John and Jessie Kelley Half Marathon

The John and Jessie Kelley Half Marathon, set for Saturday, August 1, 2026, in scenic New London, CT, offers a unique and beloved New England running experience. Known as Connecticut's oldest shoreline road race, it has earned multiple "Race of the Year" accolades from New England Runner magazine, a testament to its enduring charm and community spirit. This 13.1-mile loop course begins and ends at the beautiful Ocean Beach Park, famous for its "sugar sand" beach, providing a picturesque start and finish.

Runners will navigate paved roads through New London and Waterford, enjoying a diverse course that blends panoramic vistas of Long Island Sound with charming rural stretches and some commercial areas. While generally flat, the course does feature a few rolling hills, notably a longer climb around mile 8. Typical race day conditions in early August include highs around 81°F and lows around 67°F, with an 11% chance of precipitation, so runners should prepare for potentially warm and humid weather. Eight official water stops are positioned along the course to support hydration, and past participants have appreciated the robust community support, with residents often providing enthusiastic cheers and even garden hoses for cooling off.

What truly sets the John and Jessie Kelley Half Marathon apart is its incredible community focus: there's no entry fee, though registration is limited to the first 1,000 participants and runners are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food donation for the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center. Finishers are celebrated with custom medals, and the post-race festivities at Ocean Beach Park include live music, a large raffle, pre/post-race physical therapy, and the famous "Port and Starboard Clam Chowder" and Coca-Cola products. Don't forget your swimsuit to take advantage of the refreshing waters and boardwalk after conquering this historic and scenic half marathon.