Local races can be a great way to get involved in your new community while getting in shape. There are amazing races in the Granite State, most supporting a local charity. There are dozens of 5k races in the area, and all are beginner and walker friendly.  And incredibly social events to boot(many with a free post race beer!)  So no excuses; get out there and start moving. Here are some of my favorites.

Manchester 2 Monadnock Ultramarathon

Manchester, May > 55m

A point-to-point endurance race that celebrates the “gentle rolling hills” of Southern New Hampshire. A mix of trails and dirt and paved roads with a finish line at the peak of Mt. Monadnock.  Not for the weary and definitely type 3 fun.

White Mountains Triathlon

Franconia, July > sprint, Olympic, half iron

With several distances to choose from and Cannon Mountain as your backdrop, this might be the best tri in the state.  

Swim With A Mission

Bristol, July > 1k, 5k, 10k

Swim in the lake named New England's cleanest while honoring our nations veterans.  Active Navy SEAL demonstrations, military helicopters, and a great post race event make this a race to cherish.  Bring the whole family for a day of honor and remembrance.  

RibFest 5 Miler

Merrimack, July > 5m

A popular race kicking off the RibFest, it has the self-proclaimed best post race party ever. Race entry includes admission to the festival, so you can add back all those calories you just burned.  

Friends of Aine Kids Try-Athlon

Bedford, August > easy

Get your kids interested in racing at an early age with this great introduction to triathlons. For ages 4 to 15 and doable by anyone, this makes for a fun morning and gives kids a sense of accomplishment while raising money for a good cause.

 

Wallis Sands Triathlon

Rye, September > sprint

The stunning location and typically excellent weather make this a not to be missed race.  An ocean swim, followed by flat and fast road action with draw dropping views, means you will be signing up again as soon as you finish.

Bear Brook Trail Marathon

Allenstown, September > 10k, 13.1m, 27m

Enjoy the trails of Bear Brook  with a range of terrain and difficulty. Well stocked aid stations and a fun group of racers make this one to get out for.  The full marathon makes for a good final prep race before running the Ghost Train.

Ghost Train Trail Race

Brookline, October > relay, 15m, 100m

The state's original 30-Hour Ultra. Super flat course along a 7.5 mile rail trail with great food and amazing volunteers that help you through the pain.  Leaders put up a disturbingly fast pace, yet still take the effort to tell my slow *** “good job” every time we pass.  The community of runners can't be beaten.  Weather has run from awesome fall temps to a blizzard in my past experiences.  #1 race to do in NH.

Manchester City Marathon

Manchester, November > relay, 13.1m, 26.2m

NH's largest marathon is a Boston qualifier, though don't expect a PR.  The course is deceivingly hilly.  It is a scenic, fun race with an energetic crowd.  A great way to cap off your season.

Santa Claus Shuffle

Manchester,  December > 3m

What better way to get in the festive spirit than running down Elm with 3000 Santas?  And if that doesn't do it,  the Christmas parade and tree lighting follow.   

Buzz Buzz

New Hampshire has tons of mountain trail races.  The Delta Dental Mountian challenge has races up various peaks in the summer while the Team Amp Winter Wild series runs up local ski slopes all Winter long.