FAQs

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Registration

How do I register?

Is the online registration secure?

Can I switch from the full to the half (or vice versa?)

How much is the race entry fee?

Can I get a refund if I cannot run?

Is there an age requirement to run the full or the half?

Is there a time limit for the marathon?

What about t-shirts? Are men’s and women’s shirts cut the same? What sizes are available? Can you guarantee I’ll get my size?

Every on-line registered runner will receive a Clarence DeMar Marathon shirt. (Plus an appropriately gaudy finisher’s medal when you cross the finish line!) Men’s and women’s shirts are cut differently. BUT… If you want to guarantee that you’ll get a shirt in your requested shirt size, register early and on-line.

We do our best to give each runner their size, but to get the really cool shirts we all love, we have to order pretty far in advance. If you register early, then we can make a more accurate order. If for some reason we run out of shirts in your size, we will order one and mail it to you.

If the shirt your ordered does not fit, you might be able to switch it after you finish on Sunday after your race.

You are only guaranteed a shirt if you register on-line. Race weekend registrations cannot be guaranteed a shirt.

Can I transfer my entry to someone else if I am unable to run?

When (and where) do I pick up my bib and runner packet?

Runners can check in and pick up their bibs and runner packets according to the following schedule.

Friday, September 22, 2023
4-7 p.m.
Ted’s Shoe & Sport
115 Main Street, Keene NH

Saturday, September 23, 2023
12-5 p.m.
Spaulding Gymnasium
Keene State College

RACE DAY: Sunday, September 24, 2023
5:00 a.m.
Spaulding Gymnasium
Keene State College

Full Marathoners: If picking up your bib and packet on Race Day, do so at Keene State College and then board the shuttle bus to the start in Gilsum.

If you are having family or friends drop you off in Gilsum, pick up your bib and packet at Keene State College first.

Half Marathoners: If picking up your bib and packet on Race Day, do so at Keene State College and then board the shuttle bus to the start in Gilsum.

Can I have someone else pick up my bib and packet for me?

The Course

What’s the course like?

Is it USATF-certified?

Will running this race qualify me for the Boston marathon?

Absolutely. In fact, that’s what brings many of our runners to DeMar. The date of the Clarence DeMar Marathon is usually after the next Boston Marathon registration has closed. However, a Clarence DeMar BQ will also qualify you for the following year’s Boston Marathon. A 2023 DeMar BQ gives you the opportunity to register for the 2025 Boston Marathon. In 2022, 30% of all DeMar finishers achieved their BQ. Come get yours and ring our DeMar BQ Bell!

What are the award categories?

What are the course records?

Are there pace groups?

Is it ok to walk DeMar?

We strongly discourage walkers, especially for the Full Marathon! There is a 7 ½ hour time limit for the full which begins at 7:00 am sharp and ends at 2:30 pm. At that time, all course support is pulled from the course. We rely on the generosity, energy, and enthusiasm from hundreds of community volunteers, not to mention municipal and medical resources. It is not fair to ask them to maintain that level of support for any longer than we already do. If you are not able to maintain an average pace of 17 minutes per mile, please register for the DeMar Half Marathon.

Where do I park?

How do I get back to my car at the end?

If you took the bus from KSC to your start, your car will be waiting for you at the college when you finish. If you parked at the Surry Mtn Lake parking lot, there are busses to return you there. The gates to the Surry Mtn Lake recreation area will be closed at 2:00 pm so it is critical you are out of there before then.

Two buses will return Half Marathon runners to the Surry Mtn Lake. Buses will leave from the Maddison St parking lot at 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.

There are no buses returning to the Gilsum start line.

View Bus Schedule

Where’s the starting point (and how do I get there)?

The Half Marathon begins at the Surry Mtn Lake in Surry, NH. (See the course map.) NOT the Surry Mountain Dam! Drive past the Surry Dam Rd and the entrance to Surry Mountain Lake is less than a mile past that on your right. You may park there, be dropped off there by family and friends, or you may take the shuttle buses from the Keene State College Spaulding parking lot.

The full starts on Main St in Gilsum NH. Runners are brought to the Gilsum Elementary School where they will have a short walk to Main St. The Gilsum Elementary School is located past Main St on Rt 10 North in Gilsum.

