Roxbury Half Marathon is a no thrills half marathon. It is in November when the weather is unpredictable. It could be warm, cold, windy, rain, or snow. In past years the half is held in November and the marathon is in December. In 2018 they merged the races.
The course is on roads and dirt and rocks. There are areas of beautiful scenery. The roads are open so you need to be careful. There are several aid stations and volunteers cheering you on. There are areas of elevation.
The course is an out and back followed by a double loop. It is a challenging course.
There are limited port-a-potties. The race director is great and the price can not be beat. (I believe they raised the price. Still a great value.)

First year running the marathon (2 years running half marathon and 1 year running the 5K). The race is pricey. The aid stations are well stocked. Only concern were miles 14-20. One aid station (out and back). If the weather is humid you need to carry water in this area. Open to the elements.
The race goes through many towns, different scenery, and some crowd support. There is a tone of course support through Hartford Marathon Foundation. Bikers have GUs and help you if you need it. Volunteers cheer you on.
Course is pretty fast and flat. If the weather is cool you can use this course to get your BQ.

Get to the race early because parking at Rotary Field is limited. (also the parking is limited in the surrounding neighborhood).
The first 150 participants get a tech shirt. In the past there were limited finisher's medals.
There are 3 events going on. First there is a kid's fun run. Then there are 2 races going on. A 2 mile race and the 5k. The 2 mile race has the runners turning around at mile 1. The 5k takes you through the Buttonball neighborhood.
The 5k course has some elevation (hills). There are trees along parts of the course to provide shade. You do have fast runners taking part in the race.
There are awards for both the 2 mile and 5k races. There are awards for the top male and female 5k runners.
There is one aid station on the course. The volunteers are from the charity partner and the Glastonbury River Runners (running club). The volunteers are pility and supportive. The course is well marked. In the past at least one disabled athlete took part in the 5k.
After the race there is food. Last year there was a food/drink truck. The race starts and finishes near a playground. So arrive early and stay after you cross the finish line while your kids play. Oh, last year some volunteers did face painting.
This is a small, and family friendly, race.

If you love a scenic, hilly, course this is the race for you.
I ran this race for 3 years. The issue became travel time. It is far from where I live. So I decided not to run the race in 2018. If you do not sign up as soon as the race opens you most likely will not be able to participate in this event. There is a limit to the number of runners and it is very popular. (Also it is a great price for the quality of the swag and food).
There is room on the farm for parking. Make sure you know what areas are blocked off, have water, or dips (you can end up with car issues). You will be parking in the fields for the cows so watch out for the cow pies that are all over the place.
There are many options to choose from when sign up (7-miler, Half and Mighty Cow (16.2 miles- 5K and half). Each group has its own starting times. There is a fun run for the little kids. The farm has many animals out so get there early and walk around.
You start off the race by running a loop around the farm and then you end up on the roads. The first several miles there is more down hills than up. Once you hit mile 4 that all changes. And so does the terrain. You will run on dirt roads with rocks (not gravel). You will be going up and down hills. There are farms so you will experience the lovely smells of the animals. Along with this there was limited port-a-potties along the course.
As for the aid stations there was water and Gatorade. At mile 11 there is a candy station and cold sponges. One year an aid station ran out of cups. I carry water so it did not impact me. The volunteers are polite and cheer you on.
At the end of the race you turn off the road, run through the barn, make a right and have a little elevation to the finish line. In 2016 there were issues with the chips and some people (including me) did not get an official time. (I was upset that race director did not fix this or offer something to the runners impacted by this. We had to go back and look at videos and pictures to estimate my time.)
After the race there is a lot of food to eat. Pizza, donuts, bananas, soda, water, other goodies, etc. You do get a finisher's medal, tech shirt, lunch bag, hat, and other swag. People who place in their divisions, and overall, get awards.
I would recommend this race if you want a challenging, but fun, race. Just be prepared because the weather could be hot and humid or rainy.

Run in the ice box of Connecticut. You could be running in winter clothes, overcast, and windy or you could be running in snow. Be prepared.
When I first ran this race the road were chewed up and rough to run. Now the roads are paved. Easier on the knees, and other joints.
The course is challenging. There is well over 1000 feet of elevation. You will hit many hills during the first 5 miles. You will feel good heading into mile 7.
This is where it gets tough. At mile 7 you see the hill you will curse at. It is a steep climb. Once you reach the top you will feel the accomplishment (you might want to take a picture before the climb).
After this the hills seem easier. The good news is you end on a down hill run.
The race is no thrills. No shirt, no medal, and the award is a Pez dispenser. Stick around and enjoy a beverage at the Norfolk Pub. Talk with other runners and compare notes.