Race Information & Rules
General Information
- There are NO lockers available so arrive prepared to run
- Plan to arrive early, you can expect delays in travel, parking and getting into the starting areas
- Please read the information about Parking and taking the Shuttle
- Toilet facilities are available in many areas
- Dress warmly and appropriately for standing around before and after the race
- Be prepared to hand off extra clothing to a friend before the start of the race
- The Connecticut Chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association will provide pre-race and post-race sports massages to registered runners at the Cone Gymnasium of Bennet Academy (8:00am–12:00 noon) on race day. A fee of $15 will be charged for a 15-minute sports massage. Cash, checks and credit cards will be accepted
Road Closure Information
- Main Street closes at 5:30 am and remains closed until approximately 11:30 am
- All roads, intersecting the race course, will be closed at 9:00 am; it will not be possible to enter or leave the interior of the race course during the race
- Exit ramps from I-384, adjacent to the race course, will be closed from 9:00 - 11:30 am (i.e. Westbound Exit 4 (Highland) and Exit 3 (Charter Oak), Eastbound Exit 3 (Main) and Exit 4 (Wyllys)
- Normal traffic should resume sometime after 11:30 am
Safety Alerts
- No wheels of any kind (e.g. in-line skates, baby strollers, bicycles) and no pets are allowed anywhere on the race course
- No headphones or earbuds may be worn while on the race course
- Stay on the race course! Do not shortcut onto sidewalks or yards to get around other runners as this can cause injuries and damage to personal property
- A word of caution for new or young runners - the "pack" of runners at the start can feel a bit overwhelming. If you have a child of tender years, please start the race with them. The huge throng of people can be a bit frightening
General Security
The Manchester Road Race Committee and officials from the Town of Manchester continue to be vigilant with their security efforts in connection with this year’s race on Thanksgiving Day. Our objective is to ensure the safety of all participants and spectators
- Please do not leave backpacks, containers, or bundled items unattended. Unattended items left within the restricted area will be confiscated (see below)
- Please help us to provide a safe and pleasant environment at this wonderful event. IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING
Restricted Area
Wearing Costumes
The Manchester Road Race Committee strives each year to hold a world-class Thanksgiving Day road race that is safe, fun and family-friendly. We want all of our runners and spectators to feel welcome and to enjoy the race. Over the years, runners in costumes have become a tradition at the race, and contribute to its festive holiday atmosphere and spirit.
We respectfully urge runners who wear costumes or who carry signs or props during the race to exercise good judgment, and to be considerate of others. Please refrain from the use of costumes, signs or props that are lewd, culturally insensitive, threatening or unsafe.
Your cooperation will help us to continue making the Manchester Road Race a wonderful holiday tradition and a positive experience for all our participants.
Walkers
Walkers are welcome in the Manchester Road Race. If you choose to walk the course, please assemble at the Walkers Mall in front of St. James Church before the start of the race. Once the runners have crossed the start line, the Walkers Mall will open and all walkers will file in behind the runners.
We are often asked if there is a race fee for walkers. The answer is a definite YES. The only difference between a walker and a runner is the time it takes to finish the race. Walkers, like runners, are provided safety, road closures, shuttle transportation, restrooms and other functions of the race. Their fee also helps support charitable donations made by the Manchester Road Race.
Cancellation
The Manchester Road Race may be cancelled in the event of a threatening and/or hazardous occurrence, either natural or manmade.
The decision to cancel the Race will be made by the Director of Race Day Operations in collaboration with the Manchester Incident Management Team Unified Command.
Information regarding Race cancellation will be disseminated via all forms of media that can be contacted, including radio and television.
There will be no postponement of the Race.
Monies from the Race will be given to charity after Race preparation expenses have been paid. There will be no refunds as a result of a cancellation of delay.
Delay
In the event of a short term delay of the start of the Race announcements will be made by megaphones and announcer messages at the start/finish line.
The decision to delay the Race will be made by the Director of Race Day Operations in collaboration with the Manchester Incident Management Team Unified Command.
Media Coverage
- The 4.748-mile holiday run through the town’s central streets will be broadcast live on television by FOX61 from 9:00 am – 11:00 am on Thanksgiving Day with anchors Tim Lammers and Erika Arias alongside race analyst Ian Brooks. The road race will also be available for streaming on-demand on the FOX61+ app, available on Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV.
- WTIC NewsTalk 1080 will broadcast from the race course, with Brian Shactman, from 5:30 am - 10:00 am. Live coverage of the race will then be broadcast from 10:00 am - 11:00 am.
Fastest Times
The Manchester Road Race has hosted some of the world's greatest runners and its fans have witnessed some remarkable performances. Stunning course records have been set by both men and women, only to be smashed by others within a few years. Most recently, Weini Kelati established a phenomenal women's standard in 2021, by finishing in 22:55. While in 2022, five men broke the existing Open Division course record, with Provo, Utah native Conner Mantz setting the new record of 21:04. A list of the race's fastest finishers, their times and place is available here.
