FAQ’s

The 7th Annual Cochecho Challenge Half Marathon and is rapidly approaching and we wanted to give you some important information about packet pickup and about the race itself. We hope you are as excited as we are about race day, and we look forward to seeing all of you for our 8:15AM start time on April 22, 2023!

When can I pick-up my race packet?

Friday, September 3, 2021
from 3:30pm – 6:00pm at First Parish Church
We will also be able to sign up new registrants.

or Saturday, September 4, 2021
from 6:30am – 8:00am at First Parish Church
Registration will be located outside the main entrance of the church in the parking lot via Central Avenue.

Can I pick-up someone else’s number?

Yes, we do allow you to pick-up a friend or relative’s number.

What if I lose my number?

If you lose your number between packet pickup and race day, you may purchase an additional race number at day-of registration. Be sure to let us know, and we will refund the original cost of the lost bib after race day.

I registered after the cutoff to buy a long sleeve tech tee. Can I still get a shirt?

We will have a limited number of shirts available at packet pickup. They will be sold as long as supplies last!

How will I maintain social distance at the start?

Runners will be encouraged to line up relative to their expected race pace at the start. All racers who are not household members should plan to stay 3-6 feet apart for social distancing. Because this is a chip-timed event, all times will be recorded relative to when the racer crosses the start and finish lines, so there is no need for pushing or jockeying for position at the start. This will help ensure a safe racing experience for all.

What Medical Safety plan do you have in effect?

The City of Dover Fire Department will have a Rescue Vehicle, Fire Truck and EMT personnel present. Note that it can be hot in early September: stay hydrated!

Can I get a refund if I register but don't run?

Registrations are non-refundable and non transferable. If, however, you register and do not run, you may still pick up your race packet and shirt and join us in the fun.

Where can I park?

The church parking lot will be closed on the day of the race, but there will be ample on street parking in the vicinity of the church on Locust Street and side streets off of Locust (except Nelson and Church Streets). There is also a free parking lot behind the Dover Public Library that is conveniently located near the church, at 73 Locust St. Approximately .4 miles from the Church is the Orchard Street Parking lot and garage, and approximately .6 miles is the Amtrak Station parking off of Chestnut Street. For more parking information, see the City of Dover website or for a map of Dover lots, see here.

Where is the start and how do I get there?

The Start of both races is on Silver Street, just around the corner from the church. You can use 10 Silver Street in Dover, NH for a GPS location.

Will there be water stations?

The half marathon has water and Gatorade provided at 4 water stations spaced evenly along the course. The 5K will have one water station where the trail crosses Fisher Street.

Now that I’m hydrated, where are the port-a-potties?

There will be port-a-potties located in the church parking lot and runners are encouraged to use these designated for the Cochecho Challenge. Due to Covid restrictions, use of the church building will be limited. There will also be a port-a-potty available on the course, at Horne Street school.

Will there be a post-race celebration?

Running a race is worth celebrating! We will provide all runners with an individualized packet of post-race food. For safety reasons, Chapel and Main has offered to host runners for a free beer on site throughout the day at their Main Street location in Dover. A limit of 60 single-use coins will be available to half marathon registrants who would like to take advantage of this great opportunity to enjoy dining out in town.

The awards for our top racers will be posted outside the church on race day so that all overall winners can claim their prizes as they are able. We made this adjustment for safety reasons to avoid large crowds on race day. These awards are cash plus a Gift Certificate to Runner’s Alley for a prize package worth $600.

For Age Group winners, we are awarding gift certificates. Please check the results to see if you win your age group. The top three runners (after any overall winners) in each gender and age group will receive a certificate. Please check in at the registration area to claim your age-group award.

Are there mile markers on the course?

Yes. The course has been measured and it is marked in two ways. Note that the first mile will be approximately 50m short, and the last mile will be 50m long, as the course has been modified to accommodate improvements to our finish line area. There are marks on the road in white paint for the Start, Finish and every mile in between. There will also be signs posted for all mile markers.

How do I stay on course?

For the half marathon leader, just follow the l ad police vehicle. For the rest of us, our website shows a map of the course as well as a video to help you learn the way. We will also post a course map at Registration that highlights the race route. For the 5K, there will not be a lead vehicle and runners are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the route, but there will be road marshals at every turn.

Our courses are well marked. There will be course marshals at every turn and mile markers painted on the road surface. There will also be blue and white signs with directional arrows. The City of Dover will have police officers posted at key intersections along the course, and we will have experienced course marshals stationed at other intersections and volunteers at every turn of the course, all to help make this road race safe and fun for everyone.

Note that the 5K course has been altered from the previous running. Racers will now continue on the newly minted rail trail section past Fisher Street and take it to its apex at the intersection of Route 108. Runners will then turn right onto Rutland Street and follow the road to its intersection with Silver Street. See map.

We ask runners to be cautious and alert while racing. The roads will be open for traffic. Please be extra cautious on the unpaved sections of Covered Bridge Lane and on the narrow foot bridge just after mile # 5 that crosses the Cochecho River. There will be volunteers stationed at the bridge to monitor the flow of runners. If at any point you need medical assistance, please report it to the nearest volunteer along the course.

As a reminder, we are asking that there be no dogs on the race course for safety reasons. Strollers must line up at the back of the start line.

We cannot guarantee police or course marshals after 11:30 AM. Participants who may want to walk the course are advised that the police may not be available to help with street crossings after this time. Runners are still welcome to finish the race at any pace that is healthy and comfortable for them. We will offer a race sweep vehicle for anyone who prefers to get a ride as well.

What does my entry fee go toward?

Your entry fee pays for a high quality, USATF sanctioned event with police and medical staff presence, a subsidized commemorative race shirt with specialized cuts for men and women, lightweight B-chip racing bibs, a professional race announcer, and a safe and hearty post-race meal.

We rely on donors, sponsors, and volunteer efforts to put on this event and still give proceeds back to the community. With increased income, the Cochecho Challenge gives back to missions like End 68 Hours of Hunger, Grab and Go, The Dover Food Pantry, The Red Cross, Alcoholics Anonymous, Heifer Fair, and many others. Please consider making a donation by clicking on the tab at our registration website.

If you still have questions, please email Lesley Hocking at [email protected]

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We are blessed to have so many giving sponsors, donors and volunteers! If you wish to join us as a sponsor, donor or volunteer, please register today!