Tower Tag Challenge
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Event and course
The Tower Tag Challenge is a timed trail event at Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden, Connecticut (200 Mt Carmel Ave), organized by Steep Endurance. It offers two race options, an 8-hour and a 4-hour format, in which participants complete as many out-and-back laps as they can within the event period. Each lap starts at the pavilion, follows a short paved section, then joins the Tower Trail : a mostly smooth carriage road that climbs more than 600 feet in about 1.5 miles to the Observation Tower. Runners follow a winding crushed-gravel path, circle the tower counterclockwise, and return the same way. Each lap is about 3.3 miles and only completed laps are counted.
Logistics and services
The start/finish aid station supplies water or electrolyte drink and light snacks; the event is cupless, so runners must carry their own hydration bottle, pack, or cup. Port-a-johns are available at the bottom of the Tower Trail. Entry fees vary by registration period (8-hour fees rise to $80; 4-hour fees rise to $75 at the latest tier). There are no refunds or transfers of registration. Finishers receive a specially designed medal from Ragged Cuts and top three overall male and female awards are given in each event. Parking is available just inside the park entrance and on the north side of Mount Carmel Avenue. A portion of proceeds supports the Sleeping Giant Park Association. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.