Race Against the Train

The Steam Train Half Marathon and 2-person relay is the only road race in the country where runners try to outrun a century-old Steam Train. Friends and family members board the train at the start and leave the station at the race start. They will head to Deep River Landing to cheer on runners at the halfway point before both Train and runners return to the station and the finish line. Who will get there first?

Proceeds will benefit Community Health Resources (CHR), an essential behavioral healthcare provider, as well as three local nonprofits: the Essex Public Library in Essex, the Deep River Fire Department, and The Nest Coffee House / A Little Compassion Inc. 

Race Informatio

Day of Race Packet Pick-Up: Saturday, April 13 at Essex Steam Train starting at 8:30am

All runners receive a package of great swag!

• Runners who complete the half marathon or relay in less than 2 hours and 20 minutes will receive a commemorative train whistle
• Spectators can ride along on the steam train for $25; tickets may be purchased via Essex Steam Train & Riverboat: https://essex-steam-train-riverboat.myshopify.com/products/half-marathon-and-relay-steam-train-excursion-saturday-april-13-2024-10-00-am 

Race Day Schedule

• 8:30am: Day-of check-in begins
• 9:45am: Relay second-leg runners board train; First-leg runners line up at the starting line
• 10am: Race kicks off and train leaves Essex Steam Train
• 10:20am: Train stops briefly at Deep River Landing to drop off second set of relay runners
• 10:25am: Train departs Deep River Landing, heading North
• 11:25am: Train will return to Deep River Landing / pick up first set of relay runners
  • Train will remain stationary at Deep River Landing from 11:25 am - 11:55 am
• 11:30am: Doors open for the after-party at Surfridge Brewing Company (6 Main Street, Building 3, Essex); join us for refreshments, food, & live music!
• 12:20pm: Train arrives at Essex Steam Train
• 12:30pm: Awards Ceremony

Sponsorship and Volunteer Opportunities

Learn more about our sponsorship and volunteer opportunities. With any questions, please contact Eliza Patterson, Development and Communications Manager of CHR, at epatterson@chrhealth.org.

After-Party at Surfridge Brewing Company 

• Join us for food, refreshments, and live music after the race! The full menu will be available. Music will begin at 1 p.m.
• Time: Doors open at 11:30am
• Location: 6 Main Street, Building 3, Essex (next door to the Essex Steam Train)
• Parking: Following the race, we request that anyone staying for the after-party move their cars next door to Surfridge Brewing Company (the Witch Hazel Works Factory lot).