By Clark Judge
(July 27, 2022) — If it seems like years since there’s been a Killingworth Road Race, there’s a reason: It has been.
The last time it was run, the price of gasoline was $2.70 a gallon, Tom Brady was a New England Patriot and COVID was not a word. That was August, 2019, and the race has been on hiatus ever since because of (what else?) COVID-related concerns.
But now it’s back, returning Saturday, August 6, 2022 for the 15th time in 17 years. The race covers the same four-mile route as 2019, is expected to draw more than 100 competitors and begins and ends where it always has – at the Killingworth Congregational Church.
“It’s really good to be back,” said Chuck Langevin, one of the race’s two co-directors (Shawn Sodergren is the other). “It’s a fun thing, and with how tough it’s been with COVID … to have an event like this where people are outside and safe … it’s all good.”
So how do you get involved? Ah, that’s why we’re here. This, then, is your thumbnail guide to the 15th annual Killingworth Road Race.
When?
Saturday, August 6, 2022, rain or shine.
Where?
Killingworth Congregational Church, 273 Route 81
When?
8:30 a.m.
Registration
You can pre-register on the race’s website (2022 — 2022 Annual Killingworth Road Race — Race Roster — Registration, Marketing, Fundraising) or sign up the morning of the event. The cost for adults (18 and older) is $22 for pre-registration and $25 on August 6th. For those 17 and younger, it’s $17 for pre-registration and $20 the day of the event. All proceeds go to local charities.
The Course
It’s a four-mile out-and-back, the same course as 2019 when then-18-year-old Conor McCabe won in 22:10:07. It starts at the church, goes north on Route 81, doglegs right on Wolf Hollow Road, then turns right again on Roast Meat Hill Road. The turn-around is just north of where Reservoir Road intersects Roast Meat Hill. In previous years, the course continued on Roast Meat Hill Road and turned west on Route 80 before connecting again with north Route 81. Not anymore. “What was good about (the 2019 course),” said Sodergren,” was that we were able to close down all the roads. So it was safer. We don’t have the manpower needed on the streets to cover the whole loop.”
The Field
Usually, it’s anywhere from 100-150 runners (there were 148 in 2019), though it once attracted nearly 200. Pre-race registration is approximately 75 now, which is “right on track with history,” said Langevin. “So that’s a good sign.” Pre-race registration typically is at or near 100 by race day, with another 50-60 competitors possible on the day of the event if the weather cooperates.
The Categories
There are several, all divided by age. They start with the 13-17 Youth bracket, then move to the 18-39 Open. After that, they are divided by decades: 40-49; 50-59; 60-69 and so on. I think you get the idea. Langevin said he can remember at least one runner who was no more than 8 or 9. And the oldest? That would be Jeff Etherington, who lived on Route 81 and ran into his mid 80s. “I was always inspired by him,” Langevin said.
Awards/Rewards
All participants are given T-shirts prior to the race. Afterward, the winners of each age category are awarded blueberry pies donated by Robert’s Food Center in Madison. “When we started this,” said Sodergren, “it used to be on the day of the church fair. So blueberry pie seemed to fit into the whole country church pie theme.” Robert’s also donates bananas and water. “They’ve been a big help through the years,” Sodergren said.
Biggest Concern
It’s not the weather, though it was in 2018. A furious thunderstorm that year erupted prior to the start, deluging streets, soaking runners and reducing the field to 60. “We literally lost our shirts,” said Langevin. ”We had tons of extra ones.” Nevertheless, the race went on. Nope, the biggest concern almost always is the turnout. Organizers simply don’t how many participants or volunteers will appear until … well, until shortly before 8:30 a.m. “We just need more persons to get involved and help,” said Langevin.
Why You Should Be Interested
Remember what Langevin said: “It’s a fun thing.” One competitor, Christian Nelson, likes it so much he never missed a race … and he’s not from Killingworth. He’s from West Hartford. Some people run. Some jog. Some do a little of both. And some even walk. In fact, one of Sodergren’s favorite stories has to do with one of the race’s founders, Sue Anziano. Her mother, Ruth Grommeck, one year walked the entire course, beginning to end. “She literally was the last person to finish,” said Sodergren, “but she won her age group. She was the only person over 70. That kind of epitomizes that this is for everybody.”
Photo by Clark Judge
