Franconia Notch Half Marathon

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Franconia Notch Half Marathon

USATF Certification: NH18015BK

Join us for the 3rd annual USA Track and Field certified, 13.1 mile out and back run on the paved Franconia Notch Bike Path. This beautiful run takes place in one of the most scenic locations in New England, passing by numerous iconic landmarks in the Franconia Notch State Park. Keep warm in the Peabody Lodge available right at the start and finish.

Where

The race will be starting at the base lodge of Cannon Mountain, then running 13.1 miles out and back on the paved bike path passing through Franconia Notch. Along the way runners pass by Echo Lake, Cannon Mountain, The Old Man viewing site, Profile Lake, Boise Rock, The Basin, and The Flume, all the while winding along the Pemigewasset River. This run not only provides runners with one of the most beautiful routes around, but also the protection from cars and traffic and shelter from fall weather. Join us by signing up now!

When

October 30th, 2021
7am - 8:30am Packet Pick Up
9am Race Start
Sign up by September 1st to choose sizing for your race t-shirt!
Sign Up Here: https://racewire.com/register.php?id=12256

What

Finisher medal and event t-shirt awarded to every runner. ***Cash prizes to top 3 overall men and women ($500 1st place, $250 2nd place, $100 3rd place)

Top 3 overall and in each age group category win awards/prizes.

Join us for a cookout after the race on the deck of Cannon Mountain Peabody Lodge starts at 11:30 and continues through awards. Meal tickets available for purchase in advance on line through 10/1/20 for $15. Meal tickets also available for purchase at event for $15 plus tax though may be limited supply.
https://racewire.com/register.php?id=12256

Why

For this race we are working with Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country, giving a portion of proceeds to this charity. The second annual event was able to raise $6,000 for Adaptive Sports. Our goal for our 3rd annual event is to raise $7,000 for this wonderful organization. Adaptive Sports is committed to assisting those with any kind of disability, physical or developmental, in getting out and participating in physical activity.

Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation

Welcome to the Franconia Notch Half Marathon

Get Racing Now is excited to host the 3rd annual Franconia Notch Half Marathon on one of the most scenic paved trails in New England - the Franconia Notch Recreation Trail. The race is hosted at Cannon Mountain Peabody Lodge. Thank you for joining us to make this 3rd annual Franconia Notch Half Marathon a success. The race is certified and sanctioned by the USA Track and Field Association.

USATF Certification#: NH18015BK

Event Schedule

Friday October 29th, 2021:
6:00pm-7:30pm Registration and Packet Pick Up at the Cannon Mountain Peabody Lodge
Saturday October 30th, 2021:
               7:00am-8:30 am Registration and Packet Pick Up at the Cannon Mountain Peabody Lodge
               8:40am- Mandatory Racer Meeting by start
               9:00am- Start (race will start in waves, wave 1 self report <7:30 mile time, wave 2 self report >7:30 mile time, 3rd wave >9 minute mile time etc.)
***only racers in 1st wave will compete for top 3 overall men's and women's spots
               11:30am- Post-Race BBQ opens at the Peabody Lodge
Awards will be rolling as results are tallied, with category awards occurring as early as possible.

***Stay warm Peabody Lodge available for racers and spectators before and after the race adjacent to start and finish

Registration/Packet Pickup Time and Location

Friday October 29th pre-race registration 6-7:30 pm at Cannon Mountain's Peabody Lodge (exit 34c)
Saturday pre-race at Cannon Mountain’s Peabody Lodge (exit 34c) beginning at 7am and end 8:30 am.
Online registration closes on midnight 10/28/21 (Thursday night)
Contact race director through this website for registration after this deadline or show up for race day registration between 7am-8:30am.
Register By Clicking the RaceWire Link: https://racewire.com/register.php?id=12256

Coaching and Race Training

Get Racing Now has teamed up with Carly Outside to bring you free and custom training plan options available for all entrants! Once you register contact Carly through the link sent in the confirmation email and get training.

