Jingle Bell Half Marathon & 5K Race Details
The Jingle Bell Half Marathon & 5K kicks off with early packet pickup beginning at 1:00 PM on Saturday, December 9th, 2023 at the Sports and Fitness Center at Northern Essex Community College. On race day, Sunday, December 10th, 2023 packet pickup will begin at 7:00 AM and both races start at 9:00 AM!
DAYS TO RACE
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The Half Marathon
The Jingle Bell Half Marathon brings runners on a picturesque figure 8 loop course that runs along the Merrimack River in Haverhill, Massachusetts. The race starts and finishes at the Northern Essex Community College campus, located off Route 495.
The first loop is an easy 5K that brings you right back to the start area on campus. You’ll then continue onto the rural roads of Haverhill. The roads are not closed to the public, but don’t worry! We’ll have course marshals and police along the course.
There will be 5 aid stations along the course located at miles 2.4, 5, 6.8, 9.3, and 11.4. Gatorade and water will be served at every aid station. UnTapped Energy Gels will be featured at mile 6.8. Portable toilets will be available for participant use at all aid stations.
There will be 5 aid stations along the course located at miles 2.4, 5, 6.8, 9.3, and 11.4. Gatorade and water will be served at every aid station. UnTapped Energy Gels will be featured at mile 6.8. Portable toilets will be available for participant use at all aid stations.
The 5K
The Jingle Bell 5K run is the best way to spread holiday cheer with the whole family. Grab even your smallest Who’s (even if they are a little Grinchy in the morning) and celebrate the happiest season of the year on the course.
Parking
FREE Parking—No reindeer please! There is plenty of free parking at Northern Essex Community College. That’s one less thing to worry about on race morning!
Parking attendants and volunteers will be directing all participants and spectators into the appropriate lots on race morning. Please plan to arrive early as you may have a short walk to the packet pickup area and start line. Access to Northern Essex Community College from Route 110 will be closed at 9:00 AM for the start of the race and will re-open once all participants have cleared the surrounding roads.”
Please note, all participants and spectators who parked in the Spurk Parking Lot, Faculty & Staff Parking Lot, and Behrakis One-Stop Parking Lot will not be permitted to leave those lots until 10:00 AM once all runners have cleared College Ave. We appreciate your cooperation in advance as runner safety is our number one priority
Directions
Both races start at 9 a.m. at the Sports and Fitness Center at Northern Essex Community College. If taking I-495, take exit 111 and the campus will be almost immediately as you get off the highway.
Please arrive by 7:30 a.m. to ensure you have time to park, check-in, and stretch before the race begins.
Packet Pick-Up
Early packet pick-up will be held in the gymnasium of the Sports and Fitness Center at NECC on Saturday, December 9th, 2023 from 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Participants are encouraged to pick up their bib at early packet pick-up to make for a less stressful race morning.
Can’t make it to early packet pick-up? No worries! Day of packet pick-up on Sunday, December 10th, 2023 will also be offered at the Sports and Fitness Center at NECC from 7:00 AM – 8:45 AM.
Post Race Sweets
Have a holly jolly time at the Jingle Bell post-race party—featuring festive beverages like hot chocolate and coffee along with cookies, doughnuts and other holiday treats. PLUS you can sing along to festive tunes while you warm up.
Ready to Run?
Reserve your spot at the merriest run in Massachusetts!