The fifth running of the Hop River 5K/10K took place on Saturday, August 5th, 2017, in Andover CT. Registration opened at 7:00 AM just as the skies opened up with torrential rain. However, in spite of the downpour and predictions of thunder, lightning, and even a tornado, runners arrived determined to meet the challenge. And when the gun went off at 9:00, 150 of them, ranging in age from 8 to 84 took to the Hop River Rail Trail to run either the 5K or 10K distance. When the final runner crossed the finish line, the rain had stopped, the sun was trying to break through, and everyone had a smile on their face.
The first 5K finisher was Carter Beaulieu from Vestal, NY in 17:43 and the first female finisher was Cara Riley from Berlin, CT in 22:36. In the 10K, Michael Keenan from South Glastonbury won in 39:25 and the first female to cross the finish line was Andover’s own Mary-Alex Zickefoose in 41:32.
The 169 Society was well represented with over 50 members participating. Among them was Kevin Goyen who wore the traditional tutu for completing his 100th town, and Tom Millerd who completed town number 155. Again, the Andover Food Pantry was a beneficiary of this race and collected much a much needed donation as well as a truck full of food.
Thanks to race sponsors Yankee Restoration and Remodeling, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, DuBois Automotive, The Andrew Ansaldi Company, and Greenhouse Services, LLC. Thanks also to Andover CERTS for volunteering to manage traffic.
Complete results here
Race Photos here
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