Runners Take Note: Manchester Road Race Early Bird Registration Discount Set To Expire

MANCHESTER, CT — Runners are registering for the 2026 edition of the Manchester Road Race presented by Hartford HealthCare at a brisk pace, an official from the Manchester Road Race Committee reported Thursday.

That's taking advantage of the early discount.

Registrar Dani Kennedy said that 4,076 entries had been received by 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 23. Registration for the celebrated Thanksgiving Day run through Manchester's central streets opened on Sept. 1.^.

Last year, 12,382 runners and walkers signed up for the race.

"We are ahead of where we were in terms of entries at this time last year," Kennedy said. "We are urging everyone to register as soon as possible."

Kennedy is also reminding participants that there is about a week left to take advantage of the race's early bird entry fee, which is $32 for runners who sign up prior to 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sept. 30.

The registration fee increases to $37 on Oct. 1, then to $40 on Nov. 1 and then to $42 on Nov. 21. at 4:30 p.m. EST

Online registration is available at:

• www.manchesterroadrace.com

Registration for the race closes completely on Nov. 24 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

The iconic, 4.737-mile road race, which attracts some of the world's best long distance competitors, is being held for the 90th time this Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 26 of this year) at 10 a.m. It is run on a loop course that starts and finishes on Main Street in Manchester, in front of St. James Church.

Dr. Tris Carta, the p[resident of the Manchester Road Race Committee, said the charitable beneficiaries of this year's race will be Rebuilding Together of Manchester and Habitat for Humanity of North Central Connecticut.

"Every entry fee will assist these two great organizations to help our neighbors in the community," he said.

More details about the Manchester Road Race presented by Hartford HealthCare are available at www.manchesterroadrace.com .