The Cheap Marathon is 2 out and backs along the Derry Rail Trail.
The race utilizes a "time trial" start. Runners are seeded fastest to slowest based on data collected at registration and start 2 at a time every 7 seconds.
The Cheap Marathon was the 144th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 139th largest in 2022.
This year 35.3% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 28.7% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Cheap Marathon the 20th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 14th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 98.94 ranks it as the 209th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 3rd fastest course in New Hampshire.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Cheap Marathon a PR Score of 98.94. This PR Score ranks it as the 154th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 3rd fastest in New Hampshire.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Cheap Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 339 feet (103m) Min Elevation: 230 feet (70m)
It's a very well organized, small race on a rail trail with a time trial start. There will be few distractions and you can focus on your running. That's a positive for some people but I need some excitement and encouragement from the crowds and other runners.
Race Tips
The out and back course, which you run twice, has a hill with a gentle grade so there are four hills in total. The review from 2018 is of a different course by the ocean.
Parking next to the start is plentiful. The time trial start keeps the porta potty lines short.
Daniel E's review of 2018 Cheap Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
I ran my first marathon here and BQ'd by almost 8 minutes. The well supported loop course quickly becomes familiar so you know when to expect fuel stops. It also sets up so your fans can cheer for you multiple times on each of the 6 laps. The course is on the water and scenic, we even saw seals on the beach.
Race Tips
Because it is such a flat course, a steady pace is appropriate. There are enough fans on the course that you never feel alone and you can easily find those that came out to support you. 3 fuel areas are well spaced on the approximately 4.5 mile course and after the first lap you will know exactly where to expect them.
