Spring Races in CT

Spring is finally here and there are lots of great spring races in CT you can run! Were you training all winter for one of these races? Do you have a goal finish time you wanted to beat? Maybe you are just beginning your journey with running, or you are training for one of the ultra marathons on this list.

Whatever your goal may be, it’s also a great time for you to get on the road and enjoy time with friends. There are lots of races to choose from that are sure to not disappoint.

April 29, 2023 – Mahoneysabol 5K At The Travelers Championship

Registration:
$38 – 5K Adult (Youth Ages 18-21 = $33)
$20 – 5K Youth (Youth Ages 5-12 = $15)
$38 – 1.5 Miles Fitness Walk Adult (Youth 18-21 = $33)
$20 – 1.5 Miles Fitness Walk Youth (Youth 5-17 = $20, Youths Ages 5-12 = $15)
$12 – FitKids Race (Ages 2-11)

Race Course:
This 5K route starts and finishes at the First Tee Building at the TPC River Highlands. A rolling looped course takes participants through Cromwell neighborhoods before finishing back at the TPC. The Fitness Walk is open for everyone to join! The 1.5-mile course starts with the 5K and finishes at the same finish line. This out-and-back course is relatively flat and completely on paved roads.

Start Time:
10:30 a.m.: FitKids Run
11:00 a.m.: 5K
11:00 a.m.: Fitness Walk
11:15 a.m.– 12:30 a.m.: Post Race Party -The First Tee of Connecticut, 55 Golf Club Road, Cromwell, CT
12:00 p.m.: Award Ceremony

Location:
There is plenty of parking at TPC River Highlands. Please follow the signs to enter on Meadow Road off of Main Street.

For more information visit the HMF site

April 29, 2023 – Woodstock CT Marathon

I found another marathon I didn’t know existed in CT. This race only accommodates 60 runners on the course at once, and this year is the last year they will be hosting this event. Act now and get registered before the spots are gone!

Registration:
$80 – Marathon
$40 – Relay Fee per Team Member

Race Course:
The course is hilly and takes place on a number of dirt, and public roads. The route will also be available to sync to your smartwatch through Footpath so you can track your progress during the race. You can view the course map for the full route and elevation map.

Start Time:
6:30 a.m.: Bib pickup
8:00 a.m.: Race Start
An event will be held at Taylor Brooke Brewery immediately following the race. There will be two food trucks, an exhibition of sponsors, charities, and local businesses.

Location:
The race will begin at the First Congregational Church 539 CT-169, Woodstock, CT, 06281.

The finish line is at Taylor Brooke Brewery & Winery, 848 CT-171, Woodstock, CT, 06281.

Transportation is offered to runners from the FINISH LINE (Taylor Brooke Brewery) TO THE START LINE BEFORE THE RACE STARTS. Runners can sign up here for the morning shuttle.

Relay teams are responsible for their own transportation to and from relay points during the race.

There will not be transportation back to the start in the afternoon.

For more information visit the Race site

April 30, 2023 – Daffodil Dash 5K – Meriden, CT

As part of the Daffodil festival, there is a 5K race that takes place along the USATF Certified Course (Out and Back along the beautiful Merimere Reservoir). Run, jog, and walk the Daffodil Dash and then enjoy the 2023 Daffodil Festival at Hubbard Park!

Proceeds go to all the great community causes the Meriden Parks & Recreation and Meriden Running Club support!

Registration:
$30 – 5K (Registration ends April 30)
$0 – Kids Fun Run

Start Time:
7:45 a.m.: Registration opens
8:45 a.m.: Kids Fun Run
9:00 a.m.: 5K start
Award Ceremony to Conclude

Location:
Hubbard Park, 999 West Main St, Meriden, CT

Click here for more information from the race organization.

April 30, 2023 – Jack Bristol Lake Waramaug Ultra Races – New Preston, CT

April 30, 2023, will be the 48th running and our 50th year. Let the tradition continue. The Jack Bristol Lake Waramaug Ultra Races are the oldest ultras in Connecticut and many other places. It is the oldest 100K in the United States. Come join us for the fun and celebration of another banner year.

Registration:
$160 – 100K
$160 – 50 Miler
$140 – 50K

Race Course:
The course is rolling loops but primarily flat on paved roads around scenic Lake Waramaug. Most people do PR’s on this course. There is a 2.2 mile out and back at the beginning of the race for all runners.

