The Ridgefield Road Fest 50th ANNIVERSARY: 1/2 Marathon, 7-Miler, & Iris Fund 5K
Ridgefield Road Fest offers a classic New England fall half-marathon with a fast, rolling course.
Race Date
Oct 18, 2026
Location
Ridgefield, CT
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, October 18, 2026
- Location
- Ridgefield, Connecticut
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 7 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 13.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 3,184
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Ridgefield Road Fest, celebrating its 50th anniversary, presents a quintessential New England fall running experience. Runners traverse some of Fairfield County's most picturesque roads, with the half-marathon featuring a course that includes gradual climbs before settling into a rolling rhythm through southern Ridgefield. The route is designed to showcase some of the town's flatter sections, culminating in a fast downhill finish.
With about 424 finishers recently, drawing participants from approximately 16 states, the event has grown steadily. A loyalty rate of around 29% indicates a dedicated following for this race, which has been a fixture for eight editions. The half-marathon, along with a 7-miler and a 5K supporting the Iris Fund, offers a welcoming atmosphere for beginners and a chance for seasoned runners to aim for a personal best on a course known for its fast potential.
Runners receive a long-sleeve tee, and the event benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield. The race is held in early fall, with typical temperatures ranging from 46-62°F, making for pleasant racing conditions.
Race-provided description
October 18, 2026 Ridgefield Half-Marathon 7:15 AM Ridgefield 7-Miler 7:15 AM Iris Fund 5K 7:30 AM These races feature classic fall New England scenery. The races are beginner-friendly, and you will run through some of the prettiest roads in Fairfield County! The race starts on East Ridge Road, just above The Boys and Girls Club of Ridgefield, with a few gradual climbs to keep you honest. It then settles into a nice rolling course that winds through southern Ridgefield for two loops that showcase some of the flattest miles in the town. With a fast downhill into downtown Ridgefield and back to the Boys and Girls Club, where you're sure to finish strong and smiling! This race’s primary benefactor is the Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield. The Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield is a national award-winning youth activity center designed to offer programs for school-aged children after school and during vacations in five core areas: The Arts, Character & Leadership, Education, Health & Life Skills, and Sports, Fitness & Recreation. The 5K proudly supports The Iris Fund, founded in loving memory of Iris Crystal Aleman. Dedicated to ending the heartbreak of prematurity, the Fund fuels research into the triggers of labor and supports families facing high-risk pregnancies and loss. **Everyone who donates $10 or more to the Boys & Girls Club through the registration platform (RunSignUp) will be entered into a raffle for some great prizes! Donating $25 will get you two entries. We will be raffling off items to be announced at a later time.**
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Start Time
7:15 AM
Giveaway
Ridgefield Road Fest Long Sleeve Tee
Start Location
Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield, Ridgefield, CT, 06877
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Rural
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Standout778 years running
~381 finishers a year
growing or steady
29% returning runners
3 timing sources
runners from 16 states
winner 1:20:34
typical high 62°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
46°
Afternoon (High)
62°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
11 mph
Wind
70%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 3,184 finishers actually crossed the line across 8 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
3,184
Median time
2:01:11
Latest turnout
424
States
29
Turnout by year
2017–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the The Ridgefield Road Fest 50th ANNIVERSARY: 1/2 Marathon, 7-Miler, & Iris Fund 5K?
The The Ridgefield Road Fest 50th ANNIVERSARY: 1/2 Marathon, 7-Miler, & Iris Fund 5K is held on Sunday, October 18, 2026, starting at 7:15 AM.
Where does the The Ridgefield Road Fest 50th ANNIVERSARY: 1/2 Marathon, 7-Miler, & Iris Fund 5K take place?
It takes place in Ridgefield, Connecticut.
What distances does the The Ridgefield Road Fest 50th ANNIVERSARY: 1/2 Marathon, 7-Miler, & Iris Fund 5K offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 7 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 13.1 Miles.
Is the The Ridgefield Road Fest 50th ANNIVERSARY: 1/2 Marathon, 7-Miler, & Iris Fund 5K course flat and good for a PR?
The The Ridgefield Road Fest 50th ANNIVERSARY: 1/2 Marathon, 7-Miler, & Iris Fund 5K is a rolling hills, loop course course.
How many people run the The Ridgefield Road Fest 50th ANNIVERSARY: 1/2 Marathon, 7-Miler, & Iris Fund 5K?
HalfRuns has finish records for 3,184 runners who have completed the The Ridgefield Road Fest 50th ANNIVERSARY: 1/2 Marathon, 7-Miler, & Iris Fund 5K.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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