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SUMMARY:64th Annual John & Jessie Kelley Half Marathon
DESCRIPTION: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. \nFirst 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. \nThe 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. \nWhile 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. \nEvent Details\nEvent: 64th Annual John & Jessie Kelley Half Marathon \nDate: Saturday\, August 1\, 2026 \nRace Start: 8:00 a.m. \nPacket Pickup: Begins at 7:00 a.m. \nCourse Closes: 12:00 p.m. \nLocation: Ocean Beach Park\n1225 Ocean Avenue\nNew London\, CT 06320 \nRegistration: Full (1\,000 participants) \nAdmission for Spectators: Free \nRace Highlights\n\nConnecticut’s oldest shoreline road race\n13.1-mile certified half marathon\nScenic course through New London and Waterford\nPanoramic views of Long Island Sound\nThird leg of the Kelley’s Pace Shoreline Trifecta\nMyLaps chip timing by SNERRO LLC\nFinisher medals and age-group awards\nTeam competition\nLive music\nHuge raffle\nFamous Port and Starboard clam chowder\nPre- and post-race physical therapy\nFood drive benefiting the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center\n\nMore Information\nAdditional event information is available by clicking the Event Website link at the bottom of this page. \n\n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/64th-annual-john-jessie-kelley-half-marathon/
LOCATION:Ocean Beach Park\, 98 Neptune Avenue\, New London\, CT\, 06320\, United States
CATEGORIES:Ocean Beach Park
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/64th-Annual-John-and-Jessie-Kelley-Half-Marathon-Saturday-August-1.jpg
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