#3 Litchfield Hills Road Race

 Today was the 48th running of the Litchfield Hills Road Race. This 7 mile run, which begins and ends in “downtown” Litchfield, attracts close to 1000 runners from around New England/New York with some of the previous winners being  Bill Rogers, who won Boston four times, and Joan Benoit, who won the first women’s marathon at the 1984 Olympics. In addition to the main race,  there are short runs for young children, and a 1 mile run and 2.3 mile run for older children. Thousands of people from around the area  come early to line the streets, set up tables and chairs on the village green and enjoy the race with family and friends. There are some quite elaborate buffets and coolers full of wine and beer amongst the crowd.  As was the case for the past three years, I volunteered to be a “crossing guard” in town. Given the race begins and ends in town, you have keep people from crossing the streets when runners are approaching. It is a lot of fun and great way to meet people. 

What make this race so unique is that it is run by volunteers and various local  businesses provide sponsorships to cover the costs. The race and all of its activities revolve around the town green with its white steepled church across the street, the same way things have been done since 1719.  This is the biggest event which takes place in Litchfield during the year and you meet families who have had  two and three generations run the race. To start the race, the First Litchfield Artillery, whose roots go back to colonial days, fires off an old cannon. 

If you are ever in the area the second Sunday in June, you should make it a point of watching the Litchfield Hills Road Race

Interesting Point. The last mile of the race, which includes running up Gallows Lane, is listed as the 8th most difficult hill in US road races by Runners World Magazine. It is nearly a 1000 feet rise in elevation from the bottom of the hill to the finish line. Bill Rogers said he had to shift into 9th gear when he reached the hill.