By Clark Judge
(August 14, 2025) — If it’s at or near the end of August in Killingworth, we’re talking about the beginning of school, the Artisan Market at Parmelee Farm or the end of summer. But this year there’s an unexpected entry. The Annual Killingworth Road Race, moved from the first weekend of August to the fourth.
It takes place on Saturday, August 23, 2025, with nearly 100 runners pre-registered for the four-mile run, and more expected prior to the 8:30 a.m. start.
“It’s part of a series of community events, so it brings out the town,” said Chuck Langevin, chairman of the race committee. “Everybody has fun, local merchants band together to support us and it’s for a good cause.”
Want more? You should. So keep reading.
WHEN?
Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 8:30 a.m.
WHERE?
It begins and ends where it always has — at the Killingworth Congregational Church on Route 81, a third of a mile north of the traffic circle.
WHAT’S NEW?
The date. The race historically was held the first weekend in August, but was moved back three weeks this year because of concerns over the summer heat. Three persons last summer were treated for heat exhaustion, including the second-place finisher.
WHAT’S NEWER?
The prizes. Trophies haven’t changed. They’re given to the overall winner, plus the women’s and Killingworth champions. However, the pies won’t be the same. Wait. The what? For years, Robert’s Food Center generously supplied blueberry pies for category winners and runners-ups. Not anymore. Robert’s closed this spring, leaving race directors with a dilemma: Where to turn for this year’s prizes? It didn’t take long for them to produce an answer. Instead of relying on another grocery store, it turned to a local source — members of the Killingworth Congregational Church. After all, it’s staging the race to benefit charities. So why couldn’t church members step up and produce pies that are its signature prizes? They could. And they will.
WHAT’S NOT?
The route. The four-mile course is the same as it’s been since 2017. It begins at the Congregational Church, proceeds a half-mile north on Route 81 before turning right on Wolf Hollow Road and taking another right on Roast Meat Hill Road — until, that it is, it reaches the two-mile marker. Then it simply reverses course, making it a typical out-and-back run. Sound easy? It’s not. The steep hill that pushes you down Wolf Hollow could be a problem on the way back … and good luck. You may need it.
WHAT’S THE COURSE RECORD?
For men, it’s 21:13, set in 2023 by Stephen Fengler. For women, it’s 25:03, set the same year by Elizabeth Fengler, and, yes, the two are related. They’re brother and sister, a.k.a. “The Flying Fenglers.”
HOW CAN I ENTER?
Runners can pre-register at killingworthroadrace.org. The cost is $31.18 for adults (includes fees) and $22.70 for those 18 and under (also includes fees). However, the cost escalates after midnight on August 22, 2025, so you’re urged to act sooner rather than later. If, however, you want to sign up on the day of the race, you can do so at the registration table in front of the church.
WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?
All proceeds go directly to charities, including Helping Hands, Eddy Shelter in Middletown, the Shoreline Food Pantry, SOS Refugees, Heifer International and the Community Soup Kitchen.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
First of all, a good time. More than a hundred runners are expected, and they’re always quick to compliment organizers on the race, the route and the prizes. Second, complimentary tee shirts, with sizes running from S to XL, are given to all entrants. Third, Killingworth’s Emma Castiglione will sing the National Anthem, and if you haven’t heard her, you should. She sang the anthem prior to a Cleveland-New York game last August at Yankee Stadium. Best of all, there’s something for everyone — including plenty of water, Gatorade, bananas, peaches and bagels, compliments of Cohen’s Bagels in Madison. Meteorologist Gil Simmons of WTNH-TV will run again, and the Killingworth Ambulance Association will be there, too, ready to assist when and if needed. A year ago, it was.
ARE REST ROOMS AVAILABLE?
Yes. Two Porta Potties are on site.
WHERE SHOULD I PARK?
St. Lawrence Church. It’s located opposite the Congregational Church, and its parking lot can accommodate a litany of automobiles. A state trooper will be there to help you cross Route 81.
ANY LAST-MINUTE ADVICE?
Yes. Make sure to hydrate. It’s August, which means it could be hot. Plenty of water and Gatorade will be available on site, but runners are urged to consume as much liquid before, during and after the run. Remember what Ben Franklin told us 250 years ago: “When the well is dry, we know the worth of water.” Don’t let your well run dry.
Photos by Clark Judge
