About This Race
The Hamsterwheel stands as New Hampshire's quirkiest endurance challenge, where runners navigate a 4-mile loop along the scenic New Boston Rail Trail for 6, 12, 24, or 30 hours straight. Now in its 12th year, this grassroots event embraces the absurdity of its name while providing an ideal testing ground for both newcomers to ultrarunning and veterans seeking to push their mileage limits. The flat, gentle course removes technical obstacles, allowing runners to focus purely on endurance and pacing strategy. Starting at 9:00 AM with staggered 15-minute intervals, participants follow the Piscataquog River on the rail trail before returning via the Hillsborough County Fairground's gravel perimeter road. The largely flat terrain with minimal elevation change creates an accessible yet challenging environment where mental fortitude matters more than technical trail skills. Loop tracking via chip timing ensures accurate mileage counts as runners accumulate their distances over their chosen time duration.
The 4-mile loop begins near the Hillsborough County Fairground entrance, heading outward on the New Boston Rail Trail alongside the Piscataquog River to the turnaround at Lang's Station. Runners then return on the same trail before turning onto the gravel service road that circles the fairground perimeter. The course features largely flat terrain with one minor elevation bump, creating a scenic and leg-friendly route that prioritizes endurance over technical difficulty.
Aid Stations
1 stations along the course
Start/Finish
water, electrolyte, food
Main aid station with chip timing
Practical Info
Early November in New Hampshire typically brings cool temperatures in the 40-50°F range with potential for rain or early season snow.
MHT - Manchester-Boston Regional Airport
The race location near the Hillsborough County Fairground provides easy access to Manchester area hotels, approximately 20 minutes away.
Best For
Notable Features
The Hamsterwheel's charm lies in its embrace of the repetitive nature suggested by its name, turning what could be monotonous into a meditative endurance experience. The 4-mile loop format allows for easy crew support and creates a community atmosphere where runners encourage each other lap after lap. With options ranging from 6 to 30 hours, it accommodates everyone from ultra-curious runners to serious endurance athletes seeking high mileage in a controlled environment.