Spring will once again bring scores of sneakers hitting the pavement and cheers echoing down Salmon Brook Street as runners from near and far gather for the 2026 Granby Road Race on Saturday, May 2. The event, one of Connecticut’s oldest and most treasured road races, has become a cherished Granby tradition that celebrates fitness, fellowship and community pride.
Since its founding in May 1971 by local runners who dreamed of creating a race that was both scenic and spirited, the Granby Road Race has grown into a beloved springtime tradition for the Granby community. Over the decades, generations of runners have taken on its rolling courses; from the winding roads through town to the forested beauty of the McLean Game Refuge, forging memories as part of this ritual welcome to spring.
The race kicks off at 8:30 a.m. at Granby Memorial Middle School, where participants will set out on either the 10K (a rolling, scenic course that extends through town and into the McLean Game Refuge) or the 5K, a route that combines road and trail as it loops through Salmon Brook Park. A Kids’ 1 Mile run is scheduled for 9:30 a.m., encouraging the youngest community members to share in the fun.
What truly makes this event special isn’t just the course, but the crowd—dedicated volunteers manning aid stations, local businesses sponsoring each mile marker and families lining the streets cheering on friends and neighbors. For many, it’s not simply a race, it’s a homecoming, a chance to reconnect with old friends and a way to welcome newcomers to the spirit of Granby.
Volunteers have always been the backbone of this event, and with a race of this size, lots of hands make lighter work. Community members who may not be racing this year are encouraged to pitch in, whether it’s directing runners on course, handing out water or cheering loudly at key points along the route. Volunteer opportunities are available in roles such as course monitors at key intersections and support stations at neighborhoods along the way.
All proceeds from the day benefit the YMCA’s Annual Campaign, helping ensure that individuals and families in our region can access YMCA programs regardless of financial circumstance, a mission that mirrors the inclusive spirit of the Road Race itself.
As May approaches, Granby eyes the horizon with excitement. Whether you’re a seasoned runner chasing a personal best, a family out for a brisk spring morning walk or a neighbor cheering from the sidelines, the Granby Road Race offers something for everyone, and reminds us all why this community event endures.
Details on volunteer sign‑up and race registration can be found at ghymca.org/granbyroadrace