Sleeping Giant Trail Runs

Event details

The Sleeping Giant Trail Runs take place March 29, 2026 at Sleeping Giant State Park, 200 Mt Carmel Ave, Hamden, CT. The event offers these distances:

• 25K
• 50K (two loops of the 25K loop)

Registration closes March 27. Entry fees vary by date; published ranges are $70–$90 for the 25K and $75–$95 for the 50K. A portion of registration proceeds supports the Sleeping Giant Park Association. The organizer’s stated refund policy: no refunds and no transfers of entries or bibs. Finisher medals and additional sponsor swag are provided, and awards are given to the top three overall male and female finishers in each event.

Course and logistics

Each loop starts and finishes at the park pavilion. The park contains more than 30 miles of trails and the 25K loop includes "3K+ of vertical." The loop begins with about 5 miles of mostly runnable, rolling singletrack with a few small rock scrambles, then a steep "head wall" rock scramble gaining 500'+ in roughly 0.3 miles. The course passes the Chestnut Trailhead (an aid station near mile 8) and returns there around mile 12. The route ascends mostly on the Quinnipiac (Blue) Trail to the Observation Tower, then descends the 1.5 mile Tower Path carriage road before a short return to the pavilion. The race uses 2–3 aid stations with water, Hyle Hydration electrolyte drink, and typical food items; the event is cupless and runners must carry their own drinking vessel. Parking is available inside the park entrance and on the north side of Mount Carmel Avenue. Post-race food and non-alcoholic beverages are provided. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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