Days
Hours
Min
Sec
The Reach the Beach Relay is an iconic 204-mile team running event that traverses New Hampshire from the White Mountains to the Atlantic coast at Hampton Beach.
Course Highlights
The 204-mile course offers a spectacular tour of New Hampshire’s autumn beauty. Starting at the Lancaster Fairgrounds, runners head into the heart of the White Mountains, passing through scenic landmarks such as Bretton Woods and the dramatic Franconia Notch. The route transitions from challenging mountain climbs to rolling hills as it winds past the picturesque Lake Winnipesaukee and through charming New England villages. The terrain consists primarily of paved roads, with significant elevation changes in the early stages. The journey culminates in a triumphant finish on the sandy shores of Hampton Beach State Park, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Why Runners Love It
As the oldest distance relay on the East Coast, Reach the Beach is celebrated for its deep community roots and legendary atmosphere. What makes it truly special is the local support; residents along the 200-mile route often set up unofficial aid stations, offering snacks and cheers to passing runners. The race fosters incredible team camaraderie as members live in vans for over 36 hours, tackling overnight legs under the stars. The mix of challenging mountain elevation and the scenic transition to the coast makes it a bucket-list achievement for runners seeking a unique New England adventure.
Race Details
- Location: Lancaster, United States
- Distances: 204 Miles (Team Relay, Ultra Relay, Sprint Relay)
- Next Race Date: 2026-09-18
- Start Time: 06:00
Race Weekend Tips
Logistics are paramount for this 200-mile journey. Teams should arrive in the Lancaster area on Thursday evening to prepare for the Friday morning start. Given the variable New England weather, pack layers for temperatures ranging from 78°F during the day to 60°F or lower at night. Coordination between Van 1 and Van 2 is critical at major exchanges. Accommodation near the start and finish lines should be booked months in advance, as local hotels fill up quickly with the hundreds of participating teams.
History & Charity
Founded in 1999 by Mike Dionne and Rich (Mike and Rich), Reach the Beach was created to bring a premier long-distance relay experience to New England. Over the years, it has grown into one of the most prestigious events of its kind, eventually partnering with Ragnar Relay in 2015 to expand its reach. The event has a strong philanthropic focus, supporting the New Hampshire State Parks and numerous local non-profits. The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is a primary charity partner, with many teams fundraising for T1D research.
Lancaster, NH 03584 United States
The Reach the Beach Relay is an iconic 204-mile team running event that traverses New Hampshire from the White Mountains to the Atlantic coast at Hampton Beach.
Course Highlights
The 204-mile course offers a spectacular tour of New Hampshire’s autumn beauty. Starting at the Lancaster Fairgrounds, runners head into the heart of the White Mountains, passing through scenic landmarks such as Bretton Woods and the dramatic Franconia Notch. The route transitions from challenging mountain climbs to rolling hills as it winds past the picturesque Lake Winnipesaukee and through charming New England villages. The terrain consists primarily of paved roads, with significant elevation changes in the early stages. The journey culminates in a triumphant finish on the sandy shores of Hampton Beach State Park, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Why Runners Love It
As the oldest distance relay on the East Coast, Reach the Beach is celebrated for its deep community roots and legendary atmosphere. What makes it truly special is the local support; residents along the 200-mile route often set up unofficial aid stations, offering snacks and cheers to passing runners. The race fosters incredible team camaraderie as members live in vans for over 36 hours, tackling overnight legs under the stars. The mix of challenging mountain elevation and the scenic transition to the coast makes it a bucket-list achievement for runners seeking a unique New England adventure.
Race Details
- Location: Lancaster, United States
- Distances: 204 Miles (Team Relay, Ultra Relay, Sprint Relay)
- Next Race Date: 2026-09-18
- Start Time: 06:00
Race Weekend Tips
Logistics are paramount for this 200-mile journey. Teams should arrive in the Lancaster area on Thursday evening to prepare for the Friday morning start. Given the variable New England weather, pack layers for temperatures ranging from 78°F during the day to 60°F or lower at night. Coordination between Van 1 and Van 2 is critical at major exchanges. Accommodation near the start and finish lines should be booked months in advance, as local hotels fill up quickly with the hundreds of participating teams.
History & Charity
Founded in 1999 by Mike Dionne and Rich (Mike and Rich), Reach the Beach was created to bring a premier long-distance relay experience to New England. Over the years, it has grown into one of the most prestigious events of its kind, eventually partnering with Ragnar Relay in 2015 to expand its reach. The event has a strong philanthropic focus, supporting the New Hampshire State Parks and numerous local non-profits. The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is a primary charity partner, with many teams fundraising for T1D research.