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Ipswich Ale Half Marathon

Sat April 20, 2024 Ipswich, MA 01938 US

Events

Ipswich Ale Half Marathon

8:00AM EDT - 12:00PM EDT

Description

Don’t miss this popular half marathon on one of the prettiest courses you’ll ever run!  The Ipswich Ale Half Marathon starts and finishes at beautiful Crane Beach in Ipswich, MA. Runners climb up and around the spectacular Crane Estate in the first mile - “Storming the Castle!” - before heading west on Argilla Road past open farmland, picturesque salt marshes and classic New England stone walls. The course winds through scenic neighborhoods along the Ipswich River before runners turn around and head back to Argilla Road and the final four miles to the finish line.  To celebrate your race back at the beach, enjoy traditional runner recovery food, fresh pizza, grilled hot dogs and, of course, two free Ipswich Ale beers!

Hosted by the Ipswich-Rowley Rotary, the Ipswich Ale Half Marathon would not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors, partners and dozens of volunteers. Proceeds from the race are used by the Ipswich-Rowley Rotary Charitable Trust to support a number of local charities. We want to thank our principle sponsors - Ipswich Ale Brewery and the Institution for Savings - for all that they do to make this race a success.  We also want to express our gratitude to the Trustees of Reservations and the Ipswich YMCA for their extensive support.

News and Updates

 

Thank you runners for your support of the 2024 Ipswich Ale Half Marathon.  Despite a rainy start, almost 500 runners came out to "Storm the Castle!"  

 

The success of the Ipswich Ale Half would not be possible without the backing of our sponsors - the Ipswich Ale Brewery, Ipswich YMCA, Institution for Savings, Trustees of Reservations and Beverly and Addison Gilbert Hospitals.  Also, a big thank you and shout out to our many generous supporters including Bank Gloucester, Kayem Foods, Action Ambulance, Ipswich House of Pizza, Rich Kallman, Coastal Physical Therapy, Little Wolf Coffee and East End Bagels!  

 

And, of course, thank you to numerous Ipswich town officials for their continued support and assistance and to the more than 60 race volunteers who every year help to ensure a fun and safe race!

 

SAVE THE DATE!  Next year's race will take place on Saturday, April 19, 2025.  So mark your calendars! Keep an eye on the website for updates, but we anticipate that registration will open in mid-October.  

 

We look forward to seeing everyone back in Ipswich next April!

Place

Crane Beach
Argilla Rd
Ipswich, MA US 01938

Race Details

Date/Time/Location

Saturday April 20, 2024
Start/Finish at Crane Beach
310 Argilla Rd., Ipswich, MA
8:00 am Start

Cost 

$89 registration (plus admin fee) October 17, 2023 through March 20, 2024
$105 late registration (plus admin fee) March 21, 2024 through April 16, 2024

Refunds

Consistent with widespread road race policy, once you have registered there will be no refunds, transfer of bibs or deferrals. Because safety is our top priority, race organizers reserve the right to modify, shorten or cancel the race in the event of inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances that could make the race unsafe. There will be no make up date for this race.

Bib pick-up

Friday April 19th: 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm, Brewer's Table, 2 Soffron Ln, Ipswich, MA
Race Day, Saturday April 20th: 6:30 am-8:00 am, Crane Beach, 310 Argilla Rd, Ipswich, MA

Course Time Limit

The course and finish line will remain open and supported for 3 hours – until 11:00 am. Runners on the course beyond the time limit should not expect to receive timed results or awards and will not be supported by race staff, volunteers or services.

Cash Awards

There will be cash awards for the top three male and top three female finishers and for the top male and female finishers who are Ipswich residents. There will not be age group cash awards at this year’s race.  Runners cannot win more than one award. Awards must be claimed at the awards table in the finish area by 11:30 am.  Awards will not be mailed.

Post Race Party

The popular Ipswich Ale Half Marathon post race party will be back!  Details will be provided in the months ahead.

Race T-shirts

Each registered runner will receive a “Storm the Castle!” race t-shirt. Due to long lead times on ordering the tshirts, we cannot guarantee your specific size.  Shirts will be available on a first come first served basis on Friday April 19th and Saturday April 20th during bib pick-up. Shirts will not be mailed.  In addition, each finisher will receive an official Ipswich Ale Half Marathon finisher’s medal.

