64th Annual John & Jessie Kelley Half Marathon

64th Annual John & Jessie Kelley Half Marathon returns to Ocean Beach Park in New London on Saturday, August 1, continuing one of Connecticut’s most celebrated running traditions. Although registration is now full with 1,000 runners entered, spectators are encouraged to line the course, cheer on participants, and enjoy a morning that has become a summertime tradition along the Connecticut shoreline.

First held in 1963 as the Schaefer Road Race, the event began with just 19 runners tackling a 10.5-mile course through New London and Waterford. The inaugural race was won by New London native and 1957 Boston Marathon champion John J. Kelley, whose legacy helped establish the event as one of New England’s premier road races. Three-time winner and 1968 Boston Marathon champion Amby Burfoot followed, along with New York City Marathon champion Norm Higgins, giving the race an impressive list of champions. Renamed the John J. Kelley Road Race in 1974 and expanded in 2003 to honor Kelley’s wife, Jessie, the event has continued to grow while maintaining its reputation as one of the region’s premier distance races.

The race became a half marathon in 2017, drawing more than 1,000 runners and serving as the third leg of the Kelley’s Pace Shoreline Trifecta. Beginning and ending inside Ocean Beach Park, the scenic 13.1-mile course winds through New London and Waterford, offering runners panoramic views of Long Island Sound, quiet residential neighborhoods, rolling hills, and stretches of rural roadway before returning to the shoreline. Along the route, volunteers, police officers, and community supporters help create an atmosphere that has earned the race recognition as one of New England’s best road races.

While the field is full, the event remains a celebration for the entire community. Spectators can cheer runners from Ocean Beach Park or along the course before enjoying the post-race festivities, which include live music, awards, a huge raffle, finisher medals, physical therapy services, and the race’s famous Port and Starboard clam chowder. Participants are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations for the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center, helping support local families facing food insecurity.

Event Details

Event: 64th Annual John & Jessie Kelley Half Marathon

Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026

Race Start: 8:00 a.m.

Packet Pickup: Begins at 7:00 a.m.

Course Closes: 12:00 p.m.

Location: Ocean Beach Park
1225 Ocean Avenue
New London, CT 06320

Registration: Full (1,000 participants)

Admission for Spectators: Free

Race Highlights

• Connecticut’s oldest shoreline road race
• 13.1-mile certified half marathon
• Scenic course through New London and Waterford
• Panoramic views of Long Island Sound
• Third leg of the Kelley’s Pace Shoreline Trifecta
• MyLaps chip timing by SNERRO LLC
• Finisher medals and age-group awards
• Team competition
• Live music
• Huge raffle
• Famous Port and Starboard clam chowder
• Pre- and post-race physical therapy
• Food drive benefiting the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center

More Information

Additional event information is available by clicking the Event Website link at the bottom of this page.