Sleeping Giant Trail Runs

Trail Running in Sleeping Giant State Park

The Sleeping Giant Trail Runs take place in Hamden, Connecticut, within a state park known for its diverse terrain and historical features. The event offers two distinct distances over a loop course that incorporates approximately 3,000 feet of vertical gain per 25 km lap. The park contains over 30 miles of trails, ranging from smooth carriage roads to technical, rocky singletrack.

Participants can choose from the following distances:

• 25 km: A single loop consisting of varied trail types.
• 50 km: Two loops of the course.

The course begins at a pavilion inside the park. The first five miles consist mainly of rolling singletrack with occasional rock scrambles. A significant feature of the route is a rock scramble climb of over 500 feet within a 0.3-mile section. Runners navigate the Yellow Trail and the Quinnipiac (Blue Trail), passing through the center of the park and reaching the Observation Tower at the highest point of the course. The final section includes a 1.5-mile descent on a carriage road followed by a short paved stretch.

The event follows a "cupless" policy to reduce waste. Runners are required to carry their own hydration systems, such as bottles or packs, to use at the two to three aid stations located along the course. These stations provide water, electrolyte drinks, and standard food items. The race has specific cut-off times for completion and for 50 km runners to begin their second loop. Finisher medals and awards for the top three male and female finishers in each distance are provided. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.