The Cheap Marathon

Event overview

The Cheap Marathon and Half Marathon take place on April 4, 2026, in Derry, New Hampshire. The event offers the following distances:

• Marathon (26.2 km)
• Half Marathon (13.1 mi)

The race features a time trial start format with runners seeded fastest to slowest and starting in paired intervals. There is also a virtual option with results to be submitted by the Monday following the event.

Course and race logistics

Both courses use the Derry and Windham Rail Trail as an out-and-back route: the half marathon is one loop and the marathon is two loops. Both courses are USATF certified (Half: NH21002BK; Marathon: NH21003BK). Total elevation gain is listed as 263 ft for the half and 526 ft for the marathon. The marathon has a course time limit of 6 hours and 30 minutes.

Aid stations are located approximately every two miles and provide water, Gatorade, and port-o-johns. Gear check is available near the registration and post-race area; clear plastic bags are provided if needed. Early bib pick-up is available at the Millennium Running retail store and race day bib pick-up is at registration tents adjacent to the finish area. There is no race day registration.

Parking is available in downtown Derry municipal lots. Shuttle bus service is offered from a Park n Ride at Exit 4 off I-93 to the start/finish area.

Results, awards and partners

Live online results and athlete tracking are provided, with marathon runners passing seven timing locations and half marathon runners passing three. Each finisher receives a ribbon. Top overall finishers and age-group awards are issued as digital awards. Free race photos and finisher videos are provided after the event.

Official charity partners include the Derry Rail Trail Alliance, the Windham Rail Trail Alliance, and Girls on the Run NH. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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