It looks like spring is finally starting to show itself and runners everywhere are celebrating. Nowhere was this more evident than at the 2nd Annual Strong Family Chicken Run where close to 400 runners, walkers and kids participated. Once again the race enjoyed the support of volunteers from CERTS, the Police Cadets, and the many friends of Strong Farm.
Local Vernon runners led the way with Brian Nelson winning the overall race in 17:09 and with Jillian Ellefson the first female to cross the finish line in 23:18. Michael Ingram of Manchester and Zoltan Rigo of Berlin were the second and third place finishers and Lauren Hurst of West Simsbury and Erica Lebaron of Tolland the second and third female finishers.
Complete results can be found here.
Why would people go out in mid-February with the thermometer at minus 5 to run 2 miles through howling winds over ice and snow? The answer is simple: Cupid made them do it. The third running of the Cupid Made Me Do It Urban Challenge in Willimantic went off on schedule and 105 dedicated runners and walkers braved conditions to cross the finish line. They came in all shapes, sizes, and ages from throughout the state to test their mettle. They represented all eight Connecticut counties and parts of Massachusetts. The award for traveling the farthest went to Erin Gionet from Stratham, New Hampshire. Hester Maisfehlt of Chester was the youngest finisher at age 5 who crossed the finish line just ahead of her dad William. And the most senior finisher was Thomas McIntosh, Jr; 77 and going strong. As usual, the members of the 169 Society were well represented, with 35+ members making the most noise cheering on their fellow competitors.
After the race, most participants continued to celebrate Valentine’s Day by taking part in Willimantic’s Chocolate Festival. If you missed out on this year’s event, don’t worry, plans are already underway for next year’s Cupid Made Me Do It, which will be held on February 13, 2016. Online registration will open tomorrow (Monday, February 16) and anyone registering between now and the end of February can do so for $19 or a $6 discount, and be guaranteed of a T-Shirt. Hope to see you next year.
On Saturday, January 31, the third running of the revived “King of Pain” took place in East Glastonbury, and, as in the previous two years, it proved to be the coldest day of the year. This annual test of will is called the King of Pain because of the many daunting hills. When runners get to the top of Belltown and turn around for the descent, the CT River Valley and the City of Hartford at their feet, they feel a sense of accomplishment that is quickly dashed with the realization that there are still 6 miles to go. Add in temperatures below 5 degrees and howling winds and this truly is “Ten Miles of Tough” But, in spite of these many challenges, 48 runners and one relay team had the grit and fortitude to tough it out.
Mary-Alex Zickefoose the woman’s at 1:18:03. Rounding out the top three were Jorge Kulgis (1:11:12) and Bruce Christensen (1:12:07), and Carina Halloran (1:24:24) and Yuly Susaya (1:31:20). The winner of the relay division was Three’s Company (Meredith Nash, Christine Korper, and Jon Bemhaun)
The first Santa Made Me Do It 5K was held on Saturday, December 6th in Bethlehem, CT under challenging conditions. But the cold and the rain didn’t stop the 130 runners who braved the weather, and tackled the rolling hills and beautiful countryside surrounding the town center. All were upbeat and enthusiastic, many decked out in seasonal attire. There were running Santas, snow princesses, elves, reindeer, and about a hundred tutus.
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