Events
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, Ipswich Ale!
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
SAVE THE DATE!
2026 Ipswich Ale Half Marathon will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Registration will open in mid-October.
Race information and website will be updated in September
Place
Argilla Rd
Ipswich, MA US 01938
Race Details
Date/Time/Location
Saturday April
Start/Finish at Crane Beach
310 Argilla Rd., Ipswich, MA
8:00 am Start
Cost
registration (plus admin fee) October 23, 2024 through March 18, 2025
late registration (plus admin fee) March 19, 2025 through April 13 2025
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
4:30 pm – 7:00 pm, Brewers Table Restaurant, 2 Soffron Ln, Ipswich, MA
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 18th and Saturday April 19th 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 rolling terrain.
The course is not certified, but it has been 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 also 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 2025 race to sell out. 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?
4:30 pm – 7:00 pm. Brewers Table Restaurant, 2 Soffron Ln, Ipswich, MA
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 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. 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 and are used to support local charities and scholarships.
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
Sponsors
Race Participant Survey
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