Jingle Bell Half Marathon & 5K
New England's merriest half marathon offers a festive holiday run with a growing field and community spirit.
Race Date
Dec 6, 2026
Location
Haverhill, MA
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, December 6, 2026
- Location
- Haverhill, Massachusetts
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 3.1 Miles, 13.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 3,640
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Jingle Bell Half Marathon & 5K in Haverhill, MA, offers a festive holiday-themed race experience, drawing runners from approximately 22 states. Now in its 13th year, this event has seen a growing field, with recent editions attracting around 1599 finishers, including about 1110 half marathoners.
The course, primarily on paved roads, is described by runners as having rolling hills and offering pretty farm views, making it a scenic route. While some reviews note moderate hills, others have achieved personal bests here, suggesting a course that balances challenge with potential for speed. The race is well-marked with ample support from volunteers and law enforcement.
With a strong production score and a ~20% repeat-runner rate, the Jingle Bell Half is a well-loved event. Participants can expect a great post-race celebration, often featuring food and beverages, and good quality swag like hoodies, shirts, and unique medals. The atmosphere is festive, with many runners embracing the holiday spirit with Christmas costumes.
Race-provided description
Grab your holly and prepare to get jolly at the 13th annual Jingle Bell Half Marathon & 5K! Join us on Sunday, December 7th, 2025 in Haverhill, MA for the merriest race in Massachusetts. Walk (or run) this Christmas season in a winter wonderland through gorgeous New England landscapes as you jingle all the way to the finish line at Northern Essex Community College.
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, December 6, 2026
Start Time
9:00 AM
Giveaway
Hoodie
Start Location
100 Elliott Street, Haverhill, MA, 01830
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Rural
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Net Drop/km
+0.06 m
Separation
0.6%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
MA22023JK · Jingle Bell Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Course Map
View Course Map
Open on Strava
1 other map for this race
Quality Score
Standout806 years running
~1,110 finishers a year
growing or steady
20% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources · 8 photos
runners from 22 states
winner 1:16:03
typical high 40°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
25°
Afternoon (High)
40°
Cool conditions — dress in layers, perfect for fast times
0.1"
Precipitation
12 mph
Wind
73%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 3,640 finishers actually crossed the line across 6 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
3,640
Median time
2:03:13
Latest turnout
857
States
36
Turnout by year
2019–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Jingle Bell Half Marathon & 5K?
The Jingle Bell Half Marathon & 5K is held on Sunday, December 6, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM.
Where does the Jingle Bell Half Marathon & 5K take place?
It takes place in Haverhill, Massachusetts.
What distances does the Jingle Bell Half Marathon & 5K offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 3.1 Miles, 13.1 Miles.
Is the Jingle Bell Half Marathon & 5K course flat and good for a PR?
The Jingle Bell Half Marathon & 5K is a rolling hills, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Jingle Bell Half Marathon & 5K?
HalfRuns has finish records for 3,640 runners who have completed the Jingle Bell Half Marathon & 5K.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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