple of "trail marathons" and one 50 mile trail race before. This one was B-R-U-T-A-L! First off - the website … MORE
This race ate me for lunch! I have done a couple of “trail marathons” and one 50 mile trail race before. This one was B-R-U-T-A-L!
First off – the website says the race is “longer than a marathon.” It typically is between 27-30 miles. That was ok with me (I ran this for my state so as long as it was 26.2 or longer, I was fine with it.)
After 20 miles or so, my legs were shot! You run on everything from dirt trail to very technical trails to climbing up and over mounds of boulders (mountains!) and a very short section on a paved road through a campground. The race is 100% trail and through the state park. The course is marked with pink marking flags and there were several times where I didn’t see a flag for a concerning amount of time. I was alone for the last 15-18 miles and literally had to call my mother to have someone to talk to because I was beginning to question my sanity. At the checkin points, I kept asking how many miles were left. (NOTE the aid stations/check in points were about 4 miles apart.) The last 4 check in points ALL told me “It’s about 6 miles away.” When my watch hit 28 miles it started to rain (HARD!). When my watch hit 30 miles, I was concerned I had gone the wrong way. Then a group of bikers came passed me and I asked them if they had seen other runners with bibs. They said yes.
The finish finally “appeared” like Heaven at mile 33!
The best part: I love small trail races!
The worst part: Not knowing when (or where) the finish is! This race is a total Mental game! If I can survive this-I can survive anything!