The John & Jessie Kelley Half Marathon is a beloved, free-to-enter 13.1-mile road race held every early August at Ocean Beach Park in New London/Waterford, Connecticut—offering exclusively the half-marathon distance. Established in the early 1960s as part of the “Schaefer Day” festivities, it began with a 10.5‑mile course and was renamed in honor of local running legend John J. Kelley (with Jessie Kelley’s name added in 2003). Today, it's recognized as Connecticut’s oldest shoreline road race, attracting roughly 1,000 runners each year, showcasing scenic coastal and rural vistas, rolling terrain with a notable hill at mile 8, and chip timing. Post-race festivities include clam chowder, Coca‑Cola refreshments, live music, raffles, age-group awards, and a swim-friendly “sugar-sand” beach finish—making it a festive community tradition.
Race
Half Marathon
Race Date:
02 August, 2025
The John & Jessie Kelley Half Marathon is a free, chip-timed 13.1-mile (21.1 km) road race held each early August at Ocean Beach Park in New London and Waterford, Connecticut, offering a scenic, coastal‑inspired course.
Weather based on historical averages.
FAQs
What is the John & Jessie Kelley Half Marathon?
How long is the John & Jessie Kelley Half Marathon?
Where does the John & Jessie Kelley Half Marathon take place?
What is the elevation gain of the John & Jessie Kelley Half Marathon?
How can I prepare for the John & Jessie Kelley Half Marathon?
How do I choose the right training plan for the John & Jessie Kelley Half Marathon?
The John & Jessie Kelley Half Marathon is a free, chip-timed 13.1-mile (21.1 km) road race held each early August at Ocean Beach Park in New London and Waterford, Connecticut, offering a scenic, coastal‑inspired course.
The John & Jessie Kelley Half Marathon is 21km long.
The John & Jessie Kelley Half Marathon takes place in New London, Connecticut, USA.
The John & Jessie Kelley Half Marathon elevation gain is 149 metres, which Runna classifies as a Rolling race.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the John & Jessie Kelley Half Marathon?
The John & Jessie Kelley Half Marathon is a free, chip-timed 13.1-mile (21.1 km) road race held each early August at Ocean Beach Park in New London and Waterford, Connecticut, offering a scenic, coastal‑inspired course.
How long is the John & Jessie Kelley Half Marathon?
The John & Jessie Kelley Half Marathon is 21km long.
Where does the John & Jessie Kelley Half Marathon take place?
The John & Jessie Kelley Half Marathon takes place in New London, Connecticut, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the John & Jessie Kelley Half Marathon?
The John & Jessie Kelley Half Marathon elevation gain is 149 metres, which Runna classifies as a Rolling race.
How can I prepare for the John & Jessie Kelley Half Marathon?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the John & Jessie Kelley Half Marathon?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
More
Sport:
Running
Tags:
Coastal
Park
This event listing is for informational purposes only. Runna is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by John & Jessie Kelley Half Marathon or Moray Way Ultras. All event details are based on publicly available information and are provided solely to help users discover running events. Runna does not use any official logos, images, or proprietary content from this event or its organiser. Any trademarks or names mentioned are used descriptively to identify the event in a factual manner. For the most accurate and up to date information (including to register or purchase an entry to the event), please visit the John & Jessie Kelley Half Marathon website.
