ABOUT

The Race

While the course was set in 1775, this race started as an idea in 2024. Through research it was discovered that the ride of Paul Revere was 13.1 miles long. The route follows the exact path, with no additions and no deviations from the midnight ride. This is based on Revere’s own account, maps from 1775, and the consultation of experts from historical organizations like the Paul Revere House. The route starts in Charlestown where he borrowed a horse, and ends at the Hancock-Clarke House in Lexington where he warned Sam Adams and John Hancock that the Regulars were on the move. Omitted from the race course are the portions he walked in the North End from his house to the shore, his rowboat ride across the Charles River, and his thwarted attempt to ride to Concord.

Previously, runners had followed the driving directions published on the Paul Revere House’s website, but there are some historical inaccuracies that are caused by modern one way streets and roundabouts.

The accurate course was first tested in January 2025 by a lone runner to see what it was like to run the route. Then, in April 2025, the Inaugural Paul Revere Half Marathon took place with six runners making the trek to Lexington.

questions?

Have a question? Shoot an email to info@paulreverehalf.com and we’ll get back to you.

“…I set off upon a very
good Horse; it was then about 11 o'Clock, & very pleasant. After I
had passed Charlestown Neck, & got nearly opposite where Mark was
hung in chains, I saw two men on Horse back, under a Tree.
When I got near them, I discovered they were British officer.
One tryed to git a head of Me, & the other to take me. I turned
my Horse very quick, & Galloped towards Charlestown neck,
and then pushed for the Medford Road. The one who chased
me, endeavoring to Cut me off, got into a Clay pond, near
where the new Tavern is now built. I got clear of him,
and went thro Medford, over the Bridge, & up to Menotomy.
In Medford, I awaked the Captain of the Minute men; & after
that, I alarmed almost every House, till I got to Lexington.
I found Messrs. Hancock & Adams at the Rev. Mr. Clark's; I told
them my errand…”