Savin Rock Marathon

Savin Rock Marathon: A Coastal Connecticut Challenge

Nestled in the charming town of West Haven, Connecticut, the Savin Rock Marathon offers runners a unique opportunity to experience coastal beauty, small-town charm, and a course that blends flat, scenic stretches with challenging hills. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or new to long-distance running, this race is an excellent way to enjoy the picturesque New England shoreline while testing your endurance. With a welcoming community atmosphere, well-marked courses, and a mix of natural and urban scenery, the Savin Rock Marathon is a memorable event for runners of all levels.

Highlights of the Savin Rock Marathon

• Coastal Scenery Meets Urban Charm: The Savin Rock Marathon starts and finishes along the beautiful Long Island Sound, where runners are treated to stunning ocean views and the soothing sounds of the waves. The course features a mix of waterfront paths and urban streets, offering both tranquil and dynamic running experiences. You’ll enjoy the scenic contrast of coastal serenity and the energy of the town, making every mile unique and engaging.

• Flexible Distance Options: While the marathon is the centerpiece of the event, the Savin Rock race also offers half marathons and shorter distances, making it accessible to runners of all skill levels. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or looking for a more relaxed run, there’s a distance that suits your goals. The two-loop marathon course is especially great for those who enjoy revisiting familiar stretches.

• A Supportive Community Atmosphere: From volunteers and race staff to fellow runners and local spectators, the Savin Rock Marathon fosters a warm and encouraging environment. The race starts and ends near the beach, where the finish line buzzes with excitement and camaraderie. It’s an event that brings people together to celebrate the joy of running and the beauty of the Connecticut coastline.

• Great Swag and Organization: Participants rave about the quality of the race swag, including bright and functional tech shirts and unique medals that commemorate the event. The course is well-marked, with strategically placed aid stations offering water, Gatorade, and energy gels. The organization ensures a smooth race day, allowing runners to focus on their performance and the experience.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Hilly Sections: The course features several steep hills, particularly in the middle sections of the race. While these provide a good challenge for experienced runners, they might be intimidating for beginners. However, the downhill stretches and flat coastal finish help balance out the effort.

• Open Roads: Parts of the course are run on open roads with traffic, requiring runners to stay alert. While volunteers and police officers are stationed at key intersections to ensure safety, paying attention to your surroundings is essential. This adds a layer of complexity but also showcases the charm of running through an active town.

• Double-Loop Format: The marathon’s double-loop structure means runners will revisit the same terrain twice. While some appreciate the familiarity and pacing benefits, others might prefer a single-loop course. It’s a matter of personal preference and mental strategy.

Whether you’re checking off Connecticut in a 50-state quest or looking for a local race with character, the Savin Rock Marathon is worth lacing up for. Sign up today and take on a course that’s as scenic as it is challenging. See you at the starting line!

Connecticut's 2nd largest Marathon

Join us for our 15th Annual event and the RRCA State Championship for the Marathon & RRCA Eastern Region Championship for the Half Marathon.

THE COURSE

Our course is challenging and starts off with 4 miles flat, followed by 5 hills in the next 5 miles and finishes downhill and flat for the final 4 miles. Do that twice for the Marathon. 

1/3 of the course is along Long Island Sound. 

Some roads will be partially closed (Police at intersections) but most roads will be open. 

Aid stations about every 2 miles beginning at Mile 2.5 stocked with Water and Gatorade Endurance

Porto-Lets at Miles 4.5, 6.55, 13.1, 17.6, 21.5.

Half Marathon Course (2 loops for the Marathon) MapMyFitness Link

USATF Certified Marathon Course #CT15002JHP
Boston Marathon Qualifier.

USATF Certified Half Marathon Course #CT15001JHP 

Venue: 6 Rock St. West Haven, CT. 06516
The Savin Rock Conference Center Exterior hosts registration, Porto-lets, awards, etc. Plenty of parking there and spots next door at Jimmie's. Go to the beach side. 

THE ENTRANT STUFF

Men's and Women's cut Short Sleeve Tech T-Shirts for all entrants. 

Custom Finisher medals for all Finishers. 

