Hogsback Half Marathon

May 14, 2021 Update - We received approval from the MDC! We will move forward with planning for the 2021 event and registration is now open.

May 13, 2021 Update - We still do not have an approval (or a denial) of a permit from the  Metropolitan District Commission ("MDC"), they are considering our request.  We will not be able to open registration on May 17, 2021.  For the moment we have pushed opening registration to June 1, 2021.  If still do not have a permit approval from the MDC by June 1, 2021, we will have to make a decision on whether or not to cancel the race.  Unfortunately a half marathon takes a lot of planning and resources.  We can't in good faith take people's registration money (and spend that money on race requirements such as timing, bibs, medals, shirts, aid stations, etc.) if we don't have certainty that the race will be permitted.  As always, if you have questions please reach out to me at kelly@sonicendurance.com.  

May 1, 2021 Update - We are currently working on permitting the event with the Metropolitan District Commission ("MDC") -- the governing body that issues permits for use of the Goodwin Dam where the race starts and finishes.  Right now the MDC has not yet decided whether it will issue any permits in 2021. We need a permit from the MDC (and from the state and local towns) for the race to take place. No permit. No race. We hope to be able to make final decision about whether the race will take place, and the number of runners we may be allowed to host, as of May 15, 2021.

If you have questions please feel free to reach out to us at kelly@sonicendurance.com.

We are looking forward to racing as much as you are and hope we can see you all in September.

2021 Hogsback Half Marathon Information:

Start Time: General race begins promptly at 9 a.m. on September 25, 2021. If you anticipate needing more that 2 hours 45 minutes to complete the course, we will be offering an early start at 8:15 a.m.  We do not yet know if we will offer additional waves or a rolling start or other COVID-19 related modifications and will make a determine of the exact race start logistics based on relevant guidance from the State of Connecticut.  

Amenities:

• Rural course on lightly travelled country roads along the Farmington River;
• Technical shirts for all runners in mens' and womens' sizes;
• 6 water stations -- how the aid stations will be stocked will be based on applicable COVID-19 regulations;
• Great post-race food -- how post race food will be handled will be based on applicable COVID-19 regulations;
• Custom finisher medals from Ashworth Awards;
• Electronic bib tag timing;
• Customized bibs with runners names;
• Awards in 5 year age groups; and
• Fun raffle prizes.

Course: Fast USATF certified course with a 100 foot net elevation decrease. You'll run on country roads through the towns of Riverton, Pleasant Valley, Hartland and Colebrook, Connecticut.

Awards: Top 3 overall male and female runners and 3 deep in 5 year age divisions (18 and under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69 and 70 +).  If we are not able to hold an in person award ceremony, awards will be mailed.

Proceeds: All proceeds from the race benefit Running for Rescues. Running for Rescues is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to saving the lives of shelter animals. Running for Rescues supports small, grassroots organizations on the front lines - people pulling animals out of shelters before they are put to sleep. The cost associated with their efforts can be staggering! Running for Rescues funds shots, spay/neuter, transport, boarding, or food while the animal is being fostered and gives animals the opportunity to find a forever home.

Event details and schedule
Packet pickup begins at 7 a.m. on race day (September 25, 2021).

Early Start at 8:15 a.m.  If you anticipate needing more than 2 hours 45 minutes to complete the course, we will be offering an Early Start at 8:15 a.m. (please register for the early start option when you sign up for the race)

General Start at 9 a.m. 

Post-Race Celebration Begins at 10:30 a.m. (pending COVID-19 regulations)

Awards Ceremony & Raffles at 11:45 a.m. (pending COVID-19 regulations).