New Haven Road Race Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Tim L.
Stamford, CT

  (09-15-2010)

"Great Race! Ran it for the first time this year. The course started and ended at the historic New Haven Green. Plenty of entertainment along the route with bands and DJs. The best was the bagpipers with about 2 miles remaining. Course went past Yale and through many neighborhoods in New Haven. Each neighborhood came out to cheer on the runners. Some gave us water and one boy had oranges! Water/Gatorade stations were plentiful. Thousands of people lined the course and the finish line had a great crowd. Best of all, there was a beer sponsor with free beer on the Green after the race! Great post race party! Will return and highly recommend this race!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

alan m.
Branford, CT

  (09-24-2009)

"I'm a member of the board of this race, which I should disclose (and just did).

This is a great 20K course- and how many of them are there.

The race has such a quick start and you can't help but feel like you're in trouble a little bit as men, women, children and who knows who stream by you.

The start is flat and there's no hills until two miles in, where you get a short but steep climb followed by a nice downhill section.

The course is pretty much flat to the bridge on Route 10, which is a good 5 miles into the course. When you crest the bridge you have to be careful as you will be tempted to run hard down the other side, and continue that into the flat beyond.

A lot of people are cooked by the 10K mark, at which there's a mat- and you will get your split from here.

The it's out onto Long Wharf- the wind will be in your face and usually the sun will be beating down on you.

The course is still fairly flat through 8 miles, and then you're climbing slightly on and off until you head into West Rock, where there is another short but steep uphill, followed by a long winding downhill- with bagpipers.

Then the last 1.4 miles of the run is more downhill.

This is a fast course and you should be able to run a good time, after which you can grab a cup or three of Red Hook and an entire loaf of bread while your kids (if you have them) play in one of three large inflatables.

This is a great way to start your Labor Day holiday..."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009