
From the Organizer
Once Upon a Trail…
In Roosevelt Forest, where sunlight dances through the trees and adventure waits around every bend, the Storybook Half Marathon calls to you—to join the fun, take on the challenge, and embrace the magic of 13.1 miles in the woods.
Racers, Runners, Joggers, Ruckers, Hikers, and Walkers are all warmly invited to embark on this friendly forest quest. Whether you’re an experienced trail runner or a curious first-timer, this course offers the perfect blend of charm and challenge.
Storybook Book Drive
For this race, Roosevelt Forest Ultras is proud to partner with the nonprofit organization Books4Everyone. On race day, we will be collecting new and gently used children’s books. These will be delivered by Books4Everyone to schools, shelters, food banks, and community organizations across Fairfield County.
Please consider bringing a donation with you to the race.
Learn more: books4everyone.org
Race Info
Start Time: 8:30 AM (Bib pickup begins at 7:00AM at the pavilion)
Location: Roosevelt Forest, 700 Peters Lane, Stratford, CT
Course Details:
The course is a 1.64-mile wooded loop on marked singletrack and doubletrack trails. It includes roots, rocks, and gently rolling hills—8 loops complete the 13.1-mile journey.
Runners will have up to 4 hours to finish. Some prior trail experience is helpful, though not required.
Costumes Encouraged!
Dress as your favorite storybook character and bring some magic to the trails!
Prizes will be awarded for the most enchanting costumes.
Parking & Restrooms
Please do not enter the Roosevelt Forest parking lot before 7:00 AM, to allow for final setup.
Park efficiently—space is limited. Larger vehicles should use the side lot (no RVs, please).
Porta potties will be conveniently located near the pavilion.
Swag, Fuel & Awards
Hydration & Fuel:
Quality ultra-style hydration and snacks will be available at the main pavilion aid station, which you'll pass every loop.
If you have specific dietary needs, please bring your own fueling options.
Swag & Goodies:
Every participant will receive:
A Storybook Half Marathon Medallion
Non-alcoholic beer from Athletic Brewing
Additional race swag (shirts, gear, etc.) available for purchase at the event.
Race T-shirts can be purchased during registration; limited sizes may be available for sale on race day.
Awards:
Podium prizes will be given to the top 3 fastest male and female finishers.
Registration & Policies
Registration is final:
No refunds, bib transfers, or deferrals—no exceptions.
CDC, state, and local health guidance will be followed.
Must be 18 years, or older to participate without parental waiver
Post-Race Celebration
Congratulations! You did it!
Stick around to cheer on fellow finishers, grab a snack, sip a crisp Athletic Brewing beer.
revel in your accomplishment and swap stories with friends old and new.
Distances & Pricing
Race Location
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
The half marathon is the distance where you find out what you're actually made of. Long enough to demand real preparation. Short enough that it doesn't consume your life to train for it. Most people who run their first half describe it as the race that changed their relationship with what they're capable of. Once you cross this finish line, the bar moves. That's not a warning — that's the point.
Race day energy varies by event size, but the finish line feeling is the same regardless. Big races keep the noise going the whole way. Smaller races give you stretches where it's just you and the miles — and that solitude becomes its own kind of fuel.
The half marathon rewards people who show up for the boring training miles.
How long to train: 10–14 weeks. If you're already running consistently, 10 weeks of structured buildup is enough. If you're building from a casual base, give yourself 14.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Storybook Half Marathon
Nov 21, 2026