Parking

Ample parking is available in the dirt lot across the street from Cannon Mountain Peabody Lodge area (watch for signs)
Please don’t park in front of Peabody Lodge as this area will be coned off for race start and finish, park across the road in dirt lot

Packet Items

Bib number & safety pins

Event T-Shirt

Timing Chip attached to bib
Food Ticket(s) if purchased

Race Course

The Franconia Notch Half Marathon utilizes the beautiful, paved recreation trail of the Franconia Notch State Park which will be closed to the public, leaving the trail just for race runners. The trail winds through stunning terrain, providing some of the best scenery in the White Mountains. You will run past landmarks such as Echo and Profile Lakes, Cannon Mountain Tramway, Old Man of the Mountain Viewing Center, the Basin, and the Pemigewasset River. Fall colors are often peak this time of year. The race finishes at the base of Cannon Mountain, behind the Peabody Lodge and lift area for a post-race BBQ and award celebration. ***The Peabody base lodge is available before and after the race to stay warm before the start and after the finish.

The race will start in the parking area in front of the Notch View building adjacent to the Peabody Lodge
The race starts travelling east on the south shoulder of Route 18 for about ¼ mile, then turn south onto the paved Franconia Notch Recreation Trail and runners will remain on the trail heading south until the turn-around point about ½ mild from the Flume Gorge Parking Area
At Old Man Viewing Area volunteers will guide you through parking area, stay in coned area
Lafayette Campground area will require running through parking lot briefly, use caution, follow guidance of volunteers who will direct you through coned areas
There will be an aid station and cone in center of trail identifying the turn-around point
The racers will exit the trail the same place they entered it after Echo Lake, and run west on the south shoulder of Route 18 then turning left up small hill to Cannon Mountain Peabody Lodge Area, finishing behind the lodge
There will be mile markers every mile on course
CLICK HERE for INTERACTIVE MAP: https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/2205059269

This is an out and back course so there will be 2-way runner traffic as the runners spread out and start to return on the course toward the finish. There will be a biker in front of the lead runner. Stay to the right at all times when there is two-way runner traffic and slower runners should yield to faster runners.

Run Aid Stations

There will be access to aid stations 6 times during the course at 2.2 mile, 4.8 mile, 6.5 mile turn-around, 8.3 mile and 10.9 and 12 mile marks.
All Aid Stations will offer the following: Water, Gatorade
Aid Stations at mile 8.3, 10.9 and 12 will also have Cliff Shot Energy Gel Razz
Ok to drop cups and Gel containers near aid stations and volunteers will collect
At the finish area there will be water, Gatorade, RXbars, and Orgain bars, bananas and oranges.
There will be medical staff at finish area, volunteers at aid station can contact medical staff during race

PLEASE DO NOT LITTER on the course (or anywhere).

Restrooms

Restrooms available at registration area in Cannon Mountain Peabody Lodge start and finish
On running course there will be access to restrooms 6 times
2 porta potties located at mile 2.2 and mile 10.9 aid station passed twice on out/back course
Park restrooms at The Basin are open on both sides of highway (about mile marks 5, 5.5, 8, 8.5)
Look for red restroom signs on course

Temperature

The average temperature in the Franconia Notch State Park on October 30th has been 39 degrees F. The lowest temperature has been 26 degrees F and the highest 54 degrees F. We advise you to watch the weather forecast and dress accordingly. The trail is nicely sheltered by trees most of the route.

***Stay warm before and after the race in the Peabody Lodge available to racers and spectators adjacent to the start and finish.

First Aid

Medical staff will be located at the finish area. Volunteers at each aid station will have radio access to finish area medical staff.

Course Time Limit

There is a 4-hour time limit for the course which accommodates an 18.32 minute mile.

Volunteers

Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country is our Official Charitable Partner, and many of their members will be on-site volunteering. Please take a moment to express your appreciation of their efforts on race day.

