

The Perfect Ten & Five Mile Road Race
The Perfect Ten & Five Mile Road Race debuts on a dead-flat, shaded rail trail.
Race Date
Aug 1, 2026
Location
Hamden, CT
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, August 1, 2026
- Location
- Hamden, Connecticut
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi)
- Course
- Out & Back
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
Highlights
Good For
Course
The Experience
The Perfect Ten & Five Mile Road Race makes its debut on the smooth, shaded surface of Hamden's Rail Trail. This new event from the Shoreline Sharks sticks to what works: a simple out-and-back course with zero traffic, zero street crossings, and a surface that's flat enough to chase a PR. The 10-Miler starts at 7 a.m., the 5-Miler at 7:30, both designed to beat the summer heat. Runners will enjoy the quiet, tree-lined path with no turns to worry about—just a straight run out and back.
After the race, the post-race scene is simple but satisfying: a finisher's tech shirt and the satisfaction of a clean, fast effort. With generous cutoffs (15 minutes per mile for the 10-miler, 24 for the 5-miler), this race welcomes everyone from first-timers to veterans. Aid stations at strategic miles keep you fueled, and the Rail Trail's ample parking makes logistics easy. It's a promising new addition to Connecticut's racing calendar.
Race-provided description
Are you ready for the NEXT BIG THING in running? As trend setters, the Shoreline Sharks are always on the cutting edge, and we are proud to introduce THE PERFECT TEN & Five Mile Road Race! We brought back the 10K a decade ago and now we are introducing a 10 Miler and 5 Miler that will be your new favorite! You've done a million Half Marathons and 5ks, so your next goal has arrived. This course is 100% on the flat Rail Trail in Hamden with NO TRAFFIC AND NO STREET CROSSING! A simple out-n-back format. We start and finish from the Rail Trail Lot that we use for the Hamden Hills Half Marathon & Flat 5K and The Rail Trail 10K Race. We are sticking with what has worked for 15 years! The 10 Miler starts at 7am (to beat the heat) and has a 2:30 cutoff (15 minute/mile pace). Aid Stations with Poland Spring Water & Gatorade Endurance at Miles 2.4, 5 and 7.6. You run out 5 Miles and back. No turns, No cars! Net gain of 150'. Super flat and shaded. Click to see the 10 Mile Route on Strava The 5 Miler starts at 7:30am (to beat the heat) and has a 2:00 cutoff (24 minute/mile pace) which will work for all paces. Aid Stations with Poland Spring Water & Gatorade Endurance at Mile 2.6. You run out 2.5 Miles and back. No turns, No cars! EZ! Net gain of 60'. Super flat and shaded. Click to see the 5 Mile Route on Strava Men's and Women's cut short sleeve tech shirts for all. Parking at all Rail Trail lots and on the street.
Poland Spring Water and Gatorade Endurance at the Aid Stations and finish. Custom 3" Finisher Medals for Ten Mile Finishers Custom Coffee Mug Awards for the Overall top 3 men and women as well as every 10-year division for both races. Porto-Lets at the Venue Free Finish Line Photos from EliteFeats Live Text & Email Results streaming Inaugural Race Pricing: TEN MILER: $60 FIVE MILER: $30 On-line registration ends at midnight on 7/30/2026. We will have race day entry if we do not sell out. $65 / $35 Cash, Checks made out to "CASH" and Venmo to ShorelineSharks. NO CARDS ON RACE DAY No Refunds. No Transfers, No DeferralsEvent details and schedule
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, August 1, 2026
Start Time
11:00 AM
Start Location
Hamden, CT, 06518
Course Info
Course Type
Out & Back
Terrain
road
Scenery
Forest
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Quality Score
first year
no finisher counts yet
small race — neutral
needs a few years of results
2 timing sources · 3 photos
no finisher data yet
no winner time yet
typical high 81°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
64°
Afternoon (High)
81°
Hot conditions — adjust pace expectations, prioritize hydration
0.2"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
74%
Humidity
Race Photos
About the Organizer
Frequently asked
When is the The Perfect Ten & Five Mile Road Race?
The The Perfect Ten & Five Mile Road Race is held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, starting at 11:00 AM.
Where does the The Perfect Ten & Five Mile Road Race take place?
It takes place in Hamden, Connecticut.
What distances does the The Perfect Ten & Five Mile Road Race offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles).
Is the The Perfect Ten & Five Mile Road Race course flat and good for a PR?
The The Perfect Ten & Five Mile Road Race is a ultra-flat, out & back course.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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