2026 Gulf Beach Half Marathon

2026 Gulf Beach Half Marathon

Date: September 12, 2026

Location: 550 Gulf St., Milford, CT

More information: Register Here

Event Overview

• Annual Celebration: This is our 16th Annual Event!
• State Championship: 2025 ROAD RUNNERS CLUB OF AMERICA CONNECTICUT STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
• Runner's Choice: "The Half Marathon to do in Connecticut," voted by Active.com users.

The Course

• Scenic Route: Run along the beautiful beaches of Milford featuring the Silver Sands State Park Boardwalk.
• Flat Terrain: This race offers the flattest and most beautiful Half Marathon in CT.
• Safety Measures: Roads will be open to traffic, with police or volunteers at most intersections.
• Certification: USATF Certified Course #CT19028JHP

Aid Stations

• Water Stations: Located at miles 2.75, 4.75, 6.75, 8.75 & 10.75, stocked with Poland Spring Water & Gatorade Endurance.
• Facilities: Bathrooms & Porto-Lets are available at the Start / Finish and at miles 3, 4.5, 8.5 & 10.
• Start Time: The race starts at 7am to avoid the heat!
• Course Map: Half Marathon course including elevation on Strava

The Entrant Stuff

• T-Shirts: Men's and Women's cut Short Sleeve Tech T-Shirts for all entrants.
• Finisher Medals: Custom Finisher medals for all Finishers with two medal options!
• Post-Race Refreshments: Poland Spring Water, Gatorade Endurance, fresh bagels and bananas at the finish line.
• Awards: Custom awards for the top 3 Men and Women overall and in every 5-year division.

Timing and Results

• Technology: Transponder Timing and Results will offer gun time and net time.
• Notifications: Results will be live streaming, texted, and emailed after you finish.

Cutoffs and Early Starts

• Time Cutoff: Half Marathon Time cutoff is 3:30.
• Early Start: Runners planning a 2:30 to 3:30 Half Marathon MUST start at 6:30am.
• Disqualification: Early starters who finish faster than 2:15 will be DQed.

Race Series Streaker

Since 2014, finish all 3 of our 2025 Half Marathons (including the Savin Rock Marathon) to earn a FREE custom Shoreline Sharks Race Series Streaker Hoodie. Registrations can be online or race-day without any difference.

The History

• 2011: The inaugural race had a 5K as well.
• 2013: The 5K was moved to another date.
• 2019: The Half Marathon course became USATF certified.
• 2025: The race is the RRCA State Championship again.

Pricing Structure

• Early Bird: 10/18/2025 - 12/31/2025 $75
• Regular Entry: 1/1/2026 - 2/28/2026 $80
• Final Registration: 9/11 and 9/12/2026: $90 cash or checks only.

Transfer & Deferral Info

• Transfer: Registration may be transferred to another athlete until 8/12/2026 for $25.
• Deferrals: You may defer entry to the 2027 race until 8/12/2026 for $25.
• Refund Policy: No refunds, transfers or deferrals accepted after the deadlines.
• Insurance: Active.com offers an insurance plan but we are not involved with refunds.

Race Day Schedule

• 5:15 am: Registration / Bib and Shirt Pickup Opens
• 6:30 am: Early Starters Go
• 7:00 am: Half Marathon Starts
• 10:00 am: Final Finishers of the Half Marathon

Travel and Hotel Accommodations

• Air Travel: Easily accessed from Bradley International Airport and JFK International Airport.
• Nearby Hotels: Hilton Garden Inn, 291 Old Gate Ln. Milford, CT.
• More Options: Hyatt Place, 190 Old Gate Ln. Milford, CT.

Parking

Parking available in the Resident Only lots until 11am only. Be mindful of prohibited areas to avoid tickets and towing.