Jingle Bell Half Marathon & 5K
Participants run or walk through scenic New England landscapes and rural roads along the Merrimack River, with the 5K covering a campus loop and the half marathon tackling a figure-eight course. After crossing the finish line, runners can celebrate at a holiday-themed after-party with hot chocolate, coffee, bagels, doughnuts, and festive music. Every registered runner receives a wearable item, commemorative finisher's medal, and free finisher photos.
What to Expect
Scenic holiday half marathon and 5K featuring a festive post-race party.
Event Details
Duration
The half marathon course is kept open for a 3:30-hour finish time; the 5K has no time limit.
Ages
5K: 8+, Half Marathon: 14+
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Calibrate Event Production
Food & Drink
The post-race party serves hot chocolate, coffee, bagels, doughnuts and other holiday treats; water and Gatorade are available at the half marathon’s aid stations.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Runners, walkers and active families
Vibe
Festive and energetic
Energy Level
High
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Parking: Free participant parking is available at Northern Essex Community College. Attendants and volunteers direct participants and spectators to lots. Certain entrances and exits are open on race morning; Route 110 access closes at 9:00 AM and reopens after runners clear the surrounding roads. Some lots cannot be exited until 10:00 AM or until runners clear College Ave.
- Accessibility: Athletes requiring additional support such as a wheelchair, handcycle, crutches, or guide must receive written approval from the Race Director at least 21 days in advance.
- Pets: Dogs are not allowed on course.
Tips & Advice
- Arrive early to park, check in, and stretch; the campus has limited open entrances and exits, and the packet pickup area and start line require a short walk.
- Carpool if possible, and follow parking attendants’ directions because participant and spectator parking is assigned to campus lots.
- Avoid the Spurk, Faculty & Staff, and Behrakis One-Stop lots if you need to leave early; they may be closed to exiting until runners clear the roads.
- Pick up your packet in advance if you can, or use race-day pickup before it closes; packet mailing is another option if added by the deadline.
- Dress for an outdoor December run and stay alert to traffic, since local roads remain open and runners must stay within the cones.
Special Events & Promotions
- Race-day online registration is available only if the race has not sold out, until packet pickup ends.
- Packet mailing is available as a registration add-on; it must be added by the stated deadline.
- Participants can switch from the in-person race to the virtual run before the stated cutoff date.
- Race winners receive one complimentary registration for a future Calibrate Event Production race.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Are strollers permitted on the race course?
Strollers are permitted in the 5K race only and must start at the back of the pack. They are not allowed in the half marathon.
Can I run with my dog or wear headphones?
Dogs are not allowed on the course, and the use of headphones is strongly discouraged because roads remain open to local traffic.
Is there an age limit to participate?
Participants must be at least 8 years of age or older to run the 5K and at least 14 years of age or older to run the half marathon.
Will there be a bag check available?
No bag check is offered because parking is located directly on campus near the start and finish lines.
Is there a time limit to complete the races?
The half marathon course remains open for a 3:30 finish time (approximately 16 minutes per mile). There is no time limit for the 5K.
More Christmas Events Near Haverhill
More Christmas Events near Haverhill
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