By Clark Judge
(July 20, 2023) — For the second time in two years, the Killingworth Road Race will be run the first weekend in August … and consider that an accomplishment. Prior to last summer, it was on a two-year hiatus because of Covid-related concerns.
Not anymore.
Now it’s back for the 16th time in 18 years, scheduled for Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 8:30 a.m. Though pre-registration figures have been modest, organizers say they expect close to 200 runners – or approximately the size of last summer’s field when 203 signed up and 43-year-old Mario Vazquez of New Britain won, covering the four-mile course in 22:38.
“We always get a ton of walk-ups,” said Chuck Langevin, one of the race’s organizers, “and the last two to three days we get a ton on-line because they know the weather forecast.”
What runners don’t know, however, is what to expect when the race begins. So here’s a thumbnail guide to help with whatever questions they may have:
WHEN
Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 8:30 a.m.
WHERE
Killingworth Congregational Church, 273 Route 81, Killingworth.
REGISTRATION
You can pre-register on the race’s website (2023 Killingworth Road Race 4 Miles (runsignup.com) or sign up the morning of the event. The cost for adults (18 and older) is $25 for pre-registration and $30 on August 5th. For those 17 and younger, it’s $18 for pre-registration and $22 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 last year when Vazquez won in 22:38, an average of 5:40 per mile. It starts at the church, goes north on Route 81, doglegs right on to Wolf Hollow Road before turning right at the bottom of a steep hill on to 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 at the circle. Not anymore. “What was good about (this course),” organizer Shawn Sodergren said last year, “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 CATEGORIES
There are several, all divided by age and gender. They start with the 13-17 Youth bracket, then move to the 18-39 Open. After that, they’re divided by decades: 40-49; 50-59; 60-69 and so on. The oldest competitor whom organizers remember was 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 sixty. Then, last summer, infernal heat had the exhausted runners reaching for numerous cold drinks afterward. Nevertheless, weather isn’t what draws pre-race attention. The turnout almost always is. Organizers simply don’t know 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.
THE APPEAL
You name it, it’s here. A historic church serving as the start and finish. Rural landscapes. Challenging terrain. A comfortable distance. A strong field. Ample rewards. And charities that receive all proceeds from the event. Some people run. Some jog. Some do a little of both.
“The appeal,” said Langevin, “has been the donations from Robert’s for the blueberry pies, medals for numerous categories and a nice course. Runners will pass by Lavender Pond Farm when everything is in bloom, and the roads are closed to traffic. And, of course, the race supports charities.”
