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During the 50's and early 60's, Schaefer Day was an annual sports-oriented event, with swimming contests at the Ocean Beach Pool, auto races at the Waterford Speed Bowl, and a fireworks show at the New London Pier. In 1963 event sponsor F & F Distributors representing the F & M Schaefer Brewing Company met with Beach Manager Tony Pero, also attending the meeting were, John Priolo, Anthony Sabilia, and John Dempsey.

The plan was to organize a 12 mile road race on the roads of New London and Waterford, starting and finishing at Ocean Beach Park. A plan was adapted for the race which is always held on the first Saturday in August. From inception, race has been no entry fee. The first running of the Schaefer Race in 1963 drew 19 starters and was won by John J. Kelley, a native of New London, then living in Mystic with a time of 54:51.4 over the 10.5 mile course. The 1957 Boston Marathon Champion, Kelley won the first two races, followed by three straight wins for Amby Burfoot, the 1968 Boston Marathon Champion. Another local runner, New York City Marathon Champion Norm Higgins won the race in 1970.

Over the years the course distance has changed several times due to road construction. Traditionally starting at noon, moved to 10:00 a.m. in 1980, and moved to 9:00 a.m. in 1989. The race was billed "for serious runners only" and the quality of winners backed this claim. Women first appeared in the Schaefer race in 1970 when Nina Kuscik of New York finished in 72nd place. That year the race had 148 entries, topping the 100 mark for the first time. Race Director, John Priolo changed the race name in 1974 to the John J. Kelley Road Race, as an expression of gratitude for the veteran runner's many road racing accomplishments.

In 1977 the race attracted 204 runners, sending the entry list over 200 for the first time. When John Priolo moved to Florida, Anthony Sabilia and John Dempsey took over as race co-directors and in 1989 they passed the reins to Way Hedding. In 2003 Jessie Kelley's name was added to the race title following her death in 2003. In 2012 the race drew 758 official entries. Selected by New England Runner Magazine "2012 Race of the Year".

Beach Manager Dave Sugrue and his very capable staff will be on hand to insure everything runs smoothly at the beach. Race timing provided by SNERRO, who has timed this race from it's inception in 1963.

The Kelley Course is a13.1 mile measured loop, all on paved roads. Race starts and finishes in Ocean Beach Park. Plenty of parking, arrive early to avoid heavy beach traffic. Mostly flat with a few rolling hills, long hill at eight miles. Enjoy panoramic vistas of Long Island Sound on the way out and on the return to the beach with rural roads and a commercial stretch in Waterford.

Course is very well marked, all turns and mile marks in green paint. Roads are open to traffic, runners are asked toplease exercise caution at all times. Eight official water stops on course. New London Police, Waterford Police, and Waterford FirePolice will be on the course at busy road crossings, along with N.L.F.D. at start/finish line.

About The Course.

The route takes place in one of the most beautiful valleys of the Valais Alps.

The route follows roads and mountain paths under the majestic gaze of mountains such as the Dent-Blanche or the Matterhorn.

The Pina family has run many Doubles (green shirts with father to their left). Pictured with Double Veteran Roberto Palos (58) who clocked 31:25 winning the 50-59 age-group. He holds the 50-59 age group record for the Double 8k clocking 28:03 2015 in Palo Alto. Next to him is Bob Anderson, race director and creator of Double Racing Bob Anderson. In 2021 he clocked 40:43 at Golden Gate for the 4th best time 70 plus. In 2022 he placed first in his division.

August 6, 2023

Two world bests set at the 9th Annual Golden Gate Double 8k today August 6

We had an amazing morning in San Francisco for our 9th annual Golden Gate Double 8k (5k+break+3k) and our Golden Gate 10k/5k. We had 452 registered runners. The weather was perfect. Like in the 50-60’s with hardly any wind. And we could see the GG bridge the whole time.

Congrats to our Double winners: the current king of the Double Anthony Cortes clocked 25:20 (15:52 + 9:28) for the win. 14-year- old Caroline Chang did her first double today and won clocking 32:03.

There were two world bests set today. 71-year-old Suzanne Koonce (second photo) from Menlo Park, California smashed the current 70 plus record set by Sharlet Gilbert of 43:38. Suzanne clocked 41:48 today.

Bobby Hastings of Chico, California set the record for 60-69 a couple of years back of 31:39, a time that was nearly two minutes ahead of everyone else. Today he focused on beating that time and he did clocking 31:29.

August 7, 2022

"What a fun morning we had in San Francisco August 7. We held our Golden Gate Double 8k and our Golden Gate 10k/5k. The weather was perfect and our sold out field had a nice time," said race director Bob Anderson.

Anthony Cortes (clocked 25:21) from Half Moon Bay won his third straight Double race but this time not by much. Jose Pina was just 23 seconds behind in second place.

In the female division 14-year-old Evey Powell from England blew away the field clocking 30:31. 7th best time ever. Her 12 year old sister won the 5k clocking 22:05.

Nina Zarin’s from Arlington Va was the overal winner in the Golden Gate 10k clocking a blistering 35:59. First male was Noah Gonzalez clocking a solid 37:36.

"Congrats to all of our finishers and thanks to our crew who made it all happen," notedBob Anderson Race Director