The Cheap Marathon
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The Cheap Marathon
The Cheap Marathon takes place Saturday, April 3, 2027 in Windham, New Hampshire. The event is staged on the Windham and Derry Rail Trail and offers both a full marathon and a half marathon.
- Marathon - 26.2 miles
- Half Marathon - 13.1 miles
The course is an out and back on the rail trail, run as one loop for the half marathon and two loops for the marathon. The course is USATF certified (NH26003JK). Total elevation gain is listed as 406 ft for the marathon and 203 ft for the half. Mile markers count down toward the finish for both distances.
A strict 6 hour course limit is enforced with mandatory cutoffs at mile 13 and mile 17; participants who do not meet these cutoffs will be redirected and recorded as half marathon finishers. Aid stations are located approximately every three miles and provide Gatorade, water, and port-o-johns. Gear check is available near the registration and post-race area; clear plastic bags may be used.
Event logistics include VIP parking by pre-purchase and general parking with shuttle bus service from a dedicated lot. Spectators are restricted on the rail trail except at two designated locations: the start/finish area at Medicus Healthcare Solutions and the Windham Depot, each with dedicated spectator parking nearby.
The race reports a 33.1% Boston qualifying rate and a national ranking of sixth for marathons to BQ. Registration uses tiered pricing beginning at $26.21 and increasing by $10 per tier. Digital awards are emailed to top finishers and top age-group athletes. The event supports local charities including the Derry Rail Trail Alliance, the Windham Rail Trail Alliance, and Girls on the Run NH. Finisher recognition includes a ribbon, free race photos, and a finish line video. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
