Race Report: Killingworth Road Race

I'm finally writing a race report the same day as the event itself! The Killingworth Road Race is a 4-mile event held annually in the small town of Killingworth, CT. The Killingworth Congregational Church hosts the festivities each year.

Course Map

Date: 23 August, 2025

Town: Killingworth, CT, USA

Distance: 4 miles

Conditions: It was a cool morning for a road race in August - much to my delight. If I had my druthers, I would not run in weather over 60F, but I know that not everyone agrees with me. The road race is normally held in early August, but last year multiple people required treatment for heat-related illness, so the date was moved toward the end of the month in hopes of a cooler run. It was 72F for the 2025 race and mostly sunny.

Parking: Parking was not directly at the Congregational Church, but across the street at some other buildings across the street. I am not sure if they were associated with the church, because they looked very ecclesiastical but there was no sign on the building I parked in front of.

Parked by a different church building

Check In: Checking in was a fast, smooth process held outside of the church.

Course Description: This road race was an out-and-back course with a few small rolling hills. The two miles out were net downhill, which meant that the final two miles were net uphill. There was just one steep downhill in the first mile, so that was a steep climb in the final mile. The course went through residential neighborhoods with several road crossings, all of which were supported by police or volunteers. There were a few spectators, but it is a small town so I did not expect (nor did I see) crowds of onlookers. The roads were open to car traffic but motorists drove safely through the race route.

The finish line is was up the steep church driveway, not my favorite way to finish.

Afterparty: There was a great music playlist playing over the church speakers, and there was orange Gatorade and water served from large dispensers behind the church. I saw bananas and peaches as well as the drinks. The state police made sure we all crossed Route 81 safely back to our vehicles.

The race shirt is very autumnal, maybe due to the later date this year