Water, Gatorade Endurance, fresh bagels, and bananas at the finish line for Finishers. 

Award winners can immediately get their awards from the awards table. We do not have an award ceremony. Grab and go, don't waste the day waiting. 

Custom awards to the top 3 Men and Women overall as well as in every 5-year division. (from 5 years old to 80+) Check to see if you won. We do not ship these after the race.

FREE downloadable Race photos and Finisher Certificate from Elite Feats.

The "Drop Down Guarantee" means that any Marathoner can drop down to the Half Marathon and be an official Half Marathon finisher. You can stop before the 2nd loop or you can try the second loop and not complete it (Mile 17 is across the street from the venue). Your Half Marathon split time will be an official Half Marathon Finish. Many people do it every year. Just let the timer know and he/she will change it. You will not be eligible for awards.

TIMING AND RESULTS 

Transponder Timing and Results with timing splits at 6.55, 13.1, 19.65 and 26.2. 

CUTOFFS AND EARLY STARTS

Half Marathon Time cutoff is 4:30 or 20 minute per mile pace. (No early start for Half Marathoners) 

Marathon Time cutoff is 6:30 which is 2pm (early start included). 

The Second loop closes at 10:40am, so any Marathoner who has not started the second loop will become an official Half Marathon Finisher. No one can go out for loop 2 after 10:40am.

Those who plan to run a 5:30 hour to 6:30 Marathon, MUST start at 7:30am. There will be an organized Start. Please do not sign up for the Marathon if you can't complete a hilly course in 6:30 or less. 

NOTE: Early starts are only for those who will do a 5:30-6:30 range marathon. We can't have anyone else go early. You will be DQed if you start early and finish faster than 5:15-ish. We will look at each case that is close.

WHAT IS A RACE SERIES STREAKER?

Since 2014 we have offered a challenge to all who would like to accept. Finish all 3 of our 2025 Half Marathons (The Savin Rock Marathon counts too) and we give you a FREE custom Shoreline Sharks Race Series Streaker Hoodie.

1. 3/29/2025 The Savin Rock Marathon or Half Marathon
2. 5/24/2025 The Hamden Hills Half Marathon
3. 9/13/2025 The Gulf Beach Half Marathon

You can register on-line or race-day, it does not matter. Finish all 3 and you’ve got it! We will be handing the Hoodies out at the Rail Trail 10K on 10/4/2025 or the Shoreline Turkey Trot 5K on 11/27/2025 or you can pick it up from us in North Haven. We do not ship them. Make sure to email Streaker@ShorelineSharks.com when you finish all 3 with your size (unisex S,M,L and XL)

SPECIAL 3-HALF MARATHON ENTRY TICKET THAT GIVES A $25 DISCOUNT.

THE HISTORY

2004-2010: The race was run as the Shoreline Sharks Half Marathon and was the unofficial State Championship Half Marathon Race for Triathlon Clubs. 

2011: The race was renamed The Savin Rock Half Marathon and a 5K was added. The event was opened to the public. 

2015: The Marathon option was added (2 loops) and the course was USATF Measured and became an official Boston Marathon Qualifier.
The 5K is now held on Thanksgiving Day. 

2020: 2 weeks before the race, Covid19 shut everything down and forced the postponement of the race to 2021, we were the RRCA State Championship for the Marathon & Half Marathon. 

2021: The race was pushed to 10/30 due to the Covid19 shutdowns. 

2022: We are back to the last Saturday in March and we are the RRCA State Championship for the Marathon.

2023: NOT the last Saturday in March due to Easter on 3/31 and we are the RRCA State Championship for the Marathon & Half Marathon.

2024: We were the RRCA State Championship again.

2025: We are the Eastern Region Championship for the Half Marathon and the State Championship for the Marathon.

PRICING STRUCTURE

11/16/2024 - 12/31/2024
Marathon $100
Half Marathon $70

1/1/2025 - 2/28/2025
Marathon $110
Half Marathon $75

3/1/2025 - 3/26/2025
Marathon $120
Half Marathon $80

3/29/2025 Race day
In person, probable but not guaranteed
Cash, Checks, Venmo, PayPal only. No cards.
Marathon $125
Half Marathon $85

TRANSFER & DEFERRAL INFO

You may TRANSFER your registration to another athlete until 2/28/2025 for $25.
*This is done by you on-line through Active*
THIS IS A HARD DEADLINE. NO EXCEPTIONS.

