The 9th Annual Commodore Hull Thanksgiving Day Road Race starts in Shelton at the farmer’s market on Canal Street at 8 a.m. and crosses into Derby via the Derby/Shelton Bridge and continues up Elizabeth Street for a “turn-around” at the Derby Public Library to finish were it began in Shelton.
If you are not running come on down to cheer on the runners for a great way to start Thanksgiving Day — unless, of course, you have to cook the turkey.
Click the video to see footage from last year’s race!
As in the past, runners in this year’s Commodore Hull Thanksgiving Day 5K Road Race will have the opportunity to pick up their runners bag and number prior to race day and maybe win a prize at the same time.
The race committee will once again be using the Farmers Market on Canal Street in Shelton on Sunday, Nov. 21 from noon – 3 p.m. and Wednesday, Nov. 24 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. for early pickup. Make your life easier on race day by picking up early!
There are at least three spots along the course that really help to motivate runners in the race.
One is the spectacular American flag draped from the fire trucks of the Shelton and Derby volunteer fire departments that runners will pass under on the way out and the way back.
It’s located on the Derby/Shelton Bridge right where the Housatonic River divides our two host cities.
The second is on Elizabeth Street where the Derby Pop Warner cheerleaders seem to put a bit of extra spring in every runners steps with their enthusiasm and encouragement.
And finally, there is the spot that the runners only touch once — the turn-around point by the Derby Public Library.
Is it because everyone knows that the worst is over and they are on the way back home – or, more likely is it the antics of our safety specialist John Saccu who mans the turn-around and always provides something special to remember?
John tells us that he has something special planned for this year, so keep your eyes — and ears — open! Come on down if you can to watch and cheer and good luck to all the runners.
This race sold out its 650 spots in record time this year which benefits the Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley and has raised over $75, 000 for the organization.
Volunteers are always welcome.
Additional information can be found at http://www.electronicvalley.org/derby/HullRace/index.htm
