Clarence DeMar Marathon
The Lowdown
The Clarence DeMar Marathon is a Boston Marathon-qualifying race held every September in Keene, New Hampshire, named for seven-time Boston Marathon champion Clarence DeMar. Now in its 48th year, the USATF-certified Full Marathon starts at 7:00 AM in Gilsum, NH and follows a net-downhill course through rolling New Hampshire countryside during early foliage season, with notable climbs at miles 15, 22, and 24 before finishing at the historic Appian Way on the Keene State College campus. The Half Marathon starts at 8:00 AM from Surry Mountain Beach and shares the same finish. The event also hosts a free Super Seniors Marathon for runners 70 and older and a free Kids DeMar program for grades K-5, both requiring participants to log 25 miles before covering the final 1.2-mile stretch on race day. In 2025, 308 marathon finishers included 14.3% who ran Boston qualifying times, ranking the race 75th nationally for BQ percentage. Around 500 volunteers and the town of Keene support the roughly 700 combined marathon and half marathon finishers each year, earning the race a 2018 RaceRaves vote for best New Hampshire marathon.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Moderate rolling hills
Participants
Field Size
Intimate field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Moderate spectator support
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Gilsum Elementary School start (Full Marathon)
Surry Mountain Beach start (Half Marathon)
Historic cemetery climbs at miles 22 and 24
Appian Way finish, Keene State College
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Keene, New Hampshire, USA
US
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Minimum age 16 for the Full Marathon, no exceptions
- Minimum age 14 for the Half Marathon, no exceptions
- Super Seniors Marathon limited to runners age 70+
- Kids DeMar limited to grades kindergarten through 5
Required Documents
- Photo ID recommended for packet pickup; proxy pickup requires written permission
Entry Methods
- Online registration via clarencedemar.com/register
- In-person race weekend registration, September 25-27, space permitting
Cancellation & Refund Policy
No refunds
Injury deferrals accepted until September 20, 2026
Entry transfers permitted until September 13, 2026 for a $20 fee
Bib must be used by the registered runner; banditing is prohibited
Named for Clarence DeMar, a seven-time Boston Marathon champion
Voted best New Hampshire marathon of 2018 by RaceRaves.com
USATF-certified Full Marathon course; qualifies for the Boston Marathon
About 500 volunteers support the race each year
2026 featured speaker: Jack Fultz, 1976 Boston Marathon champion (2:20:19)
Training for this race?
Track your training, follow a plan, and prepare for race day with MarathonOS.
Scan to download
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.