THE HALF MARATHON AND 5K ROAD RACE

Experience running in one of America’s oldest towns.  Dover, New Hampshire is home to historic neighborhoods, quaint tree-lined streets, and beautiful waterfront views.  The Cochecho Challenge is the only half marathon in the city, and it captures the beauty of the terrain as well as the strength of the community.  Come for the race and stay for the unparalleled post-race buffet, from soft pretzels and beer to soups and baked goods.  This USATF-Sanctioned event offers the perfect tune-up for a fall marathon as well as a premium event for the destination runner.  Hosted over Labor Day weekend, you can snag your newest bling and still be home in time to relax and celebrate the holiday.

For 2020, we're again offering the Cochecho 5k!  Any runner can experience the festive atmosphere with this family-friendly race.  

THE HALF MARATHON

Click for more half marathon information.
Course map, turn-by-turn directions and more!

THE COCHECHO 5K

Click for more information about the 5K.
Course map, turn-by-turn directions and more!

Watch the course video below to experience the Cochecho Challenge Half Marathon

START/FINISH:

• The Half Marathon and 5K both start at Silver Street (Just outside the church parking lot) at 8:15 AM and finish at First Parish Church, 218 Central Avenue, Dover, NH 03820.

DISTANCES:

• The Half Marathon is 21.0975 km (13 miles 192½ yd).
• The 5K is, well, 5K (3.10686 miles).

REGISTRATION FEES:

Half Marathon Registration:

• $85 - Individual.
• $75 - Family - If you are registering an entire family you may use this category, which will discount by $10 every registration after the first one.​

We want to commemorate our runners' achievements.  If you run a personal record (PR), come to the registration table to pick up a special gift!

5K Registration:

• $20 - Individual - Free gift guaranteed to the first 100 finishers in the 5K!

Registrations are non-transferable and non-refundable.

PACKET PICKUP:

Packet pickup will be announce soon.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN REGISTRATION:

• B-chip timing and official race results from Granite State Racing Services.
• Premium dye-cast finisher medals for the half marathon only.
• High quality long sleeve tech race shirt (for the half marathon only). The deadline to register and guarantee a long-sleeve tech race tee is August 15th!
• Post-race party with free beer and pretzels, music, and a fantastic spread.
• Several aid stations with water and Gatorade.
• A safe, well marked course with traffic stopped at all important intersections.
• Lots of fun!

FOOD AND BEVERAGES OFFERED:

• Beer
• Soft pretzels
• Assorted chili and hot foods
• Sandwiches
• Fruits
• Home made baked goods
• And some surprises!

Our runners rave about our food and after party!

DIRECTIONS:

The Cochecho Challenge starts and finishes at First Parish Church (218 Central Avenue, Dover NH). The race starts at the Corner of Silver Street and finishes next to the church on Church Street. Use your GPS to find the church or follow the directions below:

• From Points North of Dover, take State Route 16 / Spaulding Turnpike Exit 8E to Silver Street, then in a mile take a left on Locust Street.  Church Street is first right, but will be closed on race day*. 
• From Points South of Dover, take State Route 16 / Spaulding Turnpike Exit 8W to Silver Street, then in a mile take a left on Locust Street.  Church Street is first right, but will be closed on race day*. 
• From Manchester, NH area, take State Route 101 East, Route 125 North, at Lee Traffic Circle, take US Route 4 East, State Route 155 North, which becomes Silver Street; from Silver Street, take left on Locust Street.  Church Street is first right, but will be closed on race day*. 
• From Massachusetts, take I-95 North, exit for State Route 16/Spaulding Turnpike, then take Spaulding Turnpike Exit 8W to Silver Street, take left on Locust Street.  Church Street is first right, but will be closed on race day*. 
• From Maine, Take I-95 South, exit for State Route 16/Spaulding Turnpike, then take Spaulding Turnpike Exit 8W to Silver Street, take left on Locust Street.  Church Street is first right, but will be closed on race day*. 

PARKING:

• The church parking lot will be closed on the day of the race, but there will be ample on-street parking in the vicinity of the church on Locust Street and side streets off of Locust (except Nelson and Church Streets). There is also a parking lot behind the Dover Public Library that is conveniently located near the church, at 73 Locust St. Approximately .4 miles from the Church is the Orchard Street Parking lot and garage, and approximately .6 miles is the Amtrak Station parking off of Chestnut Street.  For more parking information, see the City of Dover website  http://www.drivingdover.com or for a map of Dover lots, see here.  

CHARITIES YOUR REGISTRATION FEES BENEFIT:

Not only do you run to better yourself, but you help our local community as well! Your race entry contributions go to help many programs, including the following worthy causes:

• The Dover Food Pantry
• Red Cross Blood Drives
• Dover's Friendly Kitchen​
• End 68 Hours of Hunger
• The Cochecho Valley Humane Society
• Alcoholics Anonymous
  
• Girl & Boy Scouts of America
  
• Plus many more!​
  

PLEASE SUPPORT THE GREAT COMPANIES WHO SUPPORT US!

GOLD LEVEL SPONSOR

SILVER LEVEL SPONSORS

BRONZE LEVEL SPONSORS

2019 DONORS