{"events":[{"id":37576,"global_id":"whatracetorun.com?id=37576","global_id_lineage":["whatracetorun.com?id=37576"],"author":"2","status":"publish","date":"2026-05-10 22:31:27","date_utc":"2026-05-10 22:31:27","modified":"2026-05-10 22:38:39","modified_utc":"2026-05-10 22:38:39","url":"https:\/\/whatracetorun.com\/?tribe_events=the-manchester-road-race","rest_url":"https:\/\/whatracetorun.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/tribe\/events\/v1\/events\/37576","title":"The Manchester Road Race","description":"

The Manchester Road Race<\/strong> is one of America’s oldest and most celebrated Thanksgiving Day road races. First held in 1927, this 4.748-mile loop through historic downtown Manchester, Connecticut, has grown into a massive holiday tradition that draws elite international runners alongside tens of thousands of recreational participants every Thanksgiving morning.<\/p>\n

A True Holiday Tradition<\/h3>\n

For nearly a century, the Manchester Road Race has been the way runners across New England kick off Thanksgiving Day. The race finishes in time for everyone to be home for turkey dinner, and the festive Main Street course is lined with cheering crowds, costumed runners, marching bands, and families spanning multiple generations. It’s not just a race \u2014 it’s a community ritual that’s been passed down for decades.<\/p>\n

Course Highlights<\/h3>\n

The 4.748-mile course starts on Main Street, takes runners through Manchester’s charming historic neighborhoods, and finishes back near the start. There’s one notable climb on Highland Street \u2014 locals call it “Heartbreak Hill North” \u2014 but the rest of the course is gently rolling and approachable for most runners. The autumn New England backdrop of maple trees, colonial architecture, and American flags makes it one of the most photogenic Thanksgiving races in the country.<\/p>\n

Race Details<\/h3>\n