CT RUN CO & Karla Murtaugh Homes Present

The 2026 Ridgefield Road Fest

Sunday, October 18, 2026

Hello, Runners!

We’re excited to welcome you to the 2026 Ridgefield Road Fest for an incredible day of running, cheering, and community spirit! Whether you’re taking on the Half-Marathon, the 7-Miler, or the Iris Fund 5K, we’re grateful to have you be part of this special event.

This year, our primary beneficiary is the Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield, a nationally recognized youth center offering award-winning programs in the arts, character and leadership, education, health and life skills, and sports and recreation.

The Iris Fund 5K also supports the Iris Fund and its commitment to advancing critical research. Learn more about the Iris Fund HERE

Please review the important information below to help make your race-day experience smooth, safe, and enjoyable!

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🏁 RACE-DAY ESSENTIALS

Start & Finish Location
Ridgefield Boys & Girls Club - however no parking available here
41 Governor Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877

Race Start Times

• Half-Marathon: 7:15 AM
• 7-Miler: 7:15 AM
• Iris Fund 5K: 7:30 AM

It's going to be chilly. Ridgefield High School students will have a FEEDING 500 Donation Box near packet pickup.  Please wear some extra warm layers and drop them in the boxes on your way to the start!  

 

📦 PACKET PICKUP

We strongly recommend picking up your race packet before race day to avoid the morning rush.

• Friday, October 16: Ridgefield Running Co., 423 Main Street, 2:00–6:00 PM
• Saturday, October 17: Ridgefield Running Co., 423 Main Street, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
• Race Day, Sunday, October 18: Ridgefield Boys & Girls Club, 5:45–7:15 AM

Please allow extra time if picking up your packet on race morning, as lines are expected.

Race-Day Registration: If the event has not sold out, registration will be available until 6:00 AM. Please note that T-shirts and medals are not guaranteed for same-day registrants.

⏰ RACE-DAY SCHEDULE

• 5:45 AM – Race Central opens; packet pickup begins
• 7:15 AM – Half-Marathon start
• 7:15 AM – 7-Miler start
• 7:30 AM – Iris Fund 5K start
• 8:15 AM – Approximate arrival of the Half-Marathon winner
• 8:30 AM – Post-race celebration begins!

Stick around after your race for live music from the School of Rock, Chez Leonard sliders, hot dogs, beverages, and plenty of fun with our amazing community!

Tents, tables, and chairs will be available. Please note that the Ridgefield Boys & Girls Club building will not be accessible to runners before, during, or after the event.

🚗 PARKING INFORMATION

Runners and spectators should park at one of the following locations, all within approximately a quarter-mile of Race Central and easy to find using Google Maps:

• East Ridge Middle School
• Veterans Park Elementary School
• Ridgefield Playhouse
• Bissell Pharmacy lot area
• Available parking along Main Street

Important: No parking is permitted at the Boys & Girls Club, the Governor Street Lot, or RVNA. Vehicles will not be allowed to drive down to the packet pickup area.

Please plan accordingly and allow yourself plenty of time to park and get to the starting line.

🏃 RACE-DAY SAFETY & COURSE ETIQUETTE

Please review these important reminders before heading out:

• Wear your bib on the front of your shirt. Do not bend or fold it.
• Timing: Results are based on net time, but overall winners are determined by gun time.
• Stay alert: The course remains open to traffic. Police will pause vehicles as needed, but runners must remain aware of their surroundings.
• Follow course directions: Run on the left side of the road, facing traffic, unless otherwise directed.
• West Lane and Main Street: Stay on the right side of the road where instructed.
• Mile 12: Half-Marathon runners will use a coned-off section of the right shoulder. Vehicles may still pass through this area, so please remain especially alert.
• Run considerately: Avoid running three or more people abreast across the road.
• Headphones: Headphones are discouraged. If you choose to wear them, please use non-noise-canceling headphones and remain attentive to traffic.

💧 COURSE AMENITIES

Water Stations staffed by the Ridgefield High Girls XC team and The Ridgefield Boys and Girls Club

• Half-Marathon: Miles 1.5, 2.25, 6, 7, and 9
• 7-Miler: Miles 1.5, 2.25, and 4
• Iris Fund 5K: Mile 1.5

Portable Toilets

Portable toilets will be available on South Olmstead Road at approximately mile 2.25 for all runners and mile 7 for Half-Marathon runners. Half-Marathon participants will pass the mile 2.25 location twice.

Help Us Keep the Course Clean!

Please do not litter or enter private property.

 

❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are strollers or dogs allowed?
No. For safety reasons, strollers and dogs are not permitted on the course.

Can I wear headphones?
Headphones are discouraged because the roads remain open to traffic. If you choose to wear them, please use non-noise-canceling headphones and stay alert.

Can I give my bib to someone else?
No. Bibs are linked to participant emergency contact information and race results. Transfers are not permitted.

Can an unregistered friend run with me?
No. Running without registering is unsafe and unfair to registered participants.

Can someone else pick up my race packet?
Yes! Someone else may pick up your packet on your behalf.

Will the race take place rain or shine?
Yes! The event will take place rain or shine unless extreme weather or other conditions make it unsafe.

Can I get a refund if I can’t participate?
Unfortunately, refunds are not available. Race logistics and expenses are arranged months in advance.

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🎉 WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU AT THE STARTING LINE!

Thank you for being part of the 2026 Ridgefield Road Fest and for supporting the organizations that make our community stronger. We’re looking forward to an unforgettable day filled with running, encouragement, great music, and community spirit!

Good luck with your final preparations, and we’ll see you on Sunday, October 18!

Happy Running,

CT RUN CO Ridgefield Road Fest Team