First Annual Pursuit of Happiness 5k
Come celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence at the inaugural running of the Pursuit of Happiness 5k!
Join us on July 11, 2026
Hosted by the American Independence Center, the race starts and finishes in historic downtown Exeter, the Revolutionary Capital of New Hampshire. The race route will take you past the iconic Exeter Bandstand, the Old Town Hall, and the site of the Town House Common where the Declaration of Independence was first read to the citizens of New Hampshire on July 16, 1776!
So, why is the race on July 11th and not the 4th? Great question and the answer is really fun – if you love history as much as we do! After the Declaration of Independence was adopted in Philadelphia on July 4th, the Continental Congress sent it to a printer in Philadelphia named John Dunlap. Known as the Dunlap Broadside, original copies of the Declaration were sent to each of the 13 colonies. New Hampshire’s copy of the Dunlap Broadside arrived in Exeter on July 16, 1776. Every summer on the weekend in July closest to the 16th, the good people of Exeter celebrate the arrival of the Declaration at the Independence Festival put on by – you guessed it – the American Independence Center.
Wanna know another fun fact? The Dunlap Broadside was discovered in the attic of the Ladd-Gilman House, home of the American Independence Center, in 1985! After the race, stay for Festival and see the original Dunlap Broadside for yourself at the American Independence, located just a few extra steps from the finish line.
Countdown to Race Day
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RACE INFO
Race Location
The start/finish line will be near the intersection of Water Street and Center Street in downtown Exeter, NH. Bib packet pick-up and race day registration will be at the Ladd-Gilman House, 1 Governor Lane, Exeter. (The Ladd-Gilman House is directly behind the M&T Bank. Simply walk up Center Street and you will see the pop-up tent).
Packet Pick-up and Race Day Registration
You can pick up your race packet on Friday July 10, 2026, between 4:00-8:00 p.m. at the Ladd-Gilman House under the pop-up tent, and on Saturday morning from 6:00-7:30 a.m. Race registration will be available on Friday and Saturday for $45. We cannot guarantee a race shirt for late registrations because . . . well . . . the shirts have to be ordered in advance.
Bathrooms
There will be port-a-potties in the M&T Bank parking lot off Center Street, about 100 yards (maybe) from the start/finish line. There will be additional port-a-potties in the lower parking lot of the American Independence Museum at the corner of Water and Spring Streets, behind the Folsom Tavern. There are also public restroom in the Old Town Hall on Water Street, accessible from the street.
Directions to Exeter
Exeter is located in the Seacoast Region of New Hampshire, only a few minutes West of I-95, and approximately 30 minutes East of I-93 in Manchester, NH.
From Boston and points along the North Shore, take I-95 North into New Hampshire. Take Exit 2 in Hampton to 101 West toward Manchester. Take Exit 11 and turn left onto Portsmouth Avenue (Route 108) at bottom of ramp. Follow to High Street and turn right. This will take you into downtown Exeter.
From Boston and points inland, take I-93 North toward New Hampshire. You can take I-495 North toward Portsmouth and follow the above instructions from I-95 North. Or, you can continue on I-93 to Manchester and follow NH Route 101 East to Exit 11 in Exeter. Take right at bottom of ramp onto Portsmouth Avenue (Route 108). Follow to High Street and take a right toward downtown.
From Maine, follow I-95 South to Exit 2 in Hampton to 101 West toward Manchester. Take Exit 11 and turn left onto Portsmouth Avenue (Route 108) at bottom of ramp. Follow to High Street and turn right. This will take you into downtown Exeter.
From points near central NH, follow NH Route 101 East to Exit 11 in Exeter. Take right at bottom of ramp onto Portsmouth Avenue (Route 108). Follow to High Street and take a right toward downtown.
Parking
There are several parking lots within a short distance of the start/finish line. There lots at the Lincoln Street and Main Street Elementary Schools are approximately ½ mile from the start. There is some street parking (but remember most of Water Street will be closed). There is a public lot on Water Street across from Otto Pizza.
Course Details
This is a 5K (3.1 miles) measured loop course, beginning and ending on Water Street. The course if very flat, except for a little riser to start as you come off Water Street and turn right onto Front Street. The good news is that little riser means it’s a downhill finish! The course goes along Front Street, soft left on Linden, left on Gary Lane, right on Thelma Lane, left on Patricia Lane, left on Court Street, and then right on Front Street to the finish!
Bag Drop
You probably will not need to drop a bag since parking is close by. However, if you wish to drop a bag at the registration table at the American Independence Center, please mark it clearly with your name. Please pick up your bag immediately after the race.
Timing
Timing services are provided by Granite State Racing Services in Exeter, New Hampshire. The race is chip-timed. The chip will be on your race bib.
Post-Race
After the race, refresh with bottled water, snacks, fruit and other goodies. The food will be on Water Street in front of the American Independence Museum.
Beer
It’s a little too early in the morning to start serving beer. BUT . . . we are proud to partner with the Boston Beer Co., the maker of the Sam Adams line of frothy beverages, for the Independence Festival. Sam Adams will be on tap at 12:00 noon at the Festival! Your race bib is good for one free pour. So, don’t throw away your bib! Bring it to Festival and enjoy a cold one on us!