By Clark Judge
(August 27, 2026) — When three runners suffered heat exhaustion at the 2024 Killingworth Road Race, organizers decided something had to be done to beat the heat. So something was. They played with the calendar and pushed the race from the beginning of August to the end, hoping that the move might yield cooler weather.
It has.
For the second consecutive year, this Saturday’s forecast is ideal. Temperatures for the 8:30 a.m. start range from the high 50s to low 60s. Better yet, the humidity that suffocated contestants two years ago will be absent, vanishing overnight as temperatures fall.
Blind luck? Maybe. But race organizers think Gil Simmons had something to do with it. He’s the WTNH-TV meteorologist who annually promotes the race prior to the weekend, shows up on Saturday to address competitors, then runs the four miles. You heard me: He runs and has been for over a decade. He’s as much a fixture of the Killingworth Road Race as blueberry pies … and he may be more popular.
“Gil has been our best cheerleader for many years now,” said race chairman Chuck Langevin (photo above, right, with Gil Simmons), “amping the runners and encouraging us to continue to grow and improve the race. His hugely positive influence has helped make the race what it is today – a great community event that supports the less fortunate.”
So, what makes him go … and go … and go? We sat down this week with the 53-year-old weatherman at the WTNH-TV studio and asked.
Q: When did you first get involved with the Killingworth Road Race and why?
SIMMONS: I’m guessing it was probably 13 or 14 years ago, and it was by chance. I saw it advertised, and I knew where it was going to be held. Plus, I love the Congregational Church there. So I said, ‘Why not give it a shot?’ “
Q: And you keep coming back.
SIMMONS: Over and over.
Q: You must like it. So what keeps you returning?
SIMMONS: There’s a hometown feel to the race itself. I love the people who are out there with the goal of bringing people together and helping the community. I think it’s a win-win situation all the way around. Even with that hill on the way (a steep climb in Mile Three on Wolf Hollow Road), regardless of the course direction, I still show up. But it’s because of the love that you feel and the ultimate goal that keeps it going for me.
Q: The course was changed not that long ago, from a circular route that involved Route 80 to an out and back … with, of course, that hill. Do you have a preference?
SIMMONS: I actually think that each course has its challenges. Going out and coming back is a challenge in its own, and then you have a steeper … but shorter … hill. But then the longer one was just that; it seemed longer where you were going way out, then turning around and then had that slight rise on Route 80 — which only got you ready for the real deal on 81. So, each of them have their challenges. It’s just a good time.
Q: That’s a diplomatic response.
SIMMONS: It is.
Q: What do you like the most and what do you like least?
SIMMONS: What I like most is finishing it (he laughs). When I come up that last hill at the church and think about the bananas that are there … or the water that’s available … the bagels that you have …whatever you have I just think: This is a great time (he laughs again). I’m just kidding. I just like to see whom I’m going to be pacing with. And I also like a challenge that we left out: There’s a slight uphill as you leave the church (at the start). You’re heading head up Route 81 until you get to Wolf Hollow Road; then you’re downhill. I just love that it’s a personal challenge every year and I want to get it finished. (Photo above, left to right, Chuck Langevin, Gil Simmons, Christine Link)
Q: Just a hunch, but you least like the hill on the way home … correct?
SIMMONS: When I first started doing it, I least liked the last little hill at the church (at the finish line), believe it or not. But now? At that point, my eyes have already been through the finish, so I know we can do it. Honestly, I kind of like the hill (on Wolf Hollow Road) in that it’s a “lean-into” challenge, where I can just lean into it, use this gravity thing a little bit more to carry me home and then I’ll be there.
Q: Do you consider yourself a serious runner?
SIMMONS: I wish I were. I don’t run as much as I used to, and I used to do CrossFit often … but I don’t do that as much. The way I’m getting the cardio and the endurance is on a Peloton bike, and I do that a lot. I don’t run as much as I should. I wish I did. But as you know, it’s a time commitment, and I can knock the Peloton out in a 35-or-40-minute ride in the basement and be done. But I do get some runs in from time to time.
Q: How many races do you run annually?
SIMMONS: I think I average about four-ish. I always do the New Haven Road Race. I always do the Vicki Soto Road Race. That is the one that’s a tribute to the teacher who lost her life in the Sandy Hook school shooting. In her name, there’s a big race every year. I always do the Toy Run for Christopher Martins in New Haven, as well. That’s most of them, though there are others that can get thrown in from time to time.
Q: Level with us: What did you have to do to get this glorious forecast for Saturday?
SIMMONS: (Laughing) You ask. I deliver. That’s how it works. And a little prayer. After you changed the date (last year from early to late August), I start holding my breath and looking at this date in about mid-June. Then I think, ‘We need to work on this.’ “
Q: Any memorable stories or anecdotes from your years running Killingworth?
SIMMONS: I have a lot of unique memories of it, some maybe not so good. I think there have been times where they rang the bell at the church. I thought that was awesome. I love the camaraderie of having conversations with a lot of people. And then you have the Run 169ers … and it’s great chatting with them. Think about their dedication. That’s pretty remarkable. So, let’s grow it. Let’s get more people. And, ultimately, let’s help more with the charity outcome.
Photos by Clark Judge
