Sleeping Giant Trail Runs

Sleeping Giant Trail Runs

Sleeping Giant Trail Runs is a trail running event in Hamden, CT, centered at the Pavilion inside Sleeping Giant Park. The event uses the park's network of trails, which include smooth carriage roads and technical rocky singletrack across more than 30 miles of park trails.

• 25K: single loop with 3K+ of vertical gain
• 50K: two loop option using the 25K course

Each 25K loop begins at the pavilion. The first 5 miles are mostly runnable rolling singletrack with some small rock scrambles. The route then climbs a steep head wall with about 500 feet of ascent in 0.3 miles, and continues through technical ups and downs toward the southern park area. The Yellow Trail provides less technical rolling singletrack before reaching Chestnut Trailhead and the 8 mile aid station. A central 4 mile section includes moderate to harder technical terrain and part of the White Trail, followed by a return to the aid station around mile 12. The final ascent follows the Quinnipiac Blue Trail to the Observation Tower, then a 1.5 mile carriage road descent on the Tower Path and a short 0.2 mile return to the pavilion.

A portion of registration fees is designated for the Sleeping Giant Park Association. Entry fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Organizers provide a Ragged Cuts finisher medal, additional sponsor swag, and awards for the top three overall male and female finishers in each event. Post-race food will be available along with beverages from Athletic Brewing Company and other non-alcoholic options. Registration closed on Fri, Mar 27 at 11:59 PM ET in 2026. The 2025 event had over 250 registered entrants. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.