Race Descriptions
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DeMar Course General Information
Here, anyone who wants to run can run. We’ll make sure you have an world-class experience. All you have to do is start.
The DeMar Marathon course runs through the exquisite New Hampshire countryside. The USATF-certified course includes stunning views of early foliage season, accessible terrain, and a finish line at the historic Appian Way of Keene State College, just steps from where marathon legend Clarence DeMar used to coach collegiate runners.
While there is a net elevation drop from start to finish, this is overall a challenging yet fair test for endurance runners of all abilities. The first half of the 26.2-mile course offers mostly gentle rolling hills. There is a long climb in mile 15 with short steeper climbs in miles 22 and in mile 24 through the beautiful Greenlawn and Woodland cemeteries.
The Full Marathon begins in Gilsum, N.H. The Half Marathon begins at Surry Mountain Beach. The Super Seniors and DeMar Kids Marathon begin 1.2 miles from the finish line.
The Full Marathon course is a Boston qualifier. See the DeMar Course Records.
Learn more about the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, Super Seniors Marathon, and DeMar Kids Marathaon.
Get info on directions, lodging, and restaurants.
Full Marathon
Full MarathonThe Clarence DeMar Marathon is a tremendously well-organized, welcoming race held during early New England foliage season. The 26.2-mile course is USATF-certified and a Boston qualifier. At the DeMar, we give our runners a world-class experience as we celebrate each and every cross of the finish line.
The Full Marathon Course
The Full Marathon begins in Gilsum, N.H. at 7 am. From the start line, you follow the route to Surry Mountain Dam, where you get extraordinary views and a chance to high-five your fellow marathoners.
There are portapotties available every six miles on the course and at the finish. Staffed water stations are available approximately every 1.5 miles.
The course then follows the route past Bretwood Golf Course and into Keene. You finish at the historic finish line on Appian Way at Keene State College, just yards from where Clarence DeMar trained college cross-country and track runners.
Download a turn-by-turn description of the route.
Getting to the Full Marathon Start Line
You may park in downtown Keene (see the downloadable Parking Map.) Shuttles to Gilsum will begin at 5:15 a.m. and run until 5:45 a.m. See the Race Day Schedule for more bus information.
You may also have family or friends drop you off at the start line in Gilsum. Note that there are no shuttles returning to Gilsum at the end of the race.
Runners are dropped off at the Gilsum Elementary School. There is plenty of parking, as well as access to the gym/cafeteria before the race starts.
Full Marathon Award Categories & Course Records
Awards go to first place male and first place female finishers. Both these champions will have an automatic entry to the following year’s DeMar races to defend their titles.
Awards also go to 1st and 2nd place in each age category:
- 16-29
- 30-39
- 40-49
- 50-59
- 60-69
- 70+
We recognize the top three male and female Cheshire County finishers, as well.
Have more questions? Read our FAQ.
Half Marathon
Half MarathonSo you’re only half-crazy? Then the DeMar Half Marathon is for you! The 13.1-mile course winds through exquisite scenery of early foliage season. All DeMar half-marathoners enjoy a world-class running experience, along with the support and encouragement of 300+ volunteers.
The Half Marathon Course
The Half Marathon begins at the Surry Mountain Beach in Surry, N.H. at 8 am. From the start line, you follow the route through Surry and into Keene.
Portapotties are available every six miles on the course and at the finish. Staffed water stations are available approximately every 1.5 miles.
You finish at the historic finish line on Appian Way at Keene State College, just steps from where Clarence DeMar trained college cross-country and track runners.
Download the course map.
Download a turn-by-turn description of the route.
Getting to the Half Marathon Start Line
You may park in downtown Keene. (See the downloadable Parking Map.) Bus shuttles to Surry Mountain Beach will begin at 6:30 a.m. and run until 7 a.m. (See the Race Day Schedule for more bus information.) There is also plenty of parking at
Surry Mountain Beach, and buses will return you to your car at specific times after your finish.
You may also have family or friends drop you off at the start line at the Surry Mountain Beach.
Half Marathon Award Categories & Course Records
Awards are given to the first-place male and first place female. Both these champions will have an automatic entry to the following year’s DeMar Half Marathon to defend their titles.
