The 51st running of the Granby Road Race is returning to May! After a few years of the race being held in September, the Granby Road Race Committee is excited to announce that in less than three months, the race will return to the first Saturday in May.
The race will be held on Saturday, May 7 at 8:30 a.m. and the Farmington Valley YMCA hopes to see as many community members and neighbors there as possible. New this year is a kid’s fun race as well as T-shirts for all runners who register by April 25—so head over to the race website (ghymca.org/granbyroadrace) today to ensure that you receive a treasured Granby Road Race T-shirt.
The town of Granby embraces the race and helps make it possible. Volunteers from the community have always been aplenty. The Granby C.E.R.T., Granby Ambulance and Granby Police have supported the racecourse, and McLean Game Refuge has welcomed the Road Race through its trails. The progress of the race is fascinating as you take the time to look back at it. A small-town race for elite runners turned into a small town race focused on inclusivity, healthy lifestyles and community support.
The Granby Road Race Committee marked the 50th annual race last September by naming areas of the course in honor and recognition of the race founders. The Dennis Lobo Start Line, Hildreth Hill and the David Bale Finish Line will forever be a part of the Granby Road Race course. Dennis Lobo, the surviving founder of the Granby Road Race, attended in September, as did Ned Hildreth and Vicki Bale Saunders on behalf of their late fathers, also race founders. David Schupp, longtime advocate and leader of the Granby Road Race joined in on the festivities.
By starting the race and helping it to continue year after year, the founders left a lasting impact on the race and the town of Granby. The Farmington Valley YMCA and the Granby Road Race Committee are thankful to them for their contributions over the past 50 years.
The Granby Road Race is run in honor of David A. Schupp Jr., and the committee is honored to announce that the David A. Schupp Jr. Memorial Mile will be a permanent fixture for all future races. The race committee is grateful for the stewardship and leadership of David A. Schupp throughout the many years he has been involved in the race.
In addition to running and having fun with friends and family, your registration will also strengthen our community and help the YMCA provide financial assistance in order to increase access to YMCA’s services.
The Granby Road Race Committee would like to extend thanks to the local businesses and individuals who support our race each year. Your generosity and dedication to our town’s race make the race possible. For more information about sponsorships and giving, please visit the YMCA website at ghymca.org If you are interested in volunteering for this race, please email Brian Liss at granbyroadrace@GHYMCA.org
Register today for the 5K road race, 10K trail/road race, or the kid’s race. We can’t wait to cheer you on this spring! ghymca.org/granbyroadrace