Spectators

All spectators are welcome throughout the venue. Friends and family may enjoy a post-race meal (see below).

Spectator Locations:

Start and finish area ideal for spectating
Tramway area (recommend arriving before start of race only, as racers crossing will block traffic in and out of this area and cause delays for traffic and spectators, recommend avoiding this area as runners return to finish, again because traffic will be blocked to allow runners to pass
Basin Area on west side of 93 (access heading north)
Turnaround point at mile 6.55 (access at Flume Gorge Parking area, walking about ½ mile north on Franconia Notch Recreation Trail

PLEASE DO NOT DRIVE INTO LAFAYETTE CAMPGROUND AREA as this is a congested area with hikers and hiker shuttles, campers, etc. and will create congestion for runners who move through this area on the course

No pets are allowed in the Franconia Notch State Park
Join us for an after race BBQ during awards on the decks of the Peabody Lodge starting at 11:30 am. Meal includes choice of burger, grilled chicken or vege-burger, pasta salad and chips. Limited quantity of meal tickets will be available for $15 plus tax on race day. You can also purchase tickets in advance for $15 at: https://racewire.com/register.php?id=12256

Post-Race Food

The post-race BBQ is slated to start at 11:30 am. Food includes burgers, grilled chicken or vegetarian burger, pasta salad and chips. For planning, we encourage racers to purchase meal tickets in advance for racer, and friends and family joining them. Meal tickets can be purchased through 10/1/20 at https://racewire.com/register.php?id=12256 for $15. Tickets will be available for sale at the event for $15 plus tax, but numbers will be limited and may run out.
Bottled water, Gatorade, Rx Bars, Orgain bars, oranges, and bananas will also be available at the finish area.

Awards & Medals

Awards will be rolling as results come in per catagory. Any final awards and Adaptive Sports donation presentation will start at 1pm on the back deck of the Cannon Mountain Peabody Lodge just off the finish area. Relax, listen to music and cheer on your fellow runners.

All finishers will receive a custom Franconia Notch Half Marathon finisher medal!

Additional Awards will be provided for:

Top 3 overall Men - 1st - $500, 2nd - $250, 3rd - $100, all with prizes
Top 3 overall Women - 1st - $500, 2nd - $250, 3rd - $100, all with prizes
- overall winners will not be included as age category prize winner
- only first wave runners compete for top 3 overall prizes
Top 3 Men and Women in the following age categories, all prizes:
- 19 and under
- 20-29
- 30-39
- 40-49
- 50-59
- 60-69
- 70-79
- 80 and up

Results and Timing

Timing is provided by RaceWire. All individuals will receive disposable timing chips attached to their custom bibs. The race will be “chip timed” so all racer’s times will start when they cross the start line (not when the gun goes off) and end when they cross the finish line. There will be a timing MAT at turnaround point assuring all runners reach turnaround point. Live results will be available (link pending).
You can also access results at terminals at the finish area.

Wait List

At this time all wait list registrants will be accepted into the Franconia Notch Half Marathon. We will let you know if this changes. Unfortunately, registrants who sign up on or after 9/01/21 will not be guaranteed t-shirt sizing.

Local Lodging and Dining

Please check out local lodging and dining options at the Franconia Notch Chamber of Commons website: www.franconianotch.org

2019

Results
Finish Photos
Awards Photos
Echo Lake Photos
Climber Pullout Photos
Lafayette Campground Photos
Basin Photos
Tram Parking Lot Photos

2018

Results
Photos

Can I get a refund if I register but don't run or the race gets cancelled?  Guaranteed choice of FULL REFUND or 2022 RACE ENTRY Transfer if the 2021 Franconia Notch Half Marathon is canceled due to NH state Covid-19 regulations.  If you register but don't run there are no refunds.