Awards also go to 1st and 2nd place in each age category:
- 16-29
- 30-39
- 40-49
- 50-59
- 60-69
- 70+
We recognize the top three male and female Cheshire County finishers, as well.
Have more questions? Read our FAQ.
Super Seniors
Just like Clarence DeMar, you’re never too old to be a part of a marathon! The Super Senior division is for those 70 and older.
The Super Seniors DeMar Marathon began in 2013 when more than 30 Super Seniors logged 25 miles of walking or jogging prior to the race. Completion of the 25 miles earned them the chance to walk or jog the last 1.2 miles of the marathon.
The Super Seniors’ tenacity, zeal for life, and involvement in Keene’s wonderful community is inspiring every single year. We welcome all seniors who want to participate, and we promise you a world-class racing experience.
Super Seniors 2024 Registration Form & Important Dates
How to Become a Super Senior
There is no cost to entering the Super Senior Division. Simply download the registration form and return it to the Keene Senior Center. You’ll also need to download the log sheet to track your miles leading up to the race day which is Sunday, September 29, 2023.
Keene Senior Center
312 Marlboro St, Keene NH 03431
603-352-5037
Super Senior Prizes and Perks
Participating seniors will receive a free t-shirt and finishers’ medal, plus lots of cheering at the finish line at Keene State College.
There is also an optional pre-race dinner on Saturday night with a small fee collected at the door. Make dinner reservations through the Keene Senior Center at 603-352-5037.
The Elm City Rotary Club is partnering with the Keene Senior Center and the Hoffman Family Foundation to offer this no-cost opportunity for seniors 70 and older.
Clarence DeMar Sponsors
DeMar Kids Marathon
You’re never too young to fall in love with running!
At the DeMar Kids Marathon, children from Kindergarten to Grade 5 log 25 miles of running and walking in the spring and summer before the race. Those who achieve this goal earn the chance to run the last 1.2 miles of the DeMar Marathon on race day in September. Tons of cheering and a huge sense of accomplishment are available for every kid finisher.
Step 1
2023 Kids DeMar Sign Up Form
2023 Kids DeMar Sign up information sheet
All registrations are online this year, please register here. Registration deadline is September 8, 2023.
2023 Kids DeMar Sign Up Information Sheet (attached below) Registration deadline will be September 8, 2023.
All registrations are online this year, please register here
*Registration after August 18th are not guaranteed a t-shirt. All runners will receive a race bib, water bottle and medal.
Step 2
Print the 2023 Log Sheet (see attached)
With the help of running/walking clubs, PE classes, summer activities, and your parents, you will log 25 miles of walking or running (more miles is definitely okay!). Just remember to stay safe and socially distanced!
Step 3
2023 Kids DeMar Log Sheet
Return your completed log sheet to your school or to the Keene Family YMCA by September 8, 2023 to be displayed at the YMCA or at your school. (this is optional) Kids Demar race shirts, and running bibs will be delivered to the school one week prior to the race. This shirt is your admission to the race, where you are welcome to run the last 1.2 miles of the DeMar Marathon course. You’ll receive a finishers’ medal at the finish line at Keene State College.
Parents are welcome to run or walk the 1.2 miles with their youngsters, too. In fact, parents are encouraged to walk or run 25 miles this spring and summer, just like their children!
The DeMar Kids Marathon is a cooperative effort that brings together many Healthy Monadnock Organizational Champions including the Keene Elm City Rotary Club, AFHY, the Hoffman Family Foundation, the Keene Family YMCA, NHDI and Beeze Tees.
Together these organizations hope to increase opportunities for physical activity and enhance the health and wellbeing of our region’s children. So, get your kids signed up for the Kids DeMar!
If you have further questions feel free to reach out to Kristen Leach, Kids Demar Coordinator at [email protected].
The Elm City Rotary Club is partnering with the Keene Family YMCA and the Hoffman Family Foundation to offer this no-cost opportunity for the community youth in grades K-6.
Course Maps
Full Marathon course map
Half Marathon course map
Turn-by-turn description of Full Marathon
Turn-by-turn description of Half Marathon race
Parking map
Shuttle bus schedule
Map of Appian Way and Spaulding Gym at Keene State College (Spaulding Gym is #46)
