If you find yourself facing a closed barricade on College Street this month, now you know: September in New Haven belongs to the runners, riders, and road warriors.
Over three weekends, city streets become courses and cowbells make a comeback. Whether or not you’re interested in logging 13.1 miles or clipping into a road bike, it’s one of the few times you can experience New Haven at race pace. Runners and cyclists take over familiar streets, while spectators, volunteers, friends, and families turn sidewalks and finish lines into cheer zones.
Faxon Law New Haven Road Race • September 7
First up is the Faxon Law New Haven Road Race on Labor Day, a New Haven tradition dating to 1978. More than 7,000 runners take to the streets each year for everything from the 5K and Half Marathon to the nationally recognized 20K championship. The courses pass Yale, East Rock Park, Westville, and other familiar corners of the city before spilling back onto the New Haven Green, where spectators have perfected the art of cheering enthusiastically for people they’ve never met.
The official Chapel Street Cheer Zone by The Shops at Yale runs 8:30–10:30 a.m.; the main races begin at 8:30 a.m.
Closer to Free Ride • September 19
A couple of weeks later, thousands of cyclists gather at the Yale Bowl for the Closer to Free Ride. Starting at 8 a.m., riders set off on routes ranging from 10 to 100 miles, raising money for Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center. Since launching in 2011, the ride has generated more than $33 million for cancer research and patient care, turning a day on two wheels into something much bigger than the miles traveled.
There are two distinct spectator experiences: the Smilow Salute begins at 6:45 a.m., with riders passing from 7–8 a.m.; at the Yale Bowl, the opening ceremony begins at 6:45 a.m. and riders return between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
New Haven Grand Prix • September 25
Finally, the New Haven Grand Prix rolls into downtown on Friday evening, when the streets around the Green briefly resemble a European cycling race at dusk. From 4 to 10 p.m., riders corner the three-quarter-mile course at speeds nearing 40 mph while spectators line the route for an evening of professional cycling, food vendors, and live music.
The official race schedule has not been posted as of publication date.
Maybe this is your sign to become an endurance athlete. Then again, maybe not. Either way, you’re welcome. Race, ride, volunteer, find a spot along the route, or just follow the sound of the cowbells. For three weekends this September, New Haven is in motion.
photo: Hartford Courant
