Event Details
The Faxon Law New Haven Road Race is excited to celebrate its 49th anniversary this Labor Day, Monday, September 7, with 6,000 participants expected to take part in one of the region’s largest road racing events.
This year’s event will feature a half marathon, half marathon relay, 5K, Town Fair Tire Kids Fun Run, and the signature 20K race. The 20K will once again host the USATF 20K National Championship, bringing elite runners from across the country to New Haven.
The 2026 race marks the 35th consecutive year that a national championship has been held in New Haven, making it the longest-running USATF Championship event in the country. The 20K is expected to feature a strong elite field, including U.S. Olympians and multiple national champions. With 6,000 participants expected, this year’s event will have its largest field in more than a decade.
All races will start and finish on the historic New Haven Green, where participants and spectators can enjoy a variety of vendors and activities. East Rock Brewing Company, a nationally recognized brewery and local favorite, will also be on site serving beer.
Race packet pickup will take place Friday through Sunday of Labor Day weekend at Corsair, a luxury apartment building in New Haven’s East Rock neighborhood.
The event will also offer plenty of activities for families. The Kids Fun Zone on the New Haven Green will feature games, sports mascots, and other outdoor entertainment to keep children engaged throughout the morning.
Continuing its commitment to sustainability, the 2026 Faxon Law New Haven Road Race will uphold its green initiatives in partnership with Avangrid. Race materials and packet bags will be printed on 100% recycled paper, while race shirts will be made from recycled fabrics. The event will use biodegradable cups and trash bags, eliminate plastic water bottles entirely, and feature electric or low-emission lead vehicles to further reduce its environmental impact.
Following the race, participants are invited to celebrate at the BAR New Haven After Party. From 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., runners can enjoy two slices of pizza and a beer for $14, with beer available to those 21 and older. Attendees under 21 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are limited and selling quickly.
Faxon Law Group, the event’s title sponsor since 2007, continues to play a central role in the race’s mission.
“We are honored to once again support this remarkable nationwide event in the Elm City,” said Joel Faxon, founding partner of Faxon Law Group. “The Faxon Law Group New Haven Road Race is more than just a race—it’s a celebration of community and purpose. We’re especially proud of the meaningful impact the race continues to have supporting the local charities that share our firm’s values of achievement, connection, empowerment, and engagement.”
Major sponsors of the event include Faxon Law Group, Crabtree Lexus, Town Fair Tire, In Memory of Mark Gilhuly, Corsair, G Café, Ivy Rehab Network, Yale University, and the City of New Haven.
To register or learn more, visit www.newhavenroadrace.org.