HalfRuns
The 2025edition of this race has already taken place. We'll list the next date as soon as it's announced.
Air Line Trail Ghost Run

Air Line Trail Ghost Run

Air Line Trail Ghost Run: A flat, fast trail half through Connecticut forests.

Race Date

Nov 1, 2025

Location

Hebron, CT

Runner Favorite82

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, November 1, 2025
Location
Hebron, Connecticut
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 13.1 Mile Relay
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Yes
Finishers on record
4,130

Highlights

Good For

PR FriendlyHidden Gem

Atmosphere

Local CommunityWell OrganizedGreat Swag

Course

Scenic Route

The Experience

Now in its 19th edition, the Air Line Trail Ghost Run draws ~209 runners each year from about 11 states, with 22% returning annually. Sponsored by three local Parks & Rec departments, this small-town event offers a low-key, community-driven race day through rural Connecticut.

The certified 13.1-mile course runs mostly along the historic Air Line Trail—a flat, packed stone and gravel path winding through pristine forests and tiny towns. The terrain is forgiving, making it a solid option for runners seeking a fast, scenic half-marathon on a non-road surface.

Runners receive a race T-shirt and enjoy the quiet camaraderie of a dedicated field. With no day-of registration and no walkers or dogs allowed, the focus stays on the trail and the simple pleasure of a well-organized, no-frills half marathon.

Race-provided description

The Parks & Recreation Departments of Hebron, Colchester, and East Hampton are collaborating along with the State of CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to host our 21st Annual Ghost Run!  The 13.1 mile certified half marathon course follows the historic Air Line Trail for roughly 11 miles, through pristine and picturesque rural Connecticut Forests and small towns.  The trail is mostly flat with packed stone, gravel, and earthen material.   Runners registered before October 1st will receive a race T-Shirt.  Registration deadline is October 31st by 1:30pm.  PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.  There is no day of registration available.   Early Bib pickup is scheduled for Friday October 31st, from 8am-2pm at the Burnt Hill Park Office Building (148 East Street, Hebron, CT, 06248) $50 Individual Runner / $100 Relay Team This event is for runners only, we are unable to accommodate walkers.  We do understand that runners may need to walk periodically.   This event does not allow dogs. Course The race begins at Hebron Elementary School located on Route 85.Runners will run south on Route 85 for about 2 miles and pick up the Air Line Trail behind Juliano’s Pools.The race continues on the Air Line Trail through Colchester and into East Hampton. At the Trail Head runners will continue on the trail to Watrous Street, to Summit Street.Follow Summit Street to Center Elementary School.Shuttle Buses will be available for all the runners in each direction.  

RELAY LEGS: #1. Start to Grayville Road - Hebron (3.6 mi.) #2. Grayville Road to River Road Overpass - Colchester (4.2 mi.) #3. River Road Overpass to Finish Line - Center School, East Hampton (5.3 mi.)

RELAY RUNNERS: Shuttle buses will drop you off and pick you up at designated locations (see shuttle bus schedule).   SHUTTLE BUS SCHEDULE: Bus 1 Depart Center School in East Hampton (7 Summit St.) at approx. 7:45AM transport runners to Hebron Elementary School (Rt. 85 in Hebron), stay at Hebron Elementary School and be the shuttle for Grayville Road Relay location, drop runners off and stay at this location until runners have reached this relay leg of the race. Leave Hebron Elementary School at 8:45AM just before the race starts and head to the Grayville Road location. Return runners back to Hebron Elementary school then to Center School in East Hampton. Stay at Center School and return runners to Hebron Elementary School on a rotating basis through the rest of the race as needed. Bus 2 Depart Center School in East Hampton at approx. 8:10AM transport runners to Hebron Elementary School, Rt. 85 Hebron. Stay at Hebron Elementary School and be the shuttle for the River Road Underpass relay location. Leave from Hebron Elementary School at 9:05AM or just after the race starts. Proceed to River Road underpass, drop off runners and stay at this location until runners have reached this relay leg. Transport these arriving runners to Center School in East Hampton. Stay at Center School and return runners to Hebron Elementary School on a rotating basis as needed.

Bus 3 Depart Center School in East Hampton at approximately 8:25AM transport runners to Hebron Elementary School, rt. 85 Hebron, return to Center School and return runners to Hebron Elementary School on a rotating basis through-out the rest of the day as needed.

Bus 4 Shuttle from Hebron Elementary School to Grayville Road relay location. The bus will leave Hebron Elementary School just after the race starts. This bus will wait to leave Grayville Road until after the last runner crosses. Bus 5 Shuttle between Center School and Hebron Elementary School throughout the day starting at 8:00AM.

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, November 1, 2025

Start Time

9:00 AM

Giveaway

T-Shirt

Start Location

92 Church St., Hebron, CT, 06248

Directions

Course Info

USATF Certified

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Scenery

Forest, Small Town

Surface

Dirt Trail

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

+1.39 m

Separation

67.9%

Also Offers

13.1 Mile Relay

USATF Certified Course

CT24023JHP · Ghost Run Half Marathon

Net downhill course — fast finishing times are common. Point-to-point course layout.

Quality Score

Runner Favorite82
Methodology
Heritage20/20

20 years running

Size13/15

~422 finishers a year

Momentum0/5

shrinking

Loyalty20/20

23% returning runners

Course & details8/15

USATF certified · 4 timing sources

National draw6/10

runners from 9 states

Front-pack speed5/5

winner 1:14:33

Weather10/10

typical high 57°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

42°

Afternoon (High)

57°

Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable

0.1"

Precipitation

11 mph

Wind

74%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 4,130 finishers actually crossed the line across 20 years.

Most recent

2026

Total finishers

4,130

Median time

2:06:51

Latest turnout

275

States

27

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:10p50 median ≈ 1:553:25

Turnout by year

2018–2026

'18'19'21'22'23'24'25'26
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Frequently asked

When is the Air Line Trail Ghost Run?

The Air Line Trail Ghost Run was held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, starting at 9:00 AM.

Where does the Air Line Trail Ghost Run take place?

It takes place in Hebron, Connecticut.

What distances does the Air Line Trail Ghost Run offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 13.1 Mile Relay.

Is the Air Line Trail Ghost Run course flat and good for a PR?

The Air Line Trail Ghost Run is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.

How many people run the Air Line Trail Ghost Run?

HalfRuns has finish records for 4,130 runners who have completed the Air Line Trail Ghost Run.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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