The course was flat and even and the scenery is great. All the participants were kind and courteous. They changed the course this year and we started the race behind … MORE
The course was flat and even and the scenery is great. All the participants were kind and courteous. They changed the course this year and we started the race behind the Casino Ballroom. We went around twice and then down to Salisbury. Less neighborhoods this year. A lot of spectators to cheer you on.
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A beautiful day to run a half Marathon
The course was flat and even and the scenery is great. All the participants were kind and courteous. They changed the course this year and we started the race behind … MORE
The course was flat and even and the scenery is great. All the participants were kind and courteous. They changed the course this year and we started the race behind the Casino Ballroom. We went around twice and then down to Salisbury. Less neighborhoods this year. A lot of spectators to cheer you on.
My favorite 5k so far!
It was my first time doing the Smuttynose Rockfest 5k - I would definitely recommend this race and plan on registering for next year's race! I love the windbreaker and … MORE
It was my first time doing the Smuttynose Rockfest 5k – I would definitely recommend this race and plan on registering for next year’s race! I love the windbreaker and medal – the food and music was good too! The race was well done!
Great Half Marathon
Race has beautiful scenery and the vibes are high. Course is mostly flat except miles 9-10 run through a neighborhood and is basically one gradual uphill. This caused elevation gain … MORE
Race has beautiful scenery and the vibes are high. Course is mostly flat except miles 9-10 run through a neighborhood and is basically one gradual uphill. This caused elevation gain to register at 171ft and not the 60ft advertised on the race site. The medals and swag are really nice! Lots of water stations along the course. Bib pickup went smoothly. Race started on time. Overall would recommend this race for a first time half marathoner or for someone trying to PR. 🙂
Amazing Race!
This was my first half marathon and I had the best time! After we finished we signed up for another half in May. There were plenty of bathroom stops and … MORE
This was my first half marathon and I had the best time! After we finished we signed up for another half in May. There were plenty of bathroom stops and was mostly a flat course (other than a few hills at mile 9 and 10). I highly recommend and will be coming back next year !
A must run race in New England
With this race known as the flattest race course in the area, I was very excited about this one. The course was fairly diverse, with parts of it in the … MORE
With this race known as the flattest race course in the area, I was very excited about this one. The course was fairly diverse, with parts of it in the down town beach area, as well as a local neighborhood and along the beach. The hardest mental part was the final three miles during the long stretch along the ocean, and seeing the finish line miles away. The race was very well run, parking was easy, and the post race treats were 💯.
Great experience
The race was amazing for my first half-marathon experience. Amazing weather, scenery, fellow racers, and spectators. The only thing I would change is possibly the amount of music. I felt … MORE
The race was amazing for my first half-marathon experience. Amazing weather, scenery, fellow racers, and spectators. The only thing I would change is possibly the amount of music. I felt like it needed more for it being the “rockfest”. But nonetheless, highly recommend!!
A Race You'll Want To Run!
It's called a fun run for a reason. Just do it!!!! This was the first year that I ran this race. I was originally supposed to run the half marathon … MORE
It’s called a fun run for a reason. Just do it!!!!
This was the first year that I ran this race. I was originally supposed to run the half marathon – dropped to the 5k. I was glad that I did as the after party was well worth attending for the extra time (and, I finished). I am signed up for the 5k next year, too.
Both half marathoners and 5k runners got the same swag, medal, (2) beer tickets and food. A whole lotta fun and can’t wait for next year! Amazing!
I’ll start with the cons:
* No same day bib pick up – that was confusing as they had a bib pick up tent on site.
Suggestion: Race day bib pick up be available
* No pace markers
* Massive crowding at the start line for both the half and 5k even though they started 45 minutes apart. The course was super packed as well – very difficult for runners
Suggestion: A “pace based” rolling start. ( (Each pace group- 10 minutes apart.)
* Bib and getting your time – the QR code on the bib didn’t work for some runners due to the bib being crunched while running. Mine did not and I wasn’t sure how to get my finish time. Later found the website.
* Couldn’t find a med tent
Pros:
* Bib pick up tent, gear drop, porta johns all very close to start line.
* With a few exceptions, the race was well organized. Those exceptions would not deter me from running this race again. Quite a production.
* Runners called to start line appropriately for both half and 5k.
* The race started on time – within a couple minutes.
* Plenty of porta John’s
* Plenty of parking
* National Anthem played
* Michael Bernier race announcer – he’s a lot of fun, friendly and interacts with the crowd. A great guy with an outstanding personality.
* Race swag and medal – the jacket is super cute and the medal was fitting to the race name. Both beautiful and well made. I appreciated the thought in the design. NOTE: Jacket runs small – size up 1 or 2 sizes depending on how you like your fit.
* I liked the 5k course, itself ending on a side street.
