Roxbury Marathon 2025

• Challenging Hilly Course: Features a 4.9-mile loop and five 3.5-mile loops through scenic Connecticut hills.
• Intimate Atmosphere: Limited to 120 runners, fostering a relaxed and friendly environment.
• Convenient Logistics: Loop course layout allows easy access to personal supplies.
• Supportive Community: Enthusiastic volunteers and a cozy post-race gathering with snacks and hot soup.
• Winter Preparedness: November race date requires gear for potential winter conditions.

The Roxbury Marathon is a charming, small-town race in the picturesque setting of Roxbury, Connecticut. Known for its challenging hilly course, the marathon offers a unique layout starting with a 4.9-mile loop followed by five repetitions of a 3.5-mile loop, beginning and ending near the Everett Hurlbut Community Park. This intimate race is celebrated for its camaraderie among runners, with participants appreciating the chance to pass by their cars multiple times for convenient access to personal supplies.

Despite its low-cost entry fee, the race is efficiently organized, featuring basic amenities like water stations stocked with Gatorade and snacks. The finish area enhances the communal feel with homemade cookies, soup, apples, bread rolls, and coffee, providing a homely and welcoming post-race atmosphere.

While the course is certified, its hilly nature makes it a tougher route for those seeking a Boston Marathon qualifying time, though a notable 8.5% of finishers achieved a BQ time in 2022. The scenic rural neighborhoods along the course add to its charm and appeal, offering serene views and a tranquil running experience. Participants often praise the supportive and friendly environment where runners encourage each other throughout the course.

Typically held in mid-autumn, the marathon's weather can be unpredictable, with temperatures historically ranging from 25°F to 42°F, providing added variability to the race conditions. The race's simplicity, combined with its natural beauty and tight-knit runner community, makes the Roxbury Marathon a distinctive experience for marathon enthusiasts looking for a heartfelt race with a personal touch.

In mid-November, the Roxbury Marathon in Connecticut usually experiences temperatures ranging from 30-42°F (-1-6°C) with moderate humidity. Expect light winds and mostly clear conditions, with a 25% chance of rain or snow.

The Roxbury Marathon presents runners with a dynamic and challenging experience through its hilly, mixed-surface course. Beginning with an 8.6-mile loop, the route then transitions into five repetitions of a 3.52-mile loop, offering a blend of paved and dirt roads. This variety is both a relief for the knees and a test of agility, especially with the occasional car traffic.

Runners will face several notable hills, the most significant incline appearing just after the first turn of the loop. However, these climbs are rewarded with extended downhill stretches, perfect for recovery and sustaining momentum. The course navigates through landmarks like the Everett Hurlbut Community Park and follows scenic paths along Hemlock Road and Route 67.

With an elevation range between 347 and 673 feet, participants will experience the full spectrum of New England's rolling terrain. The Roxbury Marathon promises a memorable challenge, combining the charm of rural roads with the rigor of a competitive race.

Roxbury, Connecticut offers a charming blend of history, nature, and community spirit, ideal for marathon travelers looking to experience New England's rural beauty. Begin your visit by exploring the Mine Hill Preserve, where trails and historic mine buildings reveal the area's rich mining heritage. For a taste of local history, wander through the Roxbury Historic District, home to well-preserved 18th-century houses, or visit the Roxbury Station museum to delve into the town's railroad past.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the scenic Shepaug River, perfect for fishing and kayaking. For a leisurely exploration, take a drive along the picturesque Transylvania Road. When it's time to unwind, stop by the Roxbury Market for gourmet foods or enjoy a BYOB lunch at Mamies, a beloved local spot. Don't miss the upcoming Mine Hill Distillery, promising locally sourced spirits.

To fully embrace Roxbury's charm, immerse yourself in its peaceful rural setting, characterized by rolling hills and friendly community spirit. Whether hiking, fishing, or simply enjoying the town's historic sites, your visit will be enriched by the region's natural beauty and cultural offerings.