Gulf Beach Half Marathon
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Race Details
The Gulf Beach Half Marathon takes place on September 12, 2026, in Milford, Connecticut. It is the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) Connecticut State Championship for that year. The event features a half marathon distance.
Course & Logistics
The course runs along the beaches of Milford, including the Silver Sands State Park boardwalk. It is described as flat and USATF certified (certificate #CT19028JHP). The race starts at 7:00 AM on Gulf Street, which is closed at the start, while other roads remain open to traffic with police or volunteers at intersections.
Aid stations are located at miles 2.75, 4.75, 6.75, 8.75, and 10.75, providing Poland Spring Water and Gatorade Endurance. Bathrooms and portable toilets are available at the start/finish area and at miles 3, 4.5, 8.5, and 10.
The venue is Gulf Beach at 635 Gulf Street, Milford, CT. Parking is available in beach lots and on nearby streets until 11:00 AM.
Participant Information
All entrants receive a men's or women's cut short-sleeve technical T-shirt. Finishers get a custom medal with a choice of two designs, along with Poland Spring Water, Gatorade Endurance, bagels, and bananas at the finish line.
Custom awards are given to the top three overall men and women and in every five-year age division from 15 to 80+. Free downloadable race photos and finisher certificates are provided.
Registration & Policies
Registration is tiered:
- October 18, 2025 - December 31, 2025: $75
- January 1, 2026 - April 30, 2026: $80
- May 1, 2026 - September 9, 2026: $85
- Race Day (September 12, 2026): $90 (cash, check, or Venmo only)
Race bibs and shirts are only available for pickup during race-day registration. Registration and pickup open at 5:15 AM and close at 6:45 AM.
Transfers to another athlete are permitted until August 12, 2026, for a $25 fee. Deferrals to the 2027 race are also permitted until August 12, 2026, for a $25 fee. No refunds are given.
Timing & Rules
The event uses transponder timing, providing both gun time and net time. Results are live-streamed and texted/emailed to participants upon finishing. The official time cutoff for the half marathon is 3 hours and 30 minutes. An official early start at 6:30 AM is available only for runners who plan to finish between 2:30 and 3:30. Runners who start early and finish faster than 2:15 may be disqualified.
Race Series
The event is part of a three-race series. Participants who finish all three races in 2026 receive a free custom Race Series Streaker hoodie. The other races are the Savin Rock Marathon/Half Marathon on March 28, 2026, and the Hamden Hills Half Marathon on May 23, 2026. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