 

The Course

The course has a total climb/ascent of 576 feet and a maximum elevation of 157 feet – which occurs in the first mile when runners “Storm the Castle” on the Crane Estate. Runners will face several smaller hills, but otherwise the course is generally flat/rolling terrain.

The course is not certified, but it has been carefully measured.

For your safety,  police officers, course marshals, medical personnel and volunteers will be deployed along the course. However, the roads will not be closed to traffic so it is the responsibility of all runners to be aware of road traffic at all times.

There are five water stops along the course at miles (approx) 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 and 11.5.  Gatorade will be available at the 5 and10 mile water stops.

In addition to the Crane Beach restrooms, there are porta johns in the Start/Finish area and on the course at miles (approx) 4.5, 7.5 and 9.5.

FAQs

Will there be race day registration?

The field is capped and we expect the 2024 race to sell out just like last year's race. If the race sells out, there will not be any race day registration. Check the website for registration status. Register early to ensure you get a bib!

When is bib pickup?

Friday April 19th: 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm.  Brewer's Table, 2 Soffron Ln, Ipswich, MA
Race Day, Saturday April 20th: 6:30 am-8:00 am, Crane Beach, Ipswich, MA

Can somebody else pick up my bib?

Yes.

Will there be refunds if I can’t run or in the event of inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances?

No. Consistent with widespread road race policy, once you have registered there will be no refunds, transfer of bibs or deferrals. Because safety is our top priority, race organizers reserve the right to modify, shorten or cancel the race in the event of inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances that could make the race unsafe. There will be no make up date for this race.

Where is the Start and where do I park?

The race starts and finishes at Crane Beach, Argilla Rd, Ipswich.  Free parking for runners and spectators is in the Crane Beach parking lot which is next to the start/finish area.

When should I arrive race morning?

The Crane Beach parking lot will not be open until 6:15 am on race day. Please do not arrive earlier than 6:15 am.  The race will start promptly at 8:00 am.

Is there a place to store my belongings?

No. There is no bag drop. Please leave your valuables at home and secure your belongings in your car. Race organizers are not responsible for anything left behind or unattended.

Is the course certified?

The course is not certified, but it has been carefully measured.

Are the roads closed for this race?

No. The roads are not closed for the race. For your safety, there will be police officers, course marshals, and volunteers along the course. However, it is the responsibility of all runners to be aware of road traffic at all times.

Where are the porta johns/restrooms?

The Trustees of Reservations have agreed to allow runners to use the Crane Beach restrooms which are located adjacent to the beach parking lot and the start/finish area. There will also be a porta john in the start/finish area and porta johns on the course at miles (approx) 4.5, 7.5 and 9.5.

Can I run with my dog?

No. This is for your safety and the safety of all runners. Moreover, dogs are not permitted on Trustee property (i.e., Crane Beach and beach parking lots) after March 31st, so spectators are also asked to leave their dogs at home.  Please pass the word to family and friends.

Can I run with a baby stroller?

No. This is for your safety and the safety of all runners.

Can I run with headphones?

For your safety, the safety of all runners, and to ensure you can hear traffic and course marshals, we strongly discourage the use of headphones.

Will there be pacers?

No.

Is there a time limit?

The course and finish line will remain open and supported for 3 hours – until 11:00 am. Runners on the course beyond the time limit should not expect to receive timed results or awards and will not be supported by race staff, volunteers or services.  

Are there cash awards for the top finishers?

There will be cash awards for the top three male and top three female finishers and for the top male and top female finishers who are Ipswich residents. There will not be age group cash awards at this year’s race.  Runners cannot win more than one award. Awards must be claimed at the awards table in the finish area by 11:30 am.  Awards will not be mailed.

Will there be water stops on the course?

There will be five water stops on the course at miles (approx) 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 and 11.5. The water stops at 5 and 10 miles will also have Gatorade.

Will there be medical support on the course?

Yes. Medical support will be located at the start/finish area as well as on the course. For your safety, there will also be police officers, course marshals and volunteers along the course.

Will there be a post race party?

Yes. The popular Ipswich Ale Half Marathon post race party will be back!  Check back in the months ahead for details.   

Where do proceeds from the race go?

100% of the race’s net proceeds go to the Ipswich Rotary Charitable Trust in support of scholarships for Ipswich and Triton High School students and to other local charities. 

Can I, or someone I know, volunteer?

If you are interested in helping out as a race volunteer, please email ipswichalehalf@gmail.com

 

Race Contact Info

If you have any questions about this race, please contact the race director at

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