Granite State Marathon (New England Challenge)
Nashua, NH
- Marathon, Half Marathon
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
Course InformationHalf Marathon: 2 full laps + 1.6 miles out and backFull Marathon: 5 full laps + 1.4 miles out and backOne Full Lap is 4.96 miles. There will be two aid stations on the course. The main one at the start/finish line with hydration and nourishment and secondary at … MORE
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Scenic and enjoyable
The organization of the New England Challenge is always on point. Easy logistics. The loop is a little over 5 miles run 5 times and is very scenic. The main … MORE
The organization of the New England Challenge is always on point. Easy logistics. The loop is a little over 5 miles run 5 times and is very scenic. The main aid station is by the start/finish line and is well stocked. There is another aid station at the far point with water and stingers. Don’t let the multi-loop format throw you off…scenic and enjoyable.
Beautiful scenery
Nice, small race. Several loops through a beautiful state park. I spent most of my time running alone, with no one in sight. If you need spectator support, this is … MORE
Nice, small race. Several loops through a beautiful state park. I spent most of my time running alone, with no one in sight. If you need spectator support, this is not for you. Race staff was friendly and helpful. This one has the feel of a training run more than a race, but I enjoyed it.
Scenic park, beautiful trail
Day 2 : I didn't realize we would be running on a paved trail course on the second day. Weather was a bit cool in the morning. Only about 50 … MORE
Day 2 : I didn’t realize we would be running on a paved trail course on the second day. Weather was a bit cool in the morning. Only about 50 marathon runners and 30 half marathoners. The course takes the runner out of the park for about 0.6 mile out and 0.6 mile back into the park and then run 5 miles loop 5 times in the park. There’s aid station at start and finish and one also around 2.5 miles out. There’s one turn where there’s a 4 way intersection, so pay attention to the signs on the ground to avoid going the run direction. A nice series t shirt to the new runners and a small medal in the shape of the state of New Hampshire.
Gorgeous trail course
This was probably the highlight of the New England Challenge series for me. The course was two long loops on a beautiful trail with views of rivers and lakes. Not … MORE
This was probably the highlight of the New England Challenge series for me. The course was two long loops on a beautiful trail with views of rivers and lakes. Not really technical at all but some solid, small hills here and there. Highly recommend. This and Vermont were my two favorites on this series.
Nice loop course
Overall Rating: Excellent. I’m not a huge fan of loop courses, but this one was outstanding. Course Difficulty: Not bad. It was a moderately hilly dirt/cinder trail along the Nashua … MORE
Overall Rating: Excellent. I’m not a huge fan of loop courses, but this one was outstanding.
Course Difficulty: Not bad. It was a moderately hilly dirt/cinder trail along the Nashua river. There were a few land mines (aka rocks and roots) but the majority of the course felt really good underfoot.
Course Scenery: Perfect. Good representation of NH and I was never bored because of the terrain.
Race Production: There was a little confusion at the beginning over the short out and back, but otherwise, flawless. This crew does a really good job with aid stations and accommodating the runners.
Race Swag: Good. Nice state shaped medal, and a dry blend t shirt.
My Performance: Wasn’t sure what to expect, as this was the first time I had done 4 back to back marathons. All in all it was ok. I didn’t push really hard, but I didn’t walk the whole thing either. Definitely a little tender in the knees.
I had a great running friend along the way who kept me going in the low spots. The loop trail length (4.8ish miles) was perfect.