The 50K runners will then do three 7.6 mile laps around the lake followed by a 1.9 mile out and back to the finish at the State Park. 12-hour time limit.
The 50-mile runners will complete six laps around the lake and finish at the State Park. 13-hour time limit.
The 100K runners will do seven laps around the lake followed by a 2.3 mile out and back to finish at the State Park. 13-hour time limit.

Start Time:
6:30 a.m.: 100K & 50-Mile start
7:30 a.m.: 50K start

Location:
Lake Waramaug State Park, Kent, CT 06757

Click here for more information from the race organization.

May 7, 2023 – Mark Twain Redding Road Race – West Redding

Registration:
$70 – Half Marathon ($35 for virtual race)
$55 – 7 Mile Race ($30 for virtual race)
$25 – Kids Fun Run
Note: There is no race-day registration

Race Course:
The races begin and end at stunning Hoyt Campground in West Redding, Connecticut with a starting time of 8:00 am for the half and 8:35 am for the 7 miler. All races are on bucolic country roads that have runners passing a horse farm, a waterfall, a railroad bridge, wetlands, streams, lakes, a historic schoolhouse circa 1789 while finishing at the campground. The course can be categorized as challenging and rolling (with plenty of short hills but none that would be classified as long). There are also plenty of downhills and areas of flat running, so runners should have no problem settling into a comfortable pace.

At the end of the race, we’ll be offering the finest food spread and trophy ceremony in racing, massage therapy, and even a yoga class to help relax the muscles.

Schedule of Events

Saturday, May 6th:
12:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.: Race Packet Pick-up and Race Registration at Hoyt Campgrounds
3:00 p.m.Frank Shorter, Joan Benoit Samuelson, Bill Rodgers, and Amby Burfoot lead a warmup, casual 5K beginning and ending at the Campground
4:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.: Spaghetti Dinner at West Redding Fire Department hosted by BSA Troop 15. Purchase your ticket while registering or by donating $15 per ticket on this webpage. Email john, jm@coopercreekpartners.com if using the donation button to buy tickets

Start Times:
6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.: Race Packet Pick-up and Race Day Registration for Flying Frog Frenzy at Hoyt Campgrounds
7:15 a.m. – Early Start
7:30 a.m. – Kids Run
8:00 a.m. – The SLC Half Start
8:35 a.m. – The BCR 7 Miler Start
10:30 a.m. – (approximately): Awards Ceremony and Festivities

Location:
Athlete parking is available at Rocky Neck State Park: 244 West Main Street (Route 156), Niantic (East Lyme), Connecticut 06357
Directions

For more information visit the race site.

May 7, 2023 – Burlington to Collinsville Classic 10K

Need a proof of time for an upcoming race? The riverside 10K from Burlington to Collinsville takes runners through the multi-use trail with incredible views along the Farmington River. The flat, shaded course finishes in the quaint downtown of Collinsville.

All participants will earn a short sleeve technical shirt and a custom-designed finisher medal. After the race, enjoy delicious fresh food from Lisa’s Crown & Hammer!

Registration:
$55 – 10K adult
$36 – 1-K youth (ages 9-17)

Race Course:
This is a road and trail course along the well-marked roads within the Rocky Neck State Park, including the Bride Brook salt marsh, the Ellie Mitchell Pavilion, and the Four Mile River tidal area.

Race Day:
Packet Pickup
6:30 a.m.to 7:45 a.m. – Canton Town Hall, Collinsville

Start Times:
8:30 a.m.: Race Start at Lake Garda Elementary School, Burlington
9:00 a.m.– 10:30 a.m.: Post Race Party – Canton Town Hall, Collinsville
10:00 a.m. – Award Ceremony

Location:
The race begins at Lake Garda Elementary School – 61 Monce Road, Burlington, CT 06013
The race finishes at Canton Historical Society – 11 Front Street, Collinsville, CT 06019

Complimentary shuttle bus transportation from the Finish Area (Collinsville) to the Start Area (Burlington) is available on race day for all registered participants. Both pre & post-race bus loading will take place in the same location, on Bridge Street, east of Canton Town Hall.

Shuttle Times:
6:30 a.m.– 7:45 a.m.: Pre-race service
9:30 a.m.– 10:30 a.m.: Post-race service

Note: All participants must show RACE BIB to ride the bus.

For more information visit the HMF site

Mary 7, 2023 – Nutmeg State Marathon & Half Marathon – Hartford

I thought the only marathon in CT was the Hartford Marathon, but there is the Nutmeg State Marathon which is part of a New England Challenge.

