Jingle Bell Half Marathon
A December half on Haverhill's rolling rural roads, run as a figure eight beside the Merrimack River with a field big enough to keep the pace honest.
Every link above goes to the race, its timing provider, or an official registration partner. Last checked July 28, 2026.
Quick facts
- Rolling rural road course in a figure eight, starting and finishing at Northern Essex Community College.
- Field runs in the hundreds, large enough to give steady pack company without congestion.
- Cold-weather race, so plan layers that can come off in the first few miles.
- Chip timed by a regional timer with a paired 5K on the same morning.
2026 Jingle Bell Half Marathon registration
Registration for the 2026 Jingle Bell Half Marathon runs through the official registration page at runsignup.com.
About the Jingle Bell Half Marathon
Northern Essex Community College hosts one of the larger December halfs in New England, and the December calendar slot is the whole point. Runners use it as a late-season time trial after a fall marathon block, or as the last hard effort before winter. The holiday dressing is real, with music and Santa at the finish, but the timing and the field are what bring people back.
Course
A figure eight loop on rural Haverhill roads, with the Merrimack River in view for long stretches. The roads roll rather than climb, so there is no single decisive hill, but the repeated short rises make even splits harder than the elevation total suggests. The start and finish both sit at the community college, and parking is on campus.
Race-day weather
Early December in the Merrimack Valley usually means a start in the 20s or low 30s Fahrenheit with a chance of wind off the river. Cold hands at the start are common and shaded road sections can hold ice, so footing near the edges deserves attention.
Past Jingle Bell Half Marathon dates and results
| Year | Date | Status | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Sunday, December 6, 2026 | Upcoming | — |
Jingle Bell Half Marathon FAQ
When is the Jingle Bell Half Marathon?
The 2026 Jingle Bell Half Marathon is on Sunday, December 6, 2026.
How do I register for the Jingle Bell Half Marathon?
Register for the Jingle Bell Half Marathon through the official registration link: marathonscout.com/go/jingle-bell-half-marathon-haverhill/register. It opens the race registration page at runsignup.com.
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