Happy Holidays Half MerryThon & 5K Race
Gloucester's Happy Holidays Half MerryThon offers ocean views and festive cheer along a scenic coastal route.
Race Date
Dec 6, 2026
Location
Gloucester, MA
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, December 6, 2026
- Location
- Gloucester, Massachusetts
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 3.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 5,026
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Lace up for a festive holiday run in Gloucester, Massachusetts, with the Happy Holidays Half MerryThon. This race brings seasonal cheer to the scenic coastline, offering runners a chance to enjoy beautiful ocean views as they navigate the course.
First run in 2013 and now in its 12th edition, this half marathon has become a beloved local tradition. While the course is known for its flat profile, the real draw is the unique holiday atmosphere, complete with festive decorations and a chance to run alongside holiday-themed characters. Runners can expect a welcoming environment, with participants typically traveling from around 17 states.
The finish line celebration promises holiday treats, adding to the cheerful ambiance. The race, which also offers a 5K, typically sees around 670 finishers, with a growing field size and a modest but loyal repeat-runner rate of about 8%.
Race-provided description
Celebrate the holidays in sneakers! Bring the holiday cheer and run with the reindeer, elves and all the holiday friends! Enjoy beautiful ocean views as you run along the scenic coastline! Plus, you’ll enjoy special holiday treats at the finish line celebration! Kids 5K race entry only $10.00! (ages 10-12) YuKan is celebrating our 15th Anniversary in 2026! Register for the Six Pack Challenge and Save 15% on all six half marathons!
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, December 6, 2026
Start Time
9:00 AM
Giveaway
Race Shirt
Start Location
99 Thatcher Road, Gloucester, MA, 01930
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Coastal
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.2%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
MA16010BK · Happy Holidays Half Merrython
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Standout7012 years running
~670 finishers a year
growing or steady
8% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources
runners from 17 states
winner 1:17:53
typical high 42°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
29°
Afternoon (High)
42°
Cool conditions — dress in layers, perfect for fast times
0.1"
Precipitation
15 mph
Wind
69%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 5,026 finishers actually crossed the line across 12 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
5,026
Median time
2:04:39
Latest turnout
356
States
33
Turnout by year
2017–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Happy Holidays Half MerryThon & 5K Race?
The Happy Holidays Half MerryThon & 5K Race is held on Sunday, December 6, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM.
Where does the Happy Holidays Half MerryThon & 5K Race take place?
It takes place in Gloucester, Massachusetts.
What distances does the Happy Holidays Half MerryThon & 5K Race offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 3.1 Miles.
Is the Happy Holidays Half MerryThon & 5K Race course flat and good for a PR?
The Happy Holidays Half MerryThon & 5K Race is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Happy Holidays Half MerryThon & 5K Race?
HalfRuns has finish records for 5,026 runners who have completed the Happy Holidays Half MerryThon & 5K Race.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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