Steam Train Half Marathon & Relay

CHR's Steam Train Half Marathon & Relay

The 2025 Steam Train Half Marathon & Relay will take place on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at 10am! Race information can be found on RunSignup. Spectator tickets will be available for purchase in 2025 on the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat website.

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

Day of Race Packet Pick-Up: Sunday, March 30 at Essex Steam Train starting at 8:00am

Spectators can ride along on the steam train for $25; tickets can be purchased in 2025 via Essex Steam Train & Riverboat’s website

Race Day Schedule

8:00am: 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
12:00pm: 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

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.