Event Details
Join us for Connecticut's 2nd largest Marathon and the 16th Annual event, serving as the Road Runners Club of America State Championship for the Marathon. The course is challenging, starting with 4 miles flat, followed by 5 hills in the next 5 miles, and finishing downhill and flat for the final 4 miles. This is done twice for the Marathon. Approximately 1/3 of the course runs along Long Island Sound. Some roads will be partially closed with police or volunteers at most intersections, but most roads will remain open. Aid stations are available approximately every 2 miles, starting at Mile 2.5, stocked with Poland Spring Water and Gatorade Endurance. Porto-Lets are located at Miles 4.5, 6.55, 13.1, 17.6, and 21.5.
The Marathon course is USATF Certified and a Boston Marathon Qualifier. The Half Marathon Course is also USATF Certified. Venue: 6 Rock St. West Haven, CT. 06516. The Savin Rock Conference Center Exterior will host registration, Porto-lets, and awards.
Participant Amenities
All entrants receive Men's and Women's cut Short Sleeve Tech T-Shirts. Custom Finisher medals with a choice of 2 designs are available for all finishers. Post-race refreshments include Poland Spring Water, Gatorade Endurance, fresh bagels, and bananas at the finish line. Custom awards are presented to the top 3 Men and Women overall, as well as in every 5-year division (from 15 to 80+). Awards are available for pickup immediately after the race; there is no award ceremony. FREE downloadable race photos and Finisher Certificates are provided by Elite Feats.
Race Rules & Flexibility
The "Drop Down Guarantee" allows Marathoners to drop down to the Half Marathon and be an official finisher. Inform the timer if you wish to do so; you will not be eligible for awards. Bibs and Shirts are available ONLY during registration on race day and are not kept or shipped.
Timing and Results
Transponder Timing and Results will be provided, with splits at 6.55, 13.1, 19.65, and 26.2 miles.
Cutoffs and Early Starts
Half Marathon Time Cutoff: 4:30 (20 min/mile pace). No early start for the Half Marathon; all start at 8:00 AM. Marathon Time Cutoff: 6:30 (2:00 PM). The second loop closes at 10:40 AM; Marathoners not starting the second loop by then will be official Half Marathon finishers. Early starts (7:30 AM) are for Marathoners who anticipate a 5:30-6:30 hour finish time only. Early starters finishing faster than 5:15-ish may be disqualified.
Race Series Streaker
Finish all 3 of the 2026 Shoreline Sharks Half Marathons (including Savin Rock) to receive a FREE custom Shoreline Sharks Race Series Streaker Hoodie. The series includes: 1. 3/28/2026 The Savin Rock Marathon or Half Marathon, 2. 5/23/2026 The Hamden Hills Half Marathon, 3. 9/12/2026 The Gulf Beach Half Marathon. Hoodies can be picked up at later events or in North Haven. Email [email protected] upon finishing the Gulf Beach Half Marathon with size and color preference.
Special Entry Ticket
A special 3-half marathon entry ticket (or Savin Marathon + 2 Halfs) offers a $25 discount.
History
The race began as the Shoreline Sharks Half Marathon (2004-2010), became The Savin Rock Half Marathon with a 5K added in 2011, and introduced the Marathon option in 2015, becoming a Boston Marathon Qualifier. The event has served as the RRCA State Championship multiple times and the Eastern Region Championship.
Pricing Structure
- 10/17/2025 - 12/31/2025: Marathon $105, Half Marathon $75
- 1/1/2026 - 2/28/2026: Marathon $115, Half Marathon $80
- 3/1/2026 - 3/25/2026: Marathon $125, Half Marathon $85
- 3/28/2026 (Race Day): Marathon $130, Half Marathon $90 (Cash, Checks, Venmo, PayPal only; no cards)
Transfer & Deferral Info
Registration transfer to another athlete is possible until 2/28/2026 for $25 via Active.com. Entry deferral to the 2027 Savin Rock Race is possible until 2/28/2025 for $25 (Venmo to "ShorelineSharks" and email [email protected]). No refunds or exceptions to deadlines.
Race Day Schedule (Saturday, March 28, 2026)
- 6:15 AM: Registration / Bib and Shirt Pickup Opens.
- 7:30 AM: Early Starters GO (Marathon Only).
- 7:45 AM: Registration / Bib and Shirt Pickup Closes.
- 8:00 AM: Marathon & Half Marathon Starts.
- 9:15 AM: First Finishers for the Half Marathon.
- 10:40 AM: First Finishers for the Marathon / Start of the Second Loop closes.
- 12:30 PM: Final Half Marathon Finisher.
- 2:00 PM: Final Marathon Finishers and Venue Closes.
Venue & Location
Savin Rock Conference Center Exterior (on the beach side), 6 Rock St. West Haven, CT. 06516. Bring photo ID.
Travel and Hotel Accommodations
Train Travel: West Haven Station (Metro North).
Air Travel: Accessible from Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Windsor Locks, CT (59 miles), JFK International Airport (77 miles), and LaGuardia International Airport (70 miles) in Queens, NY. Tweed Airport (regional) is about 5 miles away.
Hotels:
- 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
