Branford, CT – The 31st annual Father’s Day Road Race takes place on Sunday, June 19, 2011 and race organizers are expecting a record crowd of nearly 3,000 participants in the 5-mile Road Race, Fitness Walk and Fun Run. The race field is already well ahead of last year’s record number of participants. Race Director Ray Figlewski states, “We’re overjoyed about the way the local running and fitness community has supported the event. Thousands of Branford residents come out each year to cheer on the participants. Thirty years ago we never could have imagined this level of support.” The race is one of the Country’s largest 5 mile races and one of New England’s top running events.
Starting on the Branford Green, the Health Walk (2 miles) kicks off the day’s festivities at 10:05 a.m. The 5-mile race starts ten minutes after the walk begins and the Fun Run (1 mile) follows after the last runner in the five-mile race finishes at about 11:30. This year’s 5-mile race will once again serve as a State Championship. Many of Connecticut’s top runners are expected to participate. Julie Francis, Branford Road Race Committee member and owner of Sound Runner says, “We are dedicated to bringing Connecticut’s best athletes to Branford and making the Branford Road Race one of the best in the Country”. Runners can enjoy musical entertainment along the racecourse at seven locations.
The race also supports the Branford Rotary and the Italian American Club by purchasing food for over 20,000 race participants over the years. This year’s event will support scholarship funds in honor of two local students (Branford’s Sandra Ciccone and North Branford’s Nicole DeFilippo) the James Blackstone Memorial Library, The Harkness House, The American Heart Association and the Branford Community Dining Room. The Sandra Ciccone Scholarship is given to a Branford High School Senior who demonstrates academic achievement. Sandra, a frequent race participant, passed away eight years ago at age 22. The Nicole DeFilippo Scholarship Fund has been established to provide financial support to a graduating senior who is entering the special education field. Nicole, also a past event participant, passed suddenly on November 15, 2006 from Viral Myocarditis. Participants can contribute to the James Blackstone Memorial Library as well. The library provides information, resources and programs for residents on the Connecticut shoreline. The race is supporting the Harkness House whose purpose is to provide transitional housing for veterans. The American Heart Association is accepting donations in honor of Lisa Pelosi, friend and employee at Planet Fitness who died last year. In addition, we support Branford’s Community Dining Room which is committed to serving the community by feeding the hungry.
Participants who raise $100 or more to any of these 6 charities will be given an entry to the Branford Road Race free of charge.
The Branford Festival weekend offers much in the way of food, fun and entertainment. Saturday will feature juried crafters, a business expo, and fun for all ages throughout the day. The race kicks off the final day of the Branford Festival, a community celebration that attracts tens of thousands of people. All 5-mile race participants receive t-shirts, food, and many other race amenities. For race information visit our website at branfordroadrace.net. Or call (203) 481-5933. You can pick up your race packet or register at SoundRunner in Branford on June 17th and June 18th.
The major sponsors for the 2011 event are H.D. Segur Insurance, Stratton Faxon Law Offices, Chapin & Havlicek Physical Therapy, Pasta Cosi, Planet Fitness, RE/MAX Alliance, Sound Runner, Lynn’s Restaurant, Delicatessen & Caters, The Sound and 99.1PLR.
