Community Corner

A Woman Joins the 90+ Club At The Chilly Chili Run

Early weather forecasts indicate that roads will be dry, and temps will be in the low 40s on race day.

Temperatures will be appropriately Chilly for the 14th annual Chilly Chili Run 5K Road Race on Sunday. 

More than a decade ago, the 5K race began as a fund-raiser for the . Over the years it grew in popularity, attracting about 400 participants, some as far away as Washington State.

Each year, a highlight of the event has been cheering on , the oldest participant.

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When Doc turned 90, race organizers created a new category for the runners (and Doc always was guaranteed a trophy).

This year, Doc will have to work hard for the first place trophy for the 90 and older prize. At 93, he's still the oldest runner, but he will be competing with two others in his age group — , 91, of Granby and , 92, of Valley Stream, NY. 

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As was tradition with Doc since he began running the race, the three men will get special treatment by having their age on their race bibs.

Teen Center President Jane Opper said, "This year we are welcoming our first 90 year old female runner, Elizabeth Hutchinson from Concord, New Hampshire."

Runners have referred to the route as "the best in Connecticut" with long stretches of level road and one big "killer" hill toward the end that makes the long stretch to the finish line that much more rewarding.

Schedule of events

Day of Race Registration will take place inside the from 8 – 10:15 a.m. (registration closes at 10:15 a.m. sharp)

The entry fee is $22 on race day.

The Fitness Walk is $12 on race day.

Long Sleeve T-shirts by Graphic FX will be given to the first 100 race day registrants.

Road Race and walk step off at 10:30 a.m. Wheelchair racers welcome and encouraged to participate.

The two-mile fitness walk takes place on the High Plains Community Center property.

The 5K certified course for runners includes one water stop; mile splits at 1, 2, and 3 miles.

, LLC will provide computerized timing and results.

After the race, a chili brunch with chili donated by and will be served.

Bagels and baked goods from , and also will be available.

Awards

Trophies are awarded to the first overall finishers (male and female) and to the top three males and females in the following age groups: 12 and under; 13-15; 16-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70-79; 80-89; 90 and over.

A 5K race is 3.1 miles. As previously mentioned, runners "love" this route.

A fly car, usually driven by the Deputy Fire Marshal, leads the way from the High Plains Community Center to Pine Tree Drive, down to Ridge Road and over to Meetinghouse Lane to the Town Green and then the straightaway on Orange Center Road back to High Plains, where the personnel are waiting at the finish line.


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