Steam Train Half Marathon & Relay

CHR's Steam Train Half Marathon & Relay

The 2024 Steam Train Half Marathon & Relay will take place on Saturday, April 13 at 10am! Spectator tickets are available for purchase on Essex Steam Train & Riverboat. Race information can be found on RunSignup.

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.

History of the Steam Train Half Marathon

The Steam Train Half Marathon and Relay is the only road race in the country where runners try to outrun a century-old Steam Train. Originally founded by Team Making a Difference (MAD), the Steam Train Half Marathon brings friends and family members from across the country together each year to support CHR. Learn more about the history of the event here.

Event Information

Race Information

Packet pick-up will be available the day before and day of the race:
- Early Packet Pick-Up: Friday, April 12 from 11am-1pm at Marathon Sports in Old Saybrook
- Day of Race Packet Pick-Up: Saturday, April 13 at Essex Steam Train starting at 8:30am
Spectators can ride along on the steam train for $25; tickets may be purchased via Essex Steam Train & Riverboat’s website

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 11:25am – 11:55am
11:30am: Doors open for the after-party at Surfridge Brewing Company (6 Main Street, Building 3, Essex)
12:20pm: Train arrives at Essex Steam Train
12:30pm: Awards Ceremony

Early Packet Pickup

Friday, April 12, 11am-1pm at Marathon Sports, 238 Main St, Old Saybrook, CT 06475

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 1pm.

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).

CHR Employees

To sign up for the Steam Train Staff Challenge, please email Eliza Patterson at epatterson@chrhealth.org.

Sponsorships

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, review our sponsorship flyer and contact Eliza Patterson, CHR’s Development and Communications Manager, at epatterson@chrhealth.org.

Volunteers

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, view our listing on VolunteerMatch or contact Eliza Patterson, CHR’s Development and Communications Manager, at epatterson@chrhealth.org.