View more Connecticut Road Races.
Connecticut ranks as one of the healthiest states in the United States, which isn’t surprising when you think of its massive number of great outdoor activities and road races that welcome the whole family. Here are 9 great road races across Connecticut, so lace up your sneakers and get ready to hit the road.
The Manchester Road Race is an annual event that is a favorite for many Connecticut residents. The course is 4.748 miles long and starts and finishes on Main Street. In addition to the adult race, there is a Little Manchester Road Race for very young children. Keep in mind that pets, strollers, and headphones are not allowed in the race.
The Faxon Law New Haven Road Race takes place on Labor Day every year. Winners of certain races are eligible to win cash prizes. Races include a children’s fun run, 20K, half marathon, and a 5K. Along the course there are over 10 bands and DJs, and numerous crowds cheering on runners, especially along the New Haven Green. The bands and crowds make this race an exciting one, so do be sure to register early!
Look out for the Harvard Pilgrim Middletown race come springtime each year, which is sponsored by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. This race seeks to raise food for the Amazing Grace Food Pantry, so runners and crowds alike are asked to bring non-perishable food items. The course starts on Main Street and distances include a half marathon and four-mile race.
Get out to see the state by joining in on the o’run fun. O’runs will take you to Putnam for the Courthouse O’Putnam 5K, Niantic for the O’Niantic 5K, and Hartford for the O’Hartford 5K. If you register and run in each of the three races, you’ll earn a Trinity Medal for completion of a total of 15K. O’runs encourage runners to see different parts of the state and find the hidden gems of Putnam and Niantic. As with several other races, runners and those watching the race are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to donate so Connecticut can “outrun hunger.”
Coming up on Dec. 10, head to McCook Point Beach and Park for a festive 5K. Proceeds from this race support the Brian T. Dagle Memorial Foundation, Inc., which seeks to help those who are grieving receive the necessary support. The run starts and ends at McCook Point Beach and goes through the scenic (and hilly) Niantic beach neighborhoods. Be sure to register online before the race begins.
This race, which has been has been an annual event for over 10 years now, is a run/walk that is exclusive to women and girls. This is an all ages and abilities race to encourage, promote, and celebrate women’s fitness. This 5K route starts and finishes in the Elizabeth Park Rose Garden and conveniently takes place while the roses are in full bloom. So, you’ll enjoy a run and a view of the beautiful rose garden!
The Pequot Running Club’s website describe their group as “fitness-conscious runners of all ages and abilities.” The club was created in 1978, when a group of runners would meet several days a week. This club later created the Thanksgiving Day 5 Mile Road Race. This has become a tradition around the holidays among Connecticut folk, and you won’t want to miss it! Several thousand runners participate each year, traversing the hills of scenic Southport, Connecticut, all the way down to Long Island Sound.
Each November, Norwich holds its annual Norwich Winterfest 5K, which benefits mental health diagnoses for Reliance Health, Inc. In addition to races, other activities include face painting, massages, and a parade that begins at 1 p.m. This run is open to all fitness levels and walking is allowed. Cash prizes are available for the top finishers in each category.
On St. Patrick’s Day weekend each March, visit the beautiful town of Mystic for its annual Mystic Irish 5K. Show your Irish pride by wearing green and staying for the parade that takes place on Sunday—race winners are even meant to walk in the parade! The course goes through downtown Mystic and along the beautiful River Road, making this a very scenic run.