* The Strip Boston – Phenominal band. I can’t say enough good about these guys and the music they played. They engaged the crowd and were professional. They rocked Ocean Boulevard! They’re coming back next year. Yes!
* Food – Lobster rolls (gluten free, too), veggie wraps, clam chowder, minestrone and bananas. Lobster rolls – plenty of lobster – delicious. Warm clam chowder – very tasty. Everything else looked great, too.
* Drinks – (2) beer tickets, water. The alcohol area – half shell – well monitored.
* No confusion on route – knew where to go with race volunteers directing us.
* Offered pacers
* Charity – Girls On The Run
A race worth running even to have a lot of fun in the sun, the comrade and enjoy a great after party, the beach and all that Hampton offers.
‘Til next year Smutty Nose!
Most fun run and after party!
Mostly flat course along the coast and through neighborhoods with energizing and inspiring music along the way. The after-party was so much fun! And, who doesn't like beer and lobster … MORE
Mostly flat course along the coast and through neighborhoods with energizing and inspiring music along the way. The after-party was so much fun! And, who doesn’t like beer and lobster rolls?
My new favorite race
Will definitely be doing this race again! The course is flat and filled with spectators, communication was clear before and during the race, and the post race festivities were so … MORE
Will definitely be doing this race again! The course is flat and filled with spectators, communication was clear before and during the race, and the post race festivities were so much fun!
Best race!
I highly recommend this half marathon. The energy is so positive! The runners cheer one another on, and the community, family members and friends line the course. Such a good … MORE
I highly recommend this half marathon. The energy is so positive! The runners cheer one another on, and the community, family members and friends line the course. Such a good experience!
Super Impressed
I have run half marathons and even a full marathon before…but it’s been a while. This training cycle was HARD to say the least…(because LIFE). I was really starting to … MORE
I have run half marathons and even a full marathon before…but it’s been a while. This training cycle was HARD to say the least…(because LIFE). I was really starting to doubt if I’d be able to do it. My last training run, 12 miles, felt AWFUL. But miraculously, the race felt AMAZING. The vibe, the swag, the course. Hampton Beach is my happy place and the Ocean feeds my soul. There’s something to be said about the sunshine, fresh, salty air, and hearing those waves crash against the shore for those last miles. My literal only complaint…WHY WAS THERE MAYO ON THE LOBSTER ROLLS? 😭🦞🌊🏃🏻♀️🤣
Fun race beautiful scenery
It’s a great course not allot of inclines. Beautiful scenery running along the beach. The beer afterwards is just icing on the cake. You also get lobster rolls and other … MORE
It’s a great course not allot of inclines. Beautiful scenery running along the beach. The beer afterwards is just icing on the cake. You also get lobster rolls and other goodies. Only wish the medals were different for 5k and 1/2. But I guess that’s par for the course now a days. Different medals might help motivate someone to try the half instead of the 5k.
The ideal race for a PB attempt
This was my first race ever, and I had an awesome experience all-around. Parking was great and cheap. Amazing energy from the staff and crowd. Beautiful scenery along the beach. … MORE
This was my first race ever, and I had an awesome experience all-around. Parking was great and cheap. Amazing energy from the staff and crowd. Beautiful scenery along the beach. Couldn’t ask for a better half marathon race!
Great race all around, one of my favs
This was a great race! * easy to get to - I flew into Manchester, NH - 45 minute drive * stayed in a local "motel" - very nice and … MORE
This was a great race!
* easy to get to – I flew into Manchester, NH – 45 minute drive
* stayed in a local “motel” – very nice and reasonable
* walked to packet pickup from my hotel – very easy and organized
* many choices of great places for lunch & dinner
* started at 8:00 am (wish it were earlier
* walked to the start line – easy to find
* great scenery – ocean views and beach neighborhoods
* good crowd support
* water stations – wish there had been a few more but overall plenty
* swag – jacket that is really cute and wearable
* medal – worst part – just ok – no sign of NH on it
* after party – looked good with chowder and lobster rolls
* pictures – one free with an $11 option to buy them all
* course – well marked
* pre-race communication – very good, plenty of emails
* overall – one of my favorites of 48 races to date!
Sheer Joy
I love this event. 2024’s was my second time in three years and I plan to return as often as possible in the future. Pros: —It’s flat and fast —Great … MORE
I love this event. 2024’s was my second time in three years and I plan to return as often as possible in the future.
Pros:
—It’s flat and fast
—Great vibe: while it’s obviously a race, there’s room for the “happy to complete” crowd.
—Awesome swag and medal (including XS options for the wearables!)
—Live music on parts of the course
—Live rock concert, lobster, chowder, and 2 craft beers at the finish line
—Ocean views and a bridge on the course
—A LOT of photos! I had 52 to choose from!
—Great volunteers
—Awesome host/MC bringing great energy to the day
—Water and Gatorade stations were manned and stocked until the end.
