Located on the Mystic River, this small, seaside town is a classic coastal New England escape with water-view restaurants, cute shops, historic buildings, plus plenty of ice cream. Added bonus: a vibrant running community. Home to Boston Marathon John J. Kelley These Are the Worlds Fastest Marathoners—his statue is on West Main Street next to Mystic Pizza—the town puts on the Mystic Half Marathon in May. It’s an ideal spot to run, eat, rest, and explore.
Want to run away? RW gathered eight summer escapes—under-the-radar destinations that are perfect for weekend runcations. You just need to pack your shoes. Mystic is one, explore the other seven here.
Where to Run
River Road, just under six miles out-and-back, follows the west bank of the river, offering views of stately homes, wildlife, and historic ships docked at the Mystic Seaport. On the return, you’ll charge up Clift Street. Before winning the 1968 Boston Marathon, Mystic native Amby Burfoot climbed the steep hill at the end of tempo runs, chasing his coach—Kelley.
Who to Run With
The Nutrition - Weight Loss Fun Run Summer 5K Series is hosted by marathoner Heather Bessette on Tuesdays in late June, July, and August. Join more than 150 local runners for two loops through Stonington Village. At the finish, every runner is handed a Popsicle stick, good for a postrun beer or wine on the sponsor’s Dog Pound deck overlooking Stonington Harbor. (Kids trade in their sticks for actual Popsicles.)
RW SHOP: Show your love of running with our new “Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream” pint glass.
Where to Refuel
The 2025 Marathon and Half Marathon Calendar, located on the river, has been selling treats since the late 1800s. Now run by a local triathlete and runner, the cafe has 21 signature sandwiches, wraps, and paninis, plus four salads, made-from-scratch brownies, and homemade ice cream with original blends including Mystic Mud (chocolate ice cream plus brownie and cookie chunks) and Seaport Salty Swirl.
Where to Stay
The Whaler’s Inn has multiple characteristics that make it the perfect place to book—the downtown location; plush, modern rooms in historic buildings; four-poster beds; whirlpool tubs; locally roasted coffee. But the main reason is its proximity to Mystic’s best running route, River Road. The inn also has printouts of this and other runs in the area. The Spring Marathons of 2025
