Race Details and FAQs
WHEN: Saturday, October 26, 9 a.m.; 8:45 a.m. for wheelchair division
VIRTUAL 5K DATES: Saturday, October 1 to Saturday, October 26 at 11:59 p.m.
(Please see the 2023 Great Bay 5K TImeline for Runners for an example schedule of Race Day)
WHERE: The in-person 5K starts at Sandy Point Road in Stratham, across from Stratham Hill Park. It finishes at the Great Bay Discovery Center, 89 Depot Road, Greenland, N.H.
THE SWAG: Register for the 5K or virtual 5K by October 1, 2024 to be guaranteed a long-sleeved, custom designed tech t-shirt (sizes S, M, L, XL, 2XL, and 3XL). Remaining race shirts and/or race hats will be available first come/first serve post race at the Great Bay Discovery Center (please present your bib to receive an item).
Teams that have 10 or more members or that order extra shirts to reach the minimum of 10 shirts will receive customized team race shirts.
REGISTER: Register before September 1 for $35, or between September 1 and October 24 for $40. Adults 65+ and children ages 0-15 are $30 before September 1 and $35 through October 24. In-person registration is available at packet pick up and the morning of the race. More information and Virtual 5K details can be found on our registration page. Sorry, registration fees are not refundable and cannot be transferred to another participant or to a future year.
RACE COURSE: The Course is USATF Certified (NH18007BK), point to point and among the fastest race courses in New England.
BIB AND SWAG PICKUP: Friday, October 25, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Barn at the Great Bay Discovery Center. Saturday, October 26 (Race Day) from 7 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. at the Front Pavilion at Stratham Hill Park.
PARKING: Primary parking on race day is located at the end of Jack Rabbit Lane, just west of the main entrance to the park. Additional parking can be found along the southeast side of Portsmouth Ave (Route 33). Parking in the main lot of Stratham Hill Park is reserved for handicapped parking and race personnel. There is no parking Saturday morning at the finish area at the Discovery Center.
BAG DROP DETAILS: Drop off your labeled bag by 8:45 a.m. race morning at the designated vehicle at the entrance to the Front Pavilion at Stratham Hill Park. Pick up your bag by 11 a.m. by the Flagpole in front of the entrance to the Discovery Center. Race is not responsible for lost or stolen items; items left after 11 a.m. will be discarded or donated to a local charity.
PORT-O-POTTIES: Will be available at Stratham Hill Park before the race and at the Great Bay Discovery Center at the race finish.
RESULTS: In person 5K results are available: At the Finish Area at the Discovery Center; Online at the Great Bay 5K website; Online at Granite State Race Services.
FREE KIDS FUN RUN: The Fun Run starts at the end of the Great Bay 5K, approximately 10 a.m., at the top of the road to the waterfront at the Great Bay Discovery Center. Registration is free.
POST-RACE PARTY: The Great Bay 5K | Race for a Healthy Estuary is famous for its post-race food, with chowder, hot cider, and lots of homemade delicacies provided by volunteers and supporters. The Awards Ceremony also takes places in the “barn” at the Discovery Center campus around 10 a.m. – stick around for your cash or age-group award (awards must be picked up in person and cannot be mailed).
SHUTTLE: A shuttle will run between the finish area and Stratham Park (approximately 1 mile distance) at 20 minute intervals beginning at 9:30 a.m.
BEER & HARD CIDER & OYSTERS: Top off your weekend with a visit to one of our Brewery Sponsors for a complimentary beer/hard cier and to The Franklin for a free half dozen oysters on the half shell. Find your brewery/oyster pull tab on the bottom of your race bib.
