Merrimack River Trail Race

Merrimack River 10-Mile Trail Race - 2026

The Merrimack River 10-mile trail race is an out-and-back event held along the Merrimack River with the start area located in the back parking lot of the DoubleTree by Hilton, 123 Old River Rd, Andover, MA. The 2026 edition is dedicated to a runner who passed away in February; a speaker will honor this runner before the start.

The event is USATF sanctioned and is part of the North Shore Trail Series. The course is ten miles with unmanned water stations at 2 and 8 miles and a manned station at 4 miles. Portable bathroom facilities are provided; participants are asked not to use the hotel’s indoor facilities. Parking is available in the back lot of the DoubleTree and on-site registration is offered the morning of the race.

Entry fees for pre-registration are Adult $15.00 and Youth (19 and under) $10; pre-registration closes 4/8/2026. T-shirts are available for an additional $10 while supplies last (about 40 shirts). Race day entry is $30.00 with cash or electronic payment; there is no refund or deferral and no field limit. Volunteers are requested.

Awards include a $100 prize for a new course record, baked goods and special prizes for overall and age-group winners, awards for second and third places, team awards, and a muddiest-runner prize. Refreshments are provided after the race. Event profits are donated to the Andover Village Improvement Society for Merrimack River Trail maintenance. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.