Race Details
The Jingle Bell Half Marathon & 5k kicks off with packet pickup at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, December 5th at the Sports and Fitness Center at Northern Essex Community College. Both races start at 9 a.m. and the party goes until 1 p.m.! Click a section below for more details.
The Course
Half Marathon
The Jingle Bell Half Marathon offers runners a 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 make your way to the rural roads in Haverhill. The roads are not closed to the public, but we will have course marshals and police along the course.
We’ll have 5 water stops along the way, one of which will also offer Gatorade and another with hot chocolate to warm you up. We also know that sometimes nature calls when it’s least convenient, so we’ll have two water stops with portable toilets on the course.
The 5k
Our 5K run is one of our favorites for spreading holiday cheer. Seeing runners dressed up in their favorite costumes and families running together, it warms our hearts. Taking the first loop of our half marathon course, the 5K course is great for runners and walkers of all ages and fitness levels. The course is very easy, and you’ll be jubilant by the time you reach the post-race party at Northern Essex Community College.
The After-Party
Once you cross the finish line, the fun continues at the Sports and Fitness Center at NECC. We’ll have the heat on for you and offer our delectable hot chocolate, soup, and other tasty treats. And for our runners 21 and over, we’ll also have two craft beers waiting for you to celebrate your race properly.
Packet Pick-up
Packet pick-up will be held at Sport and Fitness Center at NECC on race morning from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. There, all runners for the 5K and half marathon will receive your bib and commemorative race tee! For half marathoners, they’ll receive their medals at the finish. Shirts will not be mailed out after the event, so don’t oversleep. Pick up yours during packet pickup times.
Directions & Parking
Parking
There is plentiful free parking at Northern Essex Community College, so that’s one less hassle on race morning.
Directions
Both races starts at 9 a.m. at 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. The after-party takes place in the Fitness Center from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