—Pacers, including for slowpokes like me!
—Huge crowd of cheering spectators at the finish line, even for the back-of-packers.
Cons:
—Expensive (but you get the value for your money and it’s a little cheaper if you register early)
—Strict 3h course limit: after 3 hours, the roads reopen, aid stations pack up, the photographers no longer cover the finish line, and you may be in for a long walk home on the sidewalk. This may not be a con for many. This is an amazing first half-marathon experience, but only if you’re confident you can finish in the time allotted.
—There’s a dangerous section on the course where the fast runners and back-of-packers were running toward each other on a narrow path. No one collided that I observed, but it easily could have happened.
—Parking is tight; $20 for the day is the *cheapest* available, and you have to get there by 6:05 to get it.
—If you arrive in time for good parking, you must wait in the cold for two hours before the race starts.
—The lobster “rolls” are three-bite sliders and the soup is potato chowder. Yummy, but definitely bring your own post-race fuel. Consider the event offerings as dessert.
—The beer line/concert entry was at least 30 minutes long by the time I got there. Expected, but I had to leave rather than partake. Run fast or wait a long time for your beer.
Overall, I highly recommend this event. It has everything you want in a half-marathon experience (unless your valid preference is small and/or hilly). Many of the “pros” are unique to this race, and most of the “cons” are standard for most big races. Enjoy your Life, and run Rockfest!
Great Beach Race
The course is flat and fast but not overly exciting. However, the race organization, swag and food make up for it. The race is at Hampton Beach just outside of … MORE
The course is flat and fast but not overly exciting. However, the race organization, swag and food make up for it. The race is at Hampton Beach just outside of Portsmouth. It spends the first part of the course winding its way back and forth around the little beach town. Then it heads out along the water into the neighborhoods up to the north and then back. Great crowd support and lots of aid station. The race is pricey but you get a cool medal and a really nice zip up hoodie plus a mini lobster roll, clam chowder, 2 beers, and live music at the end.
If you have a friend/relative running shorter distances, this is a great race for the 5k. Again pricey but you get all of the same stuff as the half runners.
Another plus they allow morning packet pickup which is nice for a bigger race. Do heed parking warnings for race morning. There is one road into town and it does get backed up. We were in a several mile back up but followed some other cars that took a left at a stoplight onto Landing Rd and came around the north side to parking/race activities. Bring cash, many beach lots only take cash. It’s the only part of the race that is a bit of a cluster. Or you could get there SUPER early but who wants to do that. 😉
But all said, this is a great race!!! Highly recommend.
Great event. Awesome post race party!
Gorgeous course, well organized and an amazing after party. Best half marathon around in the fall! You will not find a better combination of a fast, scenic course with lots … MORE
Gorgeous course, well organized and an amazing after party. Best half marathon around in the fall!
You will not find a better combination of a fast, scenic course with lots of runners and a great celebration! I would highly recommend this race.
5k in 2022 & 2023. 1/2 Marathon in 2024!
I ran the 5k race in 2022 and 2023. And since my husband was running the 1/2 Marathon, I was standing around waiting for him to finish. Well, 2024 is … MORE
I ran the 5k race in 2022 and 2023. And since my husband was running the 1/2 Marathon, I was standing around waiting for him to finish. Well, 2024 is the year I join him and we finish together!!!
Rockfest Half-Marathon is spectacular!
This is a well- run, well-attended and beautiful half-marathon. A can’t-miss for NH races. This is a bigger race, so it’s worth getting to the start line early! We enjoyed … MORE
This is a well- run, well-attended and beautiful half-marathon. A can’t-miss for NH races.
This is a bigger race, so it’s worth getting to the start line early! We enjoyed seeing the sunrise on the beach before the 8am start. Parking is paid and the city enforces that!
The start was crowded but well managed and the energy was fantastic.
The course was well marked, mostly flat, and well supported with water/Gatorade stations. There were plenty of ocean views and lots of enthusiastic spectators and musicians.
The finish line food and refreshments were great. Lobster rolls, veggie wraps, chowder— it was perfect. There was beer available or soda for those who prefer— it was a little weird that beer was 1 ticket while soda was 2 tickets, but not a big deal IMO. The continued live music was the icing on the cake.
Swag is top notch. One of my new favorite hoodies plus a sweet medal.
This is one of the best half marathons I’ve ever run, and I’ve run quite a few. Highly recommend!
Loved the course, atmosphere, & support
The course has changed for the better since I last ran it several years ago - lots of waterfront views - both marsh and ocean - interspersed with great neighborhoods. … MORE
The course has changed for the better since I last ran it several years ago – lots of waterfront views – both marsh and ocean – interspersed with great neighborhoods. Mostly flat, with enough easy uphill to keep it interesting, and you cannot beat the chowder and lobster roll at the end! Glad to have come back to Smuttynose Rockfest!