Registration:
$125 – Marathon All runners
$115 – Half-Marathon All runners

Race Course:
This race will be held at Goodwin Park and Golf Course in Hartford, Connecticut. There will be one aid station on the course at the finish line with hydration and nourishment. Course Notes: The running path is asphalt except for .5 mile of dirt path. There is a golf course on the interior of the park, so golf cart paths do intersect with our loops. Please yield the right of way to the golf carts.

Half Marathon: 6 full laps + .3 miles out and back
Full Marathon: 12 full laps + .64 miles out and back
One Full Lap is 2.13 miles.

Event Times:
5:30 a.m.: BIB Pick Up
6:00 a.m.: Race Start

Location:
1130 Maple Avenue, Harford, CT 06114

Mary 13, 2023 – CT Race in the Park – New Britain

It’s the 20th Anniversary of the Race in the Park on Mother’s Day. The CT RACE IN THE PARK returns in person to beautiful Walnut Hill Park this Mother’s Day Weekend to benefit CT Breast Health Initiative. The beloved annual tradition is back and better than ever! Participants can support this great cause and be a part of the action by choosing from the 5K Run or the 4K/1 Mile Walk.

Registration:
$36 – 5K Run Adult
$20 – 5K Run Youth (Ages 5-17)
$36 – 5K Run – Survivor
$36 – 4K & 1 Mile Walk Adult
$20 – 4K & 1 Mile Walk – Youth (Ages 5-17)
$36 – 4K & 1 Mile Walk – Survivor
$12 – Kids Fun Run (Ages 0-12)
$30 – Virtual 5K Run/Walk
$30 – Virtual 5K Run/Walk – Survivor

Half Marathon: 6 full laps + .3 miles out and back
Full Marathon: 12 full laps + .64 miles out and back
One Full Lap is 2.13 miles.

Start Times:
5:30 a.m.: BIB Pick Up
6:00 a.m.: Race Start

Event Times:
Friday, May 12 (Day Before RACE): 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Walnut Hill Park, New Britain, CT
Saturday, May 13 (RACE Day): 6:30 a.m. – 10 a.m., Walnut Hill Park, New Britain, CT

6:30 a.m.: Buses Start Transporting from the garages
6:30 a.m.: Registration, Bib number, T-shirt pickup
7:45 – 9:00 a.m.: Survivor Breakfast
8:30 a.m.: Kids Fun Runs
9:00 a.m.: Survivor Photo
9:15 a.m.: Female & Male 5K Run
10:00 a.m.: 5K Awards Ceremony
10:00 a.m.: Beer Garden Opens
10:30 a.m.: 1 Mile Walk & 4K Walk
11:00 a.m.: Silent Auction/Raffle Tent Closes
1:00 p.m.: Last Shuttle

Location:
Walnut Hill Park in New Britain, Connecticut.

Participant parking is available at:
Courthouse (Linda Blogoslawski) Parking Garage – 25 Washington St, New Britain, CT
John N. Badolato Parking Garage – Liberty Square, New Britain, CT

Visit the event website for more details and to register.

May 20, 2023 – Halfway to Turkey Day – Manchester

The Manchester Road Race is a very popular race that takes place on Thanksgiving morning. The Manchester Running Company is pleased to bring you the Halfway to Turkey Day 5k – a great way to start your training for the Manchester Road Race just six months later.

Registration:
$30.00: April 1 – May 1
$35.00: May 2 – May 19th
Cost on Race Day is $40 – please register in advance!

Schedule (Tentative):
7:00 a.m. – Bib Pick-Up opens at Globe Hollow Parking Lot
8:15 a.m. – Mile Bib Pick-Up Closes
8:30 a.m. – Women’s Mile Start
8:45 a.m. – Men’s Mile Start
9:15 a.m. – Mile Awards
9:30 a.m. – Halfway to Turkey Day 5k Start
10:15 a.m. – 5k Awards

There is a one-hour course time limit.

Location:
100 Spring St.
Globe Hollow Parking Lot
Manchester, CT US 06040

Visit the event website for more details and to register.

May 21, 2023 – Mystic Half Marathon & 10K

This is a fun race- it’s a challenging course along the roads of Mystic. Hills and beautiful views will greet you….