Can I have someone drop me off at the start?

What is the Race Day shuttle bus schedule?

All buses leave from the Spaulding parking lot at Keene State College. (TK-See Parking Map.) Parking for shuttles to the starting area in Gilsum and Surry will be in any of the Keene State College Lots. Please do not park in a lot reserved for residential students, a fire lane, a lawn, or a handicapped space without a permit as you will be fined and/or possibly towed.

Make sure you are on the right bus. They will be labeled.

Full Marathon runners to Gilsum start
Buses run from 5:15-5:45 a.m. Buses leave when full or nearly full.

All Full Marathon runners will be dropped off at the Gilsum Elementary School where there is plenty of parking and they will have access to the gym/cafeteria before the race starts.There are no buses returning to Gilsum after the race.

Half Marathon runners to Surry Mtn Lake
Buses run from 6:30-7 a.m. Buses leave when full or nearly full.

Half Marathon runners return to Surry Mtn Lake from Keene State College Spaulding lot
1st bus leaves at 12 p.m.
2nd and final bus leaves at 1 pm

View Bus Schedule

What’s the weather like in September?

You will get to experience early foliage here in Southwest New Hampshire. The weather is generally between 30F and 60F, but it can fluctuate beyond that. Humidity is generally low, but again, in New England, it is hard to predict. As the locals say, it’s spring in the morning, summer in the afternoon, and fall at night! Please check the weather starting a week before the race to make sure you dress appropriately. Please see our severe weather policy.

Can I run with my dog, a stroller, headphones?

Dogs—No. We love dogs, cats, geckos, hamsters, goats and any other animal that could be considered a pet, HOWEVER, for their safety, please leave them at home. This includes wookies. You may bring husbands as long as you leash them (they have a tendency to wander into traffic).

Strollers—No. Spectators are welcome to have strollers.

Headphones—Discouraged. The USA Track & Field sanctioning body strongly recommends that, for their safety, runners not use headphones or earbuds. It is not prohibited at the Clarence DeMar Marathon and DeMar Half Marathon, but discouraged for the safety of our runners.

How many aid stations are there and what do they offer?

Are there any portable toilets on the course?

First time running a full or half marathon?

Some good “Race Etiquette” to be aware of: Answer: We are very proud anytime someone chooses DeMar for their first full or half marathon. We hope to share some general race etiquette to be aware of to enhance your experience:

Pay for your spot: Running in a race you haven’t entered, also called “banditing”, is not fair to race organizers, volunteers, and especially the people who have paid to participate. It’s also unsafe, since race organizers plan their course amenities, such as water and sports drinks, and medical assistance based on the number of people who have signed up for the race. And overcrowded race conditions can lead to falls and other problems. Don’t do it.
Don’t run with someone else’s bib number: Race organizers must work very closely with the local Emergency Management Agency and supply an entrant database to all area EMS departments. This database includes all runners first and last names by bib number, along with the corresponding emergency contact information for each participant. If a runner wearing your bib has a medical issue, we won’t be able to help them as effectively if we don’t know them. If you run using someone else’s bib, we don’t know you, so you’re at risk as well. You get the idea. Run only with your own race number—period. If we find you doing otherwise, you and anyone else involved risk being suspended from future DeMar events.
Line up properly: The Clarence DeMar Marathon and DeMar Half Marathon is a small event and since there are no starting corrals, runners must ‘self-seed’ themselves at the starting line. Nothing is more annoying to a runner at the start of a race than having to weave around slower runners after the gun goes off. Faster runners should line up at the front of the starting line, slower runners and walkers at the back. If you are unsure if you are lined up in the right place, ask some of your fellow nearby competitors their anticipated pace, and if it’s faster than yours, move further back. The full and half marathon are chip-timed, so the time it takes you to reach the starting line won’t count in your final net time.
Don’t jingle: Don’t carry loose change or a set of keys in your pocket. Although it may not bother you, the constant jingling can be really annoying to those who are running near you.
Don’t block the running path: If you’re running with a group, don’t run more than two abreast (i.e., 2 runners side-by-side), so others can pass you.
Show volunteers appreciation: Please say “Thank You!” to race volunteers who hand you water, put your medal around your neck, or otherwise help you. They’re volunteering their time and the race would not be successful without them.
Thank supporters, too: Acknowledge race spectators who cheer for you as you pass them. If you’re too tired to say “thanks,” show them a smile, wave, or give them a thumbs up. It will make them feel good and encourage them to keep rooting for others.
Use caution at fluid stations: Water stations can get a bit chaotic and crowded. Use caution when running into a water stop and make sure you’re not cutting off other runners or spilling water on them. If you’re going to stop or slow down to walk through the water stop, make sure there’s not a runner behind you.
Keep moving at the finish: Don’t immediately stop at the finish line or in the chute. There will be runners coming in right behind you, so keep going until its safe to come to a stop.
Don’t be a glutton: Don’t take more than your fair share of food and drinks at the finish line. The back of the pack runners will appreciate it when there are still enough goodies for them at the end.

