Rockfest Half Marathon
Smuttynose Rockfest Half Marathon offers a fast course with ocean views and a lively post-race party.
Race Date
Oct 4, 2026
Location
Hampton Beach, NH
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, October 4, 2026
- Location
- Hampton Beach, New Hampshire
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K run
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 43,527
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Smuttynose Rockfest Half Marathon, first run in 2008 and now in its 17th edition, draws runners from across approximately 44 states to Hampton Beach, NH. This popular event, with a median field size of around 2,366 finishers and a growing trend, offers a compelling blend of scenic coastal views and a fast, flat course, making it a favorite for those seeking personal bests.
The race typically features a USATF-certified course with minimal net elevation change, designed for speed. Runners can expect to wind through beach town neighborhoods with ocean vistas, though some reviews suggest variations in the course route year to year, with occasional deviations into hilly residential areas. Spectator support is noted as strong, with aid stations well-placed along the route.
The post-race celebration is a significant draw, often including live music, food like lobster and chowder, and craft beer. Runners receive notable swag, including hoodies and medals, contributing to the event's reputation as a fun and well-organized race that encourages a high return rate, with about 19% of participants coming back in subsequent years.
Race-provided description
Experience the Hampton Rockfest Half Marathon & 5K with music, friends, and beautiful New England scenery on October 4, 2026. Register today.
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Coastal
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
NH25009JK · 2025 Rockfest Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Course Map
3 other maps for this race
Quality Score
Runner Favorite9017 years running
~2,366 finishers a year
growing or steady
19% returning runners
USATF certified · 4 photos
runners from 44 states
winner 1:09:07
typical high 68°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
53°
Afternoon (High)
68°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
79%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 43,527 finishers actually crossed the line across 17 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
43,527
Median time
2:12:36
Latest turnout
2,559
States
51
Turnout by year
2017–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Rockfest Half Marathon?
The Rockfest Half Marathon is held on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
Where does the Rockfest Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire.
What distances does the Rockfest Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K run.
Is the Rockfest Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Rockfest Half Marathon 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 Rockfest Half Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 43,527 runners who have completed the Rockfest Half Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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