Brought to You by Mid-State Health Center, Bristol Rotary Club and New Hampshire Marathon.
Mid-State Health, in proud partnership with the Bristol Rotary Club and the New Hampshire Marathon, is thrilled for the 2026 Kids’ Marathon! This FREE event, open to children in grades K through 8, will take place alongside the New Hampshire Marathon this October. The Kids’ Marathon is all about building healthy habits, staying active, and having fun every step of the way!
Here’s how it works:
Kids in grades K through 8 can register to participate and begin their marathon journey before race day. Each participant is encouraged to complete 25.2 miles of running, walking, or other physical activity leading up to the event. Then, on race day, they’ll gather in Bristol, NH to complete the final mile, crossing the finish line as full marathoners alongside their peers in an exciting and supportive environment.
Race day is set for Saturday, October 3rd, during the New Hampshire Marathon festivities. Check-in begins at 8:00 AM at Kelley Park in Bristol, with the Kids’ Marathon kicking off just after 9:00 AM. Participants will be transported to the start line near the Mill Stream Parking Area along the Multi-Use Path, just across from Old Mill Properties. Parents and guardians are encouraged to stay and cheer; there’s nothing better than seeing these young runners cross the finish line back at Kelley Park!
And the celebration doesn’t stop there! Immediately following the race, kids will be recognized for their incredible accomplishment. Completing a marathon, one mile at a time, is no small feat, and every participant deserves to be celebrated for their dedication and hard work.
Each child who brings a COMPLETED training log on race day will receive a special marathon medal. To register and download a training log, visit Kids Marathon | New Hampshire Marathon or stop by the Tapply-Thompson Community Center to pick up a registration packet. For questions, contact the NH Marathon team at race@nhmarathon.com or call (603) 744-2713.
Training can happen anywhere, around the neighborhood, at a local park, on a track, or even at the beach! Be sure to choose safe locations and always let an adult know where you’ll be. Grab a friend and use the buddy system to stay motivated. Don’t forget the basics: wear comfortable sneakers, fuel your body with healthy foods, stay hydrated, and get plenty of rest along the way.
Mid-State Health is proud to support young runners as they work toward their goals and discover the joy of staying active. Staff will be onsite volunteering and cheering participants on every step of the way. We can’t wait to celebrate these amazing kids as they cross the finish line and achieve something truly special this October!
About Mid-State Health Center
Mid-State Health Center delivers primary care and supportive services at locations in Bristol, Plymouth, and Lincoln, offering medical services, dental services, behavioral health counseling, physical and occupational therapy, orthopedics, nutrition, chiropractic, diagnostic imaging, infusion, recovery, and care management for the entire family. The mission of Mid-State Health Center is to provide sound primary health care to the community accessible to all regardless of the ability to pay.