Like many things in life, it started as an idea; wouldn’t it be great if there were a kids’ race at the Granby Road Race? That idea blossomed into fruition with the time and talents of hard-working volunteers. Now in its third year, the Granby Road Race Kids’ Race continues to draw excited, and maybe a little bit nervous, youth-runners for a one-mile fun run.
To make it an event for the whole family, the kids’ race starts at 9:30 a.m. on May 4. This allows family members to run the 5K (3.1 mile) at 8:30 a.m., with time to run their race and make it for the start and watch their little ones run their own race. If you want to run the 10K (6.2 miles) you’re going to need to run fast, but it’s possible. Both races start and finish near the Granby Memorial Middle School.
As the start time approaches, you’ll see the kids milling about wearing their race bibs, with a wonderful twist: each child is wearing Number One. With a few minutes before the start, the runners are led through a warmup and then it’s ready, set, go.
Starting in front of the middle school, the kids run to the baseball fields in the back of the school where they are greeted with cheers and bubbles by volunteers from the Granby High School Honor Society. The runners run multiple laps around the fields, so adults can keep their kids in sight. All types of abilities are on display. Some power through the entire course; others start strong and then fade; and some are happy to jog, walk and talk with friends. Be on the lookout for J.Koteen Photography taking pictures of the event. Once the laps are complete, kids dash back around the side of the building and sprint to the finish line. At the finish, each runner gets a medal to award their efforts.
For many families, this is a highlight and a must-do part of the spring season. The Blanchard family of North Granby is an example. Scott Blanchard says, “Our three kids absolutely loved the Granby Road Race last year. They look forward to it for at least a month, going so far as to measure out an exact mile in our neighborhood so they can train. We will definitely be back this year.” We look forward to seeing Owen, Lydia and Phoebe out there on race day. Phoebe says, “It’s good fun!” Lucy Lawton of North Granby says, “It’s really fun! And everyone gets a medal!” Come join these kids and many others on race day Saturday, May 4!
Thanks to our sponsors and the Farmington Valley YMCA the Kids One Mile Race is free. However, advance registration is required. Visit https://www.ghymca.org/events/granby-road-race to register. Register before April 19 to get a youth-size T-shirt. We hope to see many youth runners out there on race day!