Named for Boston Marathon great Clarence DeMar, this is a point-to-point from the elementary school in tiny Gilsum down to Keene State College, with a net drop of more than 400 feet. Downhill does not mean easy: there is a long climb in mile 15 and short steep pitches in miles 22 and 24 through the Greenlawn and Woodland cemeteries, where the only sounds are your breathing and the gravel under the trees. The last third runs around and through Keene itself, and the finish on Appian Way is quiet and personal, with roughly 370 marathoners in 2026 and 12 percent of them earning Boston qualifiers. Registration opens January 1 and the marathon costs $110 early, rising to $130 on race day. The 49th running is Sunday, September 26, 2027, at 7:00 a.m.
Point-to-point from the elementary school in Gilsum down to Appian Way at Keene State College, net downhill overall but with a long climb in mile 15 and short steep climbs in miles 22 and 24 through the Greenlawn and Woodland cemeteries. Course map ↗
Through race day, space permitting (in-person registration also offered). Online registration opens January 1 at 12:01 a.m. 2026 marathon fees: $110 through Aug 23, $120 through Sept 13, $130 through race day, plus 6.25% + $1.25 processing. Half: $80/$90/$100. Minimum age 16 for the marathon. Register ↗
- The marathon is a Boston qualifier that starts in Gilsum and finishes on Appian Way at Keene State College; the half starts at Surry Mountain Beach. ↗
- Elevation gain is 706 ft and loss 1,135 ft; 12.2% of 2026 finishers ran Boston-qualifying times. ↗
- Marathon entry was $110 early, $120 standard and $130 late for 2026; registration opens January 1. ↗
- The 2027 race is billed as the 49th running; in 2019 about 400 marathoners and 450 half marathoners ran, supported by around 500 volunteers. ↗
- RaceRaves dates the race's establishment to 1978. ↗
Checked 2026-10-13. Always confirm on the official site before booking travel.