On May 7, the Granby Road Race ran for the 51st time. While organizers prepared all week for wet weather, they were surprised to see nary a drop of rain. The wind on the other hand posed a bit of a challenge. Nonetheless, the runners pushed through and had a great race. This year’s race had 384 registered runners which included 55 kids ages 4-12 who ran in the inaugural Kids’ one-mile race.
It seems like last year’s race was just months ago—and, in fact, it was. Covid-19 altered the race schedule for a number of years with the postponement of a race in May 2020 with a new virtual race in its place, and a socially-distanced staggered-start race in the fall of 2020, and the 50th Anniversary race in the fall of 2021. The Granby Road Race Committee decided to bring the race back to spring and spent countless hours preparing for the race after finishing last years’ race in September. This year, they were happy to get back to the race the community knows and loves.
This event would not be possible without the dedication of volunteers from Live Every Day Physical Therapy, Ensign-Bickford Aerospace and Defense, the Granby Camera Club, the Granby Community and Granby CERT. The race also relies on the support from the McLean Game Refuge, the Granby Board of Education, Granby and other local Police Departments, Granby Parks and Recreation, the steadfast “Blue Blazer Guys” and a dedicated race committee.
The road race Presenting Sponsors were Burkentine Builders Station280, Command Corporation and Harness Way. As more local businesses and runners support the race, the Y can provide more financial assistance to those in our community who need support. This historic race generated over $30,000 with the help of sponsors and runners. The funds allow the Y to support families in need including access to LiveSTRONG at the Y, membership, swim lessons, the wellness center, afterschool programs and much more.
The Y is grateful to the following sponsors for helping to make this year’s race a success:
Al and Helen Wilke, Almost Famous Brewing, Antonucci Electric, Arrow Concrete Products, Inc., Beman Hardware Inc., Bosco’s Garden Center, Burkentine Builders, Cahill’s Motorcars, Cambridge House Brew Pub, Collinsville Bank/Northwest Bank, Command Corp., Connecticut Periodontal and Implant Associates, Connecticut Physical Therapy Specialists, CT Realty Trust, Dalene Hardwood Flooring Co., David Schupp, East Granby Motors, Ensign-Bickford Aerospace and Defense, Evans Automotive, Farley Mac’s, Fitzgerald’s Food Store, Four Dads Pub, Geissler’s Supermarket, Granby Dental Center, Granby Family Eye Care, Grassroot Creamery, Harness Way, Hartford Healthcare Community Network, Holloway’s Appliance, International Skating Center of CT, Juliano’s Pools, Liberty Bank, Live Every Day, Lost Acres Vineyard, Maple View Farm Brewery, McKenna Orthodontics, MeadowBrook of Granby, Murphy, Laudati, Kiel and Rattigan, Soccer and Beyond, Starling Physicians, TJ’s Burritos, Village Cork and Keg, Walker Kitchen Design, Windsor Federal Savings and Zen Restaurant Group.
The YMCA has been serving the Farmington Valley for over 75 years. “Each year, this race is a reminder of what is great about Granby—community support, strong volunteers, generosity and a sense of belonging. Seeing the race come together with volunteers and sponsors, is a testament to the amazing community in which we all live, work and play,” said Anna Smith, Granby Road Race Committee Chair.
The Farmington Valley YMCA thanks everyone that was involved in this year’s race. We are looking forward to the 52nd Annual Granby Road Race on May 6, 2023. If you are interested in learning more about the race and volunteering please contact us at granbyroadrace@ghymca.org