Stratton Faxon Fairfield Road Races Half Marathon Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Tim L.
Stamford, CT

  (07-22-2010)

"It is a good thing that the Fire Department helps to put this race on since they were very busy due to the heat. The middle part of the course is pretty hilly. There is a wide range of participants from elite runners to walkers (start earlier). Crowd is pretty good and a lot of the people that live on the route come out to cheer the runners on or spray them down with houses. Plenty of water stations, many with gatorade and gu. Race ends at the beach and you can take a dip at the end. "

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2010

alan m.
Branford, CT

  (08-21-2009)

"This is a great half-marathon.

What you need to know: Start and finish in the parking area by the beach- finish under an elaborate scaffolding with a giant american flag and a fire truck.

Then go and hang out on the beach.

The race does have an expo if you need last-minute nutrition on the course.

This course is a great course for you to run a fast time, but you have to manage the course to do it.

The first two plus miles are flat and the field at this race is volcanic. If you go out with the fast and the furious, you'll wreck your race- unless of course you can maintain mid-fives for 13 miles.

After two and a half miles you're going to start to climb and after that it's every type of hill- up, down, sloping, steep. There are some breaks and flatter running but expect uneven terrain until after eleven miles, when the course flattens out and you run back to the beach.

This is where you can really turn it on, after you crest the last hill.

If you're working on a good time, these flat fast miles at the end are just the way to crank out a top-notch half-marathon time.

Then scarf down some pizza alongside the usual post race fare, or order fried clams from the beach's stand.

All in all this is a very solid race. It's a little hot and humid every year, but the support on the course is great, with numerous aid stations that have water, sports drink and gu.

Definitely a race worth adding to your list!"

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

K. C.
Meriden, CT

  (07-09-2009)

"This was my first race ever. The course was scenic, well marked and FLAT. There could have been a water station at the 1mile mark but overall it was a great race. Loved the pre and post race massage."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Kim .
Little Ferry, NJ

  (07-07-2009)

"The course was much hillier than I had anticipated, the elevation chart on the website is decieving. Other than that I really enjoyed this race. The course had about 9 aid stations and alot of sprinklers/showers along the course to combat the June heat. In addition there were a few make-shift aid stations set up by spectators. Post race party on the beach was a nice touch, but if you want to check out the expo before hand make sure you leave time to empty the sand from your sneakers. Lots of volunteers serving freshly cut watermelon, water and pizza. There was also traditional post-race snacks like bagels and yogurt. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Claire W.
New York, NY

  (06-29-2009)

"This was my third year running the Fairfield Half, which always seems to fall on a hot and sunny day. The course winds through beautiful residential neighborhoods in Fairfield, and residents, children, and dogs sit on their lawns or driveways cheering and offering sprays from their hoses. There are several STEEP climbs, but just as many downhills that enable fast miles - I PR'ed this year. 2009 was the first year finishers medals were provided, which was a nice touch. Also love that they announce as many runners' names as possible as you're coming down the finish chute. There were a few cars on the course, including one particularly surly driver, but mostly roads were closed or at least traffic was stopped by police."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009