Services & Logistics

How do I get to Keene?

Which airport should I fly into?

There are three airports near Keene.

Manchester-Boston Regional Airport
1 Airport Road
Manchester, NH 03103

56 miles from Keene
Roughly a 1-hour, 15-minute drive
A small, accessible airport

Logan International Airport
1 Harborside Avenue
Boston, MA 02128

92 miles from Keene
At minimum a 2-hour drive
A large, busy airport; likely has most direct flight from your location

Bradley International Airport
Schoephoester Road
Windsor Locks, CT 0609.

90 miles from Keene
Roughly a 90-minute drive
A small accessible airport with direct flight options.

What kinds of amenities do you offer on site?

Our volunteers are absolutely dedicated to making this race the very best for you. It is directed by runners and people who care deeply about the local community. We pride ourselves in providing an exceptional endurance event experience for runners of all abilities on one of the most scenic courses you’ll ever run, in early New England fall foliage season. A LOT of sweat and late nights go into planning for the race!

Amenities include a pre-race pasta dinner, water stations approximately every 1.5 miles and portapotties every 6 miles, strategically placed cheering stations along the route, showers and massages at the finish line, a race t-shirt and finisher’s medal, and a crew of volunteers who care for you every step of the way.

Is there a medical team on site?

Yes. The Clarence Demar Marathon Medical Team will be fully staffed with EMTs, nurses, athletic trainers, mid-level providers and providers. Dartmouth Health is proud to be the primary medical volunteers at this race and we are very excited to be available to assist you on race day. Our team will provide rapid assessment and treatment of your medical needs during and post marathon. We want you to have a safe and healthy race and are here to help however we can.

Where should I stay?

What are the best spots along the course for my family or friends to follow me?

Family or support viewing spots along the course for Full Marathon & Half Marathon:

Surry Village Charter School, Rte. 12A, 11 Village Rd., Surry, NH (Full Only)
Keene Middle School, 167 Maple Ave, Keene, NH
Keene High School, 43 Arch St., Keene, NH (Full Only)
Fuller School, 422 Elm St., Keene, NH
Franklin School, 217 Washington St., Keene, NH 03431
Keene State College – Commuter parking lot off of Winchester St. Use address for the Pub Restaurant – 131 Winchester St Keene. Parking is across the street from the Pub.

***For your safety and the safety of our runners Surry Road from Gilsum to Surry and the
Surry Dam Road in Surry will be closed to through traffic***

Download Full and Half Marathon Map

Anything good to eat around here?

What about the Pasta Dinner?

Your dedicated volunteers invite all runners to the annual Pasta Dinner held the night before the race. Pricing is $30 for runners and additional adults.
Pre-Race Pasta Dinner
Saturday, September 23, 2023
5:00 p.m.
Courtyard Marriott Hotel
75 Railroad St Keene NH

Schedule:
Arrival – 5:00 pm – 5:15 pm
Program – 5:15 pm to 6:45 pm
Dinner – 6:45 pm
(pasta, meat & vegetarian sauce options, salad, rolls, dessert. Cash bar available)

This year’s keynote speaker is being finalized and an announcement will be made as soon as it is confirmed.

You must pre-register for the Pasta dinner. Space is limited. We are expecting to sell out the pasta dinner.