You may DEFER your entry to the 2026 Savin Rock Race until 2/28/2025 for $25
(via email to Defer@ShorelineSharks.com)
We will confirm via email. Print that email and have it when you come in 2026.
You will register in-person, pay $25 and sign the waiver on Race Day.
You are guaranteed a spot.
THIS IS A HARD DEADLINE. NO EXCEPTIONS. 

NO REFUNDS /NO EXCEPTIONS
PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL ASKING FOR AN EXCEPTION FOR ANY REASON. ABSOLUTELY NO EXCEPTIONS AT ALL FOR ANY REASON WHATSOEVER.

If we postpone an event due to uncontrollable circumstance as we had in 2020, we will always honor your registration with a race in the future but we do not refund.

*Active.com offers an insurance plan for a fee but we are not involved with that.

RACE DAY

Saturday March 29,2025
6:15am: Registration / Bib and Shirt Pickup Opens.
7:30am: Early Starters GO (Marathon Only)
7:45am: Registration / Bib and Shirt Pickup Closes.
8:00am: Marathon & Half Marathon Starts
9:15am: First Finishers for the Half Marathon
10:40am: First Finishers for the Marathon
10:40am: Start of the Second Loop closes
12:30pm: Final Half Marathon Finisher
2:00pm: Final Marathon Finishers and Venue Closes

Savin Rock Conference Center (on the beach side)
6 Rock St. West Haven, CT. 06516
Bring photo ID

Event details and schedule

TRAVEL AND HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS:

Train Travel: West Haven Station
Metro North

Air Travel
West Haven, Connecticut can be accessed easily from Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, CT. (59 Miles away) as well as JFK International Airport (77 miles away) and LaGuardia International Airport, (70 miles away) both in Queens, NY.  Bradley will be MUCH easier to fly through and travel to and from the race venue, but the tickets may be more expensive. *Tweed is a regional airport that may be an option too and is about 5 miles away. 

Hotels
The closest (2 miles from the venue) hotels to stay in for the Savin Rock Marathon & Half Marathon are:
Hampton Inn Suites 
510 Saw Mill Rd. West Haven, CT. 06516
Phone (203) 932-0404

Best Western Executive Hotel 
490 Saw Mill Rd. West Haven, CT. 06516
Phone (203) 933-0344

The 2025 Shoreline Sharks 3 Half Marathon Ticket is a great deal! We are happy to offer it again.

This is $25 off deal is based on NO Refunds, NO Transfers, NO Deferrals and NO Exceptions whatsoever. Please do not email asking for an exception for any reason at all.

As individual races go up, the 3-race ticket price will also go up accordingly.
11/16/2024 - 12/31/2024: $185
1/1/2025 - 2/28/2025: $200
3/1/2025 – 3/26/2025: $205

FINISH ALL 3 AND YOU WILL BE A RACE SERIES STREAKER!

Since 2014 we have offered a challenge to all who would like to accept. Finish all 3 of our 2025 Half Marathons (The Savin Rock Marathon counts too) and we give you a FREE custom Shoreline Sharks Race Series Streaker Hoodie.

Click for individual race info:

1. Savin Rock Marathon & Half Marathon 3/29/2025 

2. Hamden Hills Half Marathon 5/24/2025

3. Gulf Beach Half Marathon 9/13/2025

We will be handing the Hoodies out at the Rail Trail 10K on 10/4/2025, the Shoreline Turkey Trot 5K on 11/27/2025 or you can pick it up from us in North Haven. We do not ship them. Make sure to email Streaker@ShorelineSharks.com when you finish all 3 with your size (unisex S,M,L and XL)

*If you would like to get the 3-race ticket but would like to run the Savin Rock Marathon, rather than the Half Marathon, contact President@ShorelineSharks.com and we will make it happen.

Event details and schedule