The Granby Road Race (GRR) committee is gearing up for its 53rd race on May 6, 2023. The GRR has become a consistent part of the community, and we have become used to hearing about the race, seeing the banner at the center of town, and waiting in traffic on race day; but if you take a step back and look at what the Granby Road Race does for the town of Granby, it really is amazing.
Last year was the first year the GRR held a kids’ fun run. The fun run was free of charge, it was easy to participate in, and it was a perfect course where parents could watch their children who could easily see where they needed to go. This kids’ race alone has the potential to be hugely impactful to our younger population. Introducing youth to a lifetime method of exercise empowers them to see what their bodies can do.
The GRR committee also strives to keep the race inclusive to all adults, allowing walkers to participate, making the 5k an adaptive-friendly route, and focusing on completion of the course.
Then we have the community of Granby and surrounding towns. The goal of the GRR is to use 100 percent of race fees to sponsor families who would like access to the YMCA but who may not be able to afford it. To make this possible, the GRR relies on local businesses to assist with the costs of putting on the race. And those companies always come through. Even during COVID seasons when many were not thriving, the Granby community stepped up and allowed the GRR to continue. This year is no different with companies throughout Granby, East Granby, and Simsbury already chipping in to help support the mission of the Y.
In addition to the generosity of local businesses, there are other aspects of the Granby community that support the Race. The Granby Ambulance Association always sets aside the first Saturday in May to be stationed outside of McLeans and at the finish line of the race; the Granby Camera Club positions some of its members throughout the course routes to get high quality photos of our runners; members of the Blue Blazer club are consistently stationed at all the 10k mile markers prepared to give runners their mile splits; and McLean Game Refuge always comes through with allowing the GRR access to that pristine piece of land of which Granby is so proud.
Some may dare to say that nothing like the Granby Road Race brings the community of Granby closer together or highlights the absolute best parts of Granby. The town of Granby should be extremely proud of their involvement in this race year after year. So, how will you be involved in this year’s Granby Road Race?
For more information on the Granby Road Race sponsored by the YMCA visit ghymca.org/locations/farmington-valley-ymca/granby-road-race or follow @granbyroadrace on social media.