The Cheap Marathon

The Cheap Marathon

Derry, New Hampshire, United States

Overview

The Cheap Marathon draws approximately 550 finishers each April on a scenic road in Derry, United States. Millennium Running's flat rail-trail marathon ranks among the nation's top Boston-qualifier percentages with a time-trial start. The flat out-and-back course uses the Windham and Derry Rail Trail for two marathon loops. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

The Cheap Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

The Cheap Marathon 2027 race day

The next The Cheap Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 4 April 2027 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 100 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.

The Cheap Marathon course route

The The Cheap Marathon is a largely flat scenic road course suited to steady pacing. Starts and finishes on the Windham and Derry Rail Trail with a time-trial start format. The flat out-and-back course uses the Windham and Derry Rail Trail for two marathon loops. Mostly flat with gentle undulations.

The Cheap Marathon elevation profile

The The Cheap Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 100 metres of climbing and 95 metres of descent, with a net climb of 5 metres from start to finish.

Entry requirements

The Cheap Marathon is typically held in April. Registration opens through https://millenniumrunning.com/mr_cheap/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the The Cheap Marathon a Boston Qualifier?
The The Cheap Marathon is a Boston Qualifier. The The Cheap Marathon holds a certified 42.195 km course that can be used for Boston Marathon qualifying times, subject to current Boston Athletic Association standards and the race's USATF (or equivalent) certification status in the registration year.
What is the The Cheap Marathon elevation profile?
The The Cheap Marathon has 100 metres of total climbing and 95 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.
How long is the The Cheap Marathon?
The The Cheap Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. The The Cheap Marathon is a scenic road through Derry.
What time does the The Cheap Marathon start?
The 2027 The Cheap Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Sunday, 4 April 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on millenniumrunning.com/mr_cheap/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Where does The Cheap Marathon start and finish?
Starts and finishes on the Windham and Derry Rail Trail with a time-trial start format. Updated course maps are published at https://millenniumrunning.com/mr_cheap/ each year.
When is The Cheap Marathon and how do I register?
The Cheap Marathon is typically held in April. Registration opens through https://millenniumrunning.com/mr_cheap/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
Is The Cheap Marathon course flat?
Yes. The Cheap Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
What landmarks does The Cheap Marathon pass?
Runners complete two loops on the flat Windham and Derry Rail Trail.
What weather should runners expect at The Cheap Marathon?
Cool April mornings on the southern New Hampshire rail trail.

Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Nearby Marathons

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Manchester City Marathon
Clarence DeMar Marathon

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