On May 4, the community celebrated the forty-eighth Granby Road Race 5K and 10K. This race has a unique course that involves road and trail to make beautiful running scenery for over 290 registered runners. The Farmington Valley YMCA has hosted this race for nine out of the 48 years. The event is the one of the oldest races in Connecticut, and was extra special this year as we had a Storm Trooper run the 5K in full costume to help us support the theme—May the 4th Be With You! This event would not be possible without the dedication of over 25 volunteers from Live Every Day Physical Therapy, the Blue Blazer crew, the Granby Camera Club, CERT, and a race committee that worked tirelessly to organize another great event.
The road race Presenting Sponsor was Murphy, Ladauti, Kiel, Rattigan attorneys at law (MLKR) with a sponsor level of $2,500. MLKR has been a strong supporter of the Y and the Granby Road Race for many years. “We were delighted to once again sponsor one of the state’s oldest road races that raises money for a great cause,” said Larry Kiel, member of MLKR, and Farmington Valley YMCA board member. “As more local businesses and runners support the race, the Y can provide more financial assistance to those in the community who need our support.”
Luke Roman, 18, of Granby crossed the finish line first in the 5K for the second year in a row setting a new course record with a time 18:01. The Granby native beat his own record from last year. Jenna Van Ryn, 12, of Granby, was the first female finisher with a time of 22:47.
Samuel Marshall, 30, of New Haven, finished first in the 10K with a time of 39.08.
Granby resident, Lindsey Morizio, finished first in the female 10K with a time of 47:46.
The historic race generated over $16,000 with the help of MLKR and many other local businesses the YMCA will support families regardless of their ability to pay. The funds allow families to send children to camp, attend swim lessons, use the wellness center, participate in our afterschool programs, and much more. The Farmington Valley YMCA wants to thank everyone that was involved in this race and all of the participants. Next year the race will be on May 2, at 8:30 a.m., and we look forward to the fiftieth on May 1, 2021.
The YMCA has been serving the Farmington Valley for over 75 years. “Seeing our community come together with volunteers and sponsors to have an event that has a direct impact on children and families is why working at the YMCA is so rewarding,” said Brian Liss, district executive director.
If you are interested in learning more about the race and volunteering please contact us at granbyroadrace@ghymca.org