Registration:
$86 – Half Marathon (Youth Between 18-21 = $81)
$56 – 10K (Youth 18-21 = $51, Youth Ages 9-17 = $36)
$12 – FitKids Race (Ages 2-11)
$46 – Virtual Half Marathon
$46 – Virtual 10K

Race Course:
This picturesque half marathon course takes participants along Connecticut’s premier waterfront community. Starting at Olde Mistick Village, this 13.1-mile tour showcases all of what makes Mystic enchanting! The first half of the course will take participants past the Mystic Seaport, over the Mystic Drawbridge, and along stunning River Road. The second half features quintessential New England stonewalls, rolling hills, and views of the Mystic Reservoir and tranquil nature preserves before finishing in front of the Mystic Aquarium.

The Amazing 10K course showcases Connecticut’s premier waterfront community. Starting at Olde Mistick Village, this 6.2-mile tour will take participants past the Mystic Seaport, over the Mystic Drawbridge, and along stunning River Road, before finishing in front of the Mystic Aquarium.

Packet Pickup:
Thursday Before Race: 4:00 to 6:00 PM – Goodwin University, East Hartford, CT 06118
Day Before Race: 3:00 to 5:00 PM – Kelley’s Pace in Olde Mistick Village, 27 Coogan Blvd, Mystic, CT 06355
Race Day: 5:30 to 6:30 AM – Olde Mistick Village, 27 Coogan Blvd, Mystic, CT 06355

Start Times:
7:00 a.m.: Half Marathon & 10K
9:00 a.m.: HMF FitKids Run
7:30 a.m.– 10:30 a.m.: Olde Mistick Village – Post-Race Party
8:00 a.m.: 10K Award Ceremony
9:15 a.m.: Half Marathon Award Ceremony

Location:
Athlete parking is available at:

Olde Mistick Village (27 Coogan Boulevard, Mystic, CT 06355)
Mystic Aquarium Overflow Lot (Maritime Drive, Mystic, CT 06355)

Get more information from the HMF Site.

June 3, 2023 – UCONN Health Half Marathon, 10K & 5K on Iron Horse – Simsbury

Registration:
$71 – Half Marathon (Youth Between 18-21 = $66)
$51 – 10K (Youth 18-21 = $46, Youth Ages 5-17 = $36)
$36 – 5K Adult (Youth Between 18-21 = $31, Youth Ages 5-17 = $20, Youths Ages 5-12 = $15)
$12 – FitKids Race (Ages 2-11)
$46 – Virtual Half Marathon
$46 – Virtual 10K
$46 – Virtual 5K

Race Course:
The UConn Health Half is a flat, looping course through the charming Farmington River Valley community of Simsbury, Connecticut. It starts on Iron Horse Boulevard steps from the Simsbury Performing Arts Center with an 8-mile loop before passing by the finish area and heading back out for 5 more miles. Both loops travel along the base of the Metacomet Ridge and feature panoramic views of Talcott Mountain, the Farmington River, sprawling farms, and the iconic Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge.

The UConn Health 10K is a flat, looping course through the charming Farmington River Valley community of Simsbury, Connecticut. It starts on Iron Horse Boulevard and features panoramic views of Talcott Mountain, the Farmington River, sprawling farms, and the iconic Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge.

The UConn Health 5K is a flat, loop course through the charming Farmington River Valley community of Simsbury, Connecticut, and features panoramic views of the river and the iconic Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge.

Packet Pickup
Thursday Before Race: 4:00 to 6:00 PM – Goodwin University, East Hartford, CT 06118
Day Before Race: 3:00 to 5:00 PM – Greater Hartford Area, Location TBD
Race Day: 5:30 to 6:30 AM – Simsbury Performing Arts Center, Simsbury, CT

Start Times:
7:15 a.m.: 10K
7:30 a.m.: Half Marathon & 5K
9:00 a.m.: HMF FitKids Run
7:45 a.m.– 10:45 a.m.: Post-Race Party at the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center

8:30 AM: 5K & 10K Award Ceremony
9:00 AM: Beer Tent Opens
9:45 AM: Half Marathon Award Ceremony

Location:
Parking is available all day in the municipal parking lots along Iron Horse Boulevard. Plan to arrive at least 60 minutes early – Iron Horse Boulevard will be shut to traffic at 6:45 a.m. After 6:45 a.m., access to the parking lots must be made from Rte. 10.

Get more information from the HMF Site.

I’ve provided a lengthy list of spring races in CT for you, but these are a good assortment of various distances to choose from. It’s the best time of year for running before the heat rolls in! It’s also good to know what options are available for the next year should one of these races interest you, but you don’t have enough training under your belt to register this year.