Granby residents—have you decided where you’ll spend the morning of Saturday, May 3? It’s hard to choose how to celebrate the Granby Road Race. There’s cheering for your neighbors as they race, joining the ranks of volunteers along the course, running or walking the 5K through Salmon Brook Park or tackling the trails of the 10K in McLean Game Refuge. There are so many ways to be part of this special town tradition, but it is time to decide how to join in on a great day of community fun.
Runners love spectators. Make some noise, make a sign, ring that cowbell! Cheer on the 5K runners in Salmon Brook Park, especially near the tennis courts. Make some noise for the 10K runners before they enter the woods into McLean. They run along Canton Road and enter the woods just after Whitman Drive. Stand on the corner of any street along that stretch of road and cheer your loudest.
Volunteers are special. It takes a lot of help to pull off a great race, and many are needed on race day. Key jobs include handing out water and directing runners. Email granbyroadrace@ghymca.org to volunteer.
As you toe the Dennis Lobo Start Line, race up Hildreth Hill and cross the David Bale Finish Line, you help honor the founders of the race who will forever be a part of the Granby Road Race course. The race is one of Connecticut’s oldest historic running events. The 10K race follows a rolling, scenic route that is partly on road and partly through the McLean Game Refuge. The 5K includes sections of road and winds through Salmon Brook Park. Proceeds from the race benefit the YMCA’s Annual Campaign, which ensures that everyone can enjoy YMCA programs and services, regardless of their ability to pay.
This year’s race is also a testament to the dedication and professionalism of Granby’s public safety departments. Special appreciation goes out to members of the Granby Police, Ambulance and Fire Departments for their efforts to ensure the safety of all participants and spectators.
Under the leadership of Chief Scott Sansom, Captain Kurt LaFlamme and Sergeant Michael Joseph, the police department has developed a new and improved race operations plan. This includes the placement of course monitors at every crossroad, additional police officers at major intersections and strategic positioning of EMS units for quicker response if needed.
This level of coordination with our volunteer race committee reflects what makes Granby so special—a town rooted in cooperation, teamwork and mutual respect. The collaboration between public safety teams and race organizers ensures that the event runs smoothly and safely for everyone involved.
Please note: Salmon Brook Street (Rte. 10) and Canton Road along the racecourse will be closed for the duration of the May 3 event. Plan accordingly and allow extra travel time if you’ll be out and about that morning.
As race day approaches, everyone in the community is invited to come together—whether you’re running, walking, cheering or volunteering—to celebrate everything that makes Granby a great place to live.