Run169M4M: Week 1 Route Preview

In just two weeks - on Monday, September 8th - Shan will set off on his run through all 169 Connecticut towns (Run169M4M) to support funding and raise awareness for Medals4Mettle and the CT Children's Foundation. Shan will be out on the roads each day, while Josh manages the behind-the-scenes logistics.

The planned route passes through the center of every town, with town halls as our initial waypoints. If there is a nicer route - or if something looks "off" (we definitely don't want to trespass!) - please let us know. Every journey is more than a straight line from point A to point B, so we'd also like to include unique and memorable sights along the way. (without adding extra miles, of course)

Below, we’ve shared the current town-by-town plans for Week 1 (see drop-down list). If all goes to plan, Shan will start in West Haven on Monday, September 8, and finish in Brooklyn on Saturday, September 13. The route follows the coastline until Stonington, then turns inland and zigzags north through the eastern part of the state, based on Google Maps walking recommendations.

Week 1: September 8–13 through 32 towns covering 194 miles (~32 miles/day)

Day 1 (Mon, Sept 8): West Haven to Guilford ~ 24.1 miles

📍 West Haven • New Haven • East Haven • Branford • North Branford • Guilford

On the first day, Shan will run along the coast, with a quick trip up to North Branford, passing through a mix of historic neighborhoods.

Day 2 (Tues, Sept 9): Guilford to Old Saybrook ~ 33.3 miles

📍 Guilford • Killingworth • Madison • Clinton • Westbrook • Old Saybrook

On day 2, Shan continues moving east with a little jaunt up to Killingworth. He also passes by Hammonasset Beach State Park, which was where he finished his 2020 run across the country (3255 miles from San Francisco).

Day 3 (Wed, Sept 10): Old Saybrook to Groton ~ 28 miles

📍 Old Saybrook • Old Lyme • East Lyme • Waterford • New London • Groton

The route crosses rivers, passes by submarines, and toodles through village charm as Shan continues east along the shoreline.

Day 4 (Thurs, Sept 11): Groton to Norwich ~ 37.8 miles

📍 Groton • Stonington • North Stonington • Ledyard • Preston • Norwich

Today, Shan moves inland through rolling countryside and mill-town history, skirting around Foxwoods Casino.

Day 5 (Fri, Sept 12): Norwich to Griswold ~ 34.7 miles

📍 Norwich • Montville • Bozrah • Franklin • Sprague • Lisbon • Griswold

Shan heads deeper into eastern Connecticut’s forested hills and historic mill villages.

Day 6: (Sat, Sept 13) Griswold to Brooklyn ~ 36.4 miles

📍 Griswold • Voluntown • Sterling • Plainfield • Canterbury • Brooklyn

Shan meanders along the CT-RI border through the wooded hills in CT's Quiet Corner.

Day 7 (Sun, Sept 14): Rest Day at home ~ 0 miles

A full day of rest. We'll probably still be busy, but in a different way.

Shan will start each morning in the town where he finished the day before. He usually breaks for second breakfast and lunch, and makes quick stops for snacks and drinks as needed. If you’d like to join for a few miles or donate race medals, send us a message! 🏅 We’ll be collecting medals at the finish of each day’s run (timing will vary), so follow our social media for the latest announcements. You can also mail us medals or reach out directly.

See our contact info here.

Happy running!

~ Shan and Josh