Millennium Running to Lead the Next Chapter of Reach the Beach Relay

Event Co-Founder Mike Dionne Returns as Reach the Beach Looks Ahead to a September 2027 Relaunch

August 29, 2026

BEDFORD, N.H. — Millennium Running announced today that it has reached an agreement with Ragnar and its parent company, FitLab, to acquire the Reach the Beach Relay and assume responsibility for the event’s future production and operations.

Founded in New Hampshire in 1999, Reach the Beach Relay has brought thousands of runners together for an unforgettable 200-plus-mile journey from the White Mountains to the Seacoast, building a legacy around teamwork, adventure, camaraderie and community.

As part of the transition, Reach the Beach co-founder Mike Dionne will join Millennium Running to help guide the event into its next chapter while preserving the traditions that have made Reach the Beach a favorite among runners for more than two decades.

After carefully evaluating the timeline for the 2026 Reach the Beach Relay, scheduled for September 18–19, and the work required to deliver the experience participants, communities and partners deserve, Millennium Running has made the decision to move the next Reach the Beach Relay to September 2027.

The decision follows a comprehensive review of the event’s financial, operational and permitting requirements. In addition to preparing for the significant resources required to produce the 2027 relay, Millennium is taking responsibility for outstanding obligations from prior event operations and working with municipalities, state agencies, public safety partners and other stakeholders to reestablish the necessary foundation for the event. Given the scope of that work, Millennium determined that a 2027 relaunch would provide the time needed to do it properly and deliver the experience participants and communities expect.

All currently registered teams will receive a guaranteed entry into the 2027 event, with additional details regarding registration transfers and participant options to be communicated directly in the coming days.

“Our mission has always been to create exceptional running experiences while preserving the traditions that bring our community together,” said John Mortimer, Founder of Millennium Running. “Reach the Beach is a truly special event with an incredible legacy. We are honored to become its next steward, and we believe giving our team the time to properly plan and prepare for its return is the right thing to do for our participants, our communities and everyone who has helped make this event special.”

Millennium Steps In to Rebuild the Event

As part of the acquisition, Millennium Running is assuming responsibility for outstanding obligations from the 2025 Reach the Beach Relay, including unpaid commitments to municipalities, state agencies, public safety partners and charitable organizations that supported the event.

Millennium has committed to addressing these obligations as part of the transition, in addition to taking on the significant costs associated with rebuilding the operational and permitting foundation required to bring Reach the Beach back in 2027.

“Taking on Reach the Beach means taking on the responsibility that comes with it,” said Mortimer. “We know there are communities, public agencies and charitable organizations that supported this event in 2025 and are still owed money. We believe those obligations need to be addressed, and Millennium is committed to doing that as part of taking this event forward.”

“For us, this isn’t simply about acquiring an event. It’s about taking responsibility for its past and investing in its future. We want to rebuild the trust and relationships that make an event like Reach the Beach possible and make sure our partners know that when Millennium makes a commitment, we stand behind it.”

The transition has received support from state officials and community partners as Millennium works to establish a strong foundation for the event, including New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte and New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation Director Shawn Hamilton.

“For more than two decades, Reach the Beach has been an important tradition for endurance athletes in New Hampshire. I’m glad to see Millennium Running make a long-term commitment to keeping this race going, and I thank them for working collaboratively with our state agencies to make it happen. I look forward to welcoming athletes from across our state and around the country to Reach the Beach in 2027,” said Governor Kelly Ayotte.

“Reach the Beach has been a part of New Hampshire State Parks for many years and gives runners from across the country a chance to experience our parks and some of the most beautiful places in New Hampshire. We’re excited to work with Millennium Running to bring the race back and keep this great Granite State tradition going,” said Shawn Hamilton, Director of the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation.

“The support we’ve received from the State of New Hampshire and our partners has been extraordinary,” added Mortimer. “Their willingness to work with us as we take on these responsibilities gives us tremendous confidence about the future of Reach the Beach. Together, we’re not simply bringing Reach the Beach back—we’re building the foundation for its next 25 years.”

A Founder Returns

For Dionne, returning to Reach the Beach represents an opportunity to help shape the future of an event he helped create.

“Reach the Beach has always been about teamwork, adventure and creating lifelong memories,” said Mike Dionne, co-founder of Reach the Beach. “I’m incredibly excited to join Millennium Running and help lead its next chapter. Their passion for the sport, commitment to quality and deep roots in New England make them the right organization to carry this event forward.”

Millennium Running will immediately begin planning for the September 2027 return, working alongside participants, volunteers, municipalities, sponsors, state agencies and community partners to rebuild the event on a strong foundation and create an experience that honors the relay’s history while introducing new ideas and enhancements for the future.

“Reach the Beach deserves a future that is every bit as meaningful as its past,” said Mortimer. “We’re excited to work with Mike, our state and local partners, and the entire Reach the Beach community to make 2027 the beginning of an exciting new chapter.”

Additional information regarding registration transfers, participant options, frequently asked questions and the 2027 event schedule will be shared directly with registered teams and published online in the coming days.