About This Race
The Sleeping Giant Trail Runs in Hamden, Connecticut, is a grueling ultramarathon that takes place in the rugged traprock landscape of Sleeping Giant State Park. Competitors tackle a 25K loop—doubled for the 50K distance—renowned for its punishing 3,000+ feet of vertical gain per loop and technical, rocky singletrack.
What Makes It Unique
- The Head Wall Climb: A legendary 0.3-mile rock scramble where runners must ascend over 500 feet of vertical elevation in one of the steepest sections of the course.
- Anatomical Navigation: The course traverses a mountain formation that resembles a massive human figure in repose, with trails that cross through the 'head,' 'chest,' 'knees,' and 'feet' of the Giant.
- Observation Tower Summit: Runners reach the highest point of the race at a historic stone observation tower, offering expansive views of the surrounding Connecticut landscape and Long Island Sound.
Media Coverage
Cultra Trail Running - Episode 344: Coast Trail Talk
Cultra Trail Running Podcast
An editorial deep dive into the iconic trail systems of Connecticut, specifically profiling the Sleeping Giant terrain and its reputation as one of the gnarliest courses in the Northeast.
Race Profile: Sleeping Giant Trail Runs
MassUltra
An editorial spotlight on the inaugural Sleeping Giant ultramarathon, describing the course's 3,000 feet of vertical gain per loop and its technical singletrack composition.
315: Tagging the Sleeping Giant Tower with New England's Finest Aaron Heath
Cultra Trail Running Podcast
An in-depth interview featuring the race director and top finishers discussing the unique challenges of racing on the technical trails of Sleeping Giant State Park and the inaugural event experience.
Coast Trail Talk: Breaking Down Sleeping Giant and West Rock
Cultra Trail Running Podcast
The 'Coast Trail Talk' segment provides an evergreen analysis of the technicality and community significance of trail running at Sleeping Giant, positioning it as a premier Northeast destination.