When is the race? Saturday October 30th, 2021 Start at 9:am (Registration Friday October 29th, 2021 from 6pm-730pm or Saturday October 30th, 2021 7am-830am) at Cannon Mountain Peabody Lodge (exit 34c)

When will registration close? On-line registration will close Oct. 28th at midnight. You can though register on the day of the race from 7am to 830 am or the night before the race from 6pm to 730pm in lower level of Peabody lodge.

Where is the start?  The race starts in front of Cannon Mountain Peabody Lodge.

Where do I park for the race?  Ample parking is available in the dirt lot across the road from Cannon Mountain Peabody Lodge. Do not park in front of the Peabody Lodge as this is the race start and finish area. Parking sign will be posted.

Can I walk this race? Walkers are welcome, but there is a 4 hour course time limit, which requires walkers to keep a pace of 18.3 minute/mile.

How long will the course stay open? The course closes at 1pm. At that time, course marshals will leave the course, and all aid stations will close down.

Can I run or walk with a baby stroller or my dog? No strollers or dogs allowed on the course for safety reasons.

Can I run with headphones or earbuds? So that you can hear traffic and race marshals and for safety reasons, we strongly discourage the use of headphones on the course.

Will there be water/aid stations on the course?  Yes, we will have 7 water/aid stations positioned along the course at approximately 2.2, 5, 5.5, 8, 8.5, 10.9 and 12 mile marks and finish. Aid stations will provide water and Gatorade. Aid stations at 8.3, 10.9 and 12 miles will also have Cliff Shot Gel Razz.

Will there be restrooms on the course? Yes. There are restrooms at the start and finish in the Peabody Lodge. There will be restrooms at 2.2, 5, 5.5, 8, 8.5 and 10.9 mile marks. Restrooms at mile mark 2.2 and 10.9 will have two porta potties. Restrooms at mile mark 5, 5.5, 8, 8.5 will be park restrooms. All restrooms with be marked with red sign.

What will the temperature be?  The average temperature in the Franconia Notch State Park on October 30th has been 39 degrees F. The lowest temperature has been 26 degrees F and the highest 54 degrees F. We advise you to watch the weather forecast and dress accordingly. The heated Peabody Lodge will be available at the start and finish to stay warm before and after the race.

What prizes will be awarded?  Cash prizes will be awarded to the top 3 male and female winners overall with $500 for first place, $250 for second place and $100 for third place. Only runners from the 1st wave will compete for the overall winner cash prizes. Overall winners will not be included in age category winners. Awards will be given to the top 3 men and women in each age group. Age groups are: 19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79 and 80 and up.

A special finisher's medal will be given to all finishers. Out of respect for all of the award winners, you must be present to receive your award. No awards will be mailed.

Why didn't I get a t-shirt?
To choose a t-shirt size you need to register on line by 9/01/21.
If you registered after 9/01/21 we cannot guarantee t-shirt sizing but will have various sizes to offer. We have ordered extra t-shirts but if registration higher than predicted we may run out.
If you registered on line prior to 9/01/21 but were unable to race, you can still get a t-shirt but you need to be present at the race to pick this up. We do not mail t-shirts.

Why did my GPS said the race was less than or more than 13.1 miles?
GPS devices work by receiving signals from satellites. The quality of different GPS units can vary, but all of them can be affected by conditions such as buildings in urban environments or heavy overhead tree cover or mountains that interfere with reception of the satellite signals and can cause them to be inaccurate.

Race courses Certified by USATF are measured by a proven method that incorporates the calibration of measuring devices against a steel tape and are verified by multiple measurements.

Race courses are measured along a well-defined path called the "SPR"- the Shortest Possible Route that a runner can possibly run. Most runners don't actually run the SPR, so the distance recorded by their GPS device will usually be longer than the certified length of the course, even though the course was properly measured along the SPR, according to the USATF rules.

Where is the best place for spectators to watch the race?
See Spectator Information on this website.

Where can I get results:
Live results can be found at:  https://my.racewire.com/results/36144

Franconia Notch Half Marathon Racer Information.pdf
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