Big Day Run Off

The Big Day Run Off is a grassroots half marathon scheduled for Sunday, May 3, 2026, in Gorham, New Hampshire. Now in its second year, the event is hosted by Big Day Brewing and serves as a fundraiser for the Coös Cycling Club to support the stewardship and maintenance of the Coös Trails Network. The race is designed to showcase the "North Country" outdoor adventure scene, offering a technical yet community-focused experience for mountain runners and trail enthusiasts.

The event is centered at Big Day Brewing, which provides the start/finish line, parking, and post-race facilities. Registration remains flexible, with day-of sign-ups permitted until 9:30 AM ET if bib numbers are still available.

The geography of the course is defined by the rugged foothills of the White Mountains. The majority of the route takes place on the Coös Trails Network's singletrack, featuring technical footing and moderate climbing. The course includes a 0.1-mile paved connection and roughly 1.2 miles of gravel or woods roads, including segments used as snowmobile trails in winter. In early May, Gorham typically experiences cool, damp spring conditions with average highs of 16°C (61°F), though trail conditions can vary significantly depending on the timing of the annual "mud season" in New England.

Logistically, the event provides a "beer and sandwich" combo to all finishers, encouraging a social atmosphere in the Big Day Brewing beer garden. Participants are advised to bring a change of clothes and shoes for the post-race celebration. Results and podium awards are processed shortly after the leading runners finish, with timing managed through the UltraSignup platform.

Trail running demographics in Northern New Hampshire often reflect the regional population of the North Country, while attracting athletes from across New England. According to the 2024 State of Trail Running report and US Census data for the region, participation in rural mountain events remains distinct from urban road races. In New Hampshire, approximately 91.2% of trail runners identify as White. Other ethnic groups are represented at lower rates: roughly 3.4% identify as Hispanic or Latino, 2.1% identify as Asian, and approximately 1.2% identify as Black or African American. While overall participation in the sport grew by 12% in the Northeast last year, organizers in the White Mountain region are increasingly focused on improving access for underrepresented groups to ensure the local "muscle-powered" trail systems reflect a broader cross-section of the hiking and running community.