By Scott Woodaman
On May 7, Granby celebrated the 45th Granby Road Race 5K and 10K. This race has a course that involves road and trail to make beautiful running scenery for over 225 runners. The Farmington Valley YMCA has had the pleasure of hosting this race for six out of the 45 years. The event is the second oldest race in Connecticut, after the Manchester Road Race. This event would not be possible without the dedication of over 20 community volunteers and a race committee that worked tirelessly to have another great event. The road race Presenting Sponsor was GoodWorks Insurance with a sponsor level of $2,500. GoodWorks Insurance has been a strong supporter of the Y and the Granby Road Race for many years. “We’re delighted to sponsor one of the country’s oldest road races, which raises money for a great cause,” said Curt Johnson, senior vice president at GoodWorks Insurance and a Granby resident.
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Rick Marks – Granby CT – 8th – 44:31
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The historic race generated over $10,000 with the help of GoodWorks Insurance and many other local businesses. This allows the YMCA to continue to support families regardless of their ability to pay. Familes can send children to camp, attend swim lessons, use the wellness center, participate in afterschool programs, and much more.
The YMCA has served the Farmington Valley for over 75 years. “Seeing our community come together with volunteers and sponsors to have an event that has direct impact on children and families is why working at the YMCA is so rewarding” said Brian Liss, Executive Director.
Zachary Karas – West Hartford CT – Bib 340, Colby Custer = Granby CT – Bib 321, Nikki Perry – Simsbury CT – Bib 390, Alison Phelan – Peabody MA – Bib 388
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Will Rice, 17, of Granby crossed the finish line first in the 5K setting a new course record with a time of 18:18. The Granby native beat the course record by 25 seconds. Rice also won the 5K in 2015. Mark Robaczynski, 41, of Avon finished first in the 10K with a time of 34:47 for his second year in a row.
Emily Boyd – Granby CT – Bib 396, Melissa Veale – Simsbury CT – Bib 398
Chris Behrens – Hartford CT – Bib 304
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Emily Boyd – Granby CT – Bib 396, Melissa Veale – Simsbury CT – Bib 398
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Jessica Rice, 40, of Needham, Mass. also set a new 5K course record with a time of 18:37. The previous record was set in 2013 with a time of 22:04. Stacy Kot, 29, of Granby finished the 10K with a time of 48:05. The Farmington Valley YMCA thanks everyone involved in this race and all of the participants. In 2017 the race will be on May 6, at 8:30 a.m. Save the date and join the YMCA for another great event.
If you are interested in learning more about volunteering at the YMCA please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Joan Dymersky, at 860-653-5524 or joan.dymersky@ghymca.org.
Pictured in photo, from l.: Cristina Hall, volunteer; David Corricelli, YMCA Associate Executive Director; Curt Johnson; David Schupp, race founder and volunteer; Brian Liss; Eric Torgersen, volunteer; Emma Mesa-Melendez, volunteer; Scott Woodaman, YMCA Staff; David Russell volunteer.
