Sleeping Giant Trail Runs
Hamden, United States • 29 Mar 2026
Course and Distances
The Sleeping Giant Trail Runs take place at Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden, Connecticut. The event offers two distances:
- 25 km: A single loop with over 3,000 feet of vertical gain.
- 50 km: Two loops of the 25 km course.
Both races start and finish at a pavilion within the park. The 25 km loop begins with rolling, runnable singletrack for roughly five miles, followed by a steep 500-foot rock scramble known as the "head wall climb." The course then moves through technical ups and downs, rolling singletrack on the east side, and a mix of technical terrain through the park's center. Runners ascend the Quinnipiac Trail to an observation tower before descending via a 1.5-mile carriage road and a final stretch of pavement.
Park and Trail System
Sleeping Giant State Park is described as an iconic and popular trail running and hiking location. The park contains over 30 miles of trails, ranging from smooth carriage roads to technical, rocky, and winding singletrack.
Race Details
The event is described as having challenging, technical terrain. All runners must carry their own hydration vessel, as the event has a "cupless" policy to reduce waste. Aid stations on the course will offer water, electrolyte drink, and typical race food like chips and candy.
Awards include a specially designed finisher medal for all finishers, swag from sponsors, and podium awards for the top three overall male and female runners in each distance. Post-race food and non-alcoholic beverages will be available. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.