DERBY-SHELTON — Registration is now open for the Commodore Hull Thanksgiving Day 5k Road Race, and 2022 marks the 20th anniversary of the beloved Valley event.
“From its humble beginnings of about 300 runners, the Commodore Hull 5k has become a sought-after event on Thanksgiving morning,” says Jimmy Tickey, race committee chair. “We look forward to starting our Thanksgiving day with this All-American Valley tradition with runners and their families!”
The original crew, including Tom Wilson, Glenn and Vera Gaetano, Pam Petro, Diane and Nick Serdenitsky, Markanthony Izzo, Jack Walsh, John Saccu, and Carl Sylvester, started the race to showcase the progress being made in redeveloping the downtown areas of Derby and Shelton, promoting the rich history of the area and the legacy of one of its most famous sons, Commodore Isaac Hull.
The committee had no intention of starting a fundraiser, but as it prospered, they chose to donate the funds to the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, which has been serving Valley children since 1956. When the crew decided to retire after running the event for 14 years, they handed the reins to the Boys & Girls Club.
“Over the years, the race has generated more than $200,000 for our Club,” says Shaye Roscoe, Chief Executive Officer. “That money has provided year-round care for thousands of boys and girls, giving them access to programs that have the ability to change their lives. We’re so grateful to the dedicated group of volunteers who started the race 20 years ago and the impact they’ve had on our kids — they’ve truly helped build the future of our community.”
This year also brings in a new race partner, Mutual Security Credit Union (MSCU), who is joining with the Boys & Girls Club to produce this year’s race. The organization will work closely with the Club on all aspects of the event.
“This is where we work and where many of our employees live, and it’s a great way for us to give back,” says Michael Augusti, Vice President of Sales & Service for MSCU.
The number of runners is capped at 750, and registration will close on November 14 or once the limit is reached, whichever comes first. There will be no registrations taken on race day. Registration fees are $10 for grammar and high school students, free for seniors aged 70+, and $30 for all other runners. Registration for all age groups increases to $35 on November 1.
Divisions are (male and female): 18 – 19, 20 – 29, 30 – 39, 40 – 49, 50 – 59, 60 – 69, and 70+. Special Divisions: Grammar School, High School, Holstein (male 200 lb. minimum, female 160 lb. minimum), and 70 and over. There are no refunds once you have registered; however, should something change and you can’t run, you can transfer your registration to another runner for a $5 fee. Disposable Bib Chip Technology will be provided by Fast Track Timing, LLC, the long-time race timer, and race results will be available almost instantly through their phone app.
Greco & Haines is once again sponsoring the race shirts, which it has done since the very first race. All runners registered by the deadline will receive a high-quality, long-sleeve tek runner shirt.
Awards will be presented to the first-place male and female runners overall, and the top three male and female finishers in each division. Special awards will go to the top three male and female runners in the High School Division. “Commodore Isaac Hull” will be on hand to greet the runners and spectators and will present the awards after the race.
The race starts at 8 am sharp, and DJ Jazzy Kat will keep the crowd entertained and the runners energized throughout the morning. Jim’s Soft Serve Ice Cream truck will be on hand to provide free ice cream. A race feast of bagels, granola bars, fruit, coffee, and hot chocolate will be available for everyone starting at 7 am. Water will be provided at the start and finish of the race and along the race route in Derby at Adzima’s Funeral Home.
Race bib and shirt and pickup will be held at the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley at One Positive Place in Shelton on Sunday, November 20, from 10 am – 4 pm, for all runners registered by November 14.
To keep up to date about all race happenings, visit our website at www.BGC-LNV.org/commodore-hull-5k and sign up for our newsletter, or contact Ann Wheeler at 203 – 924-7462, AnnWheeler@BGC-LNV.org.
For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, visit www.BGC-LNV.org.
