3,000 Expected at Sunday’s 39th Branford Road Race

Date: June 14, 2018

Contact: John Bysiewicz (203) 710-2391

Branford, CT: Over 3,000 runners and walkers are expected to compete in the 39th annual Branford Father’s Day Road Race. Starting on the Branford Green, the race features a 5-mile run, 2-mile health walk, and 1-Mile Kids Fun Run.

For the first time the race’s two founders, Ray Figlewski and Dick Wainman, will compete in the event walking in the 2-mile health walk. Having moved to Utah nearly 20 years ago, this will be the first time Wainman has been at the event in many years. Over a decade ago Figlewski was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a nervous system disorder that affects a person’s movement. Parkinson’s has not reduced his passion for the event and Figlewski still actively coordinates the event. Thirty-nine years ago, they founded the 7.5 Mile Shoreline Road Race, which later became the 5-Mile Branford Road Race. They had both been running in Foote Park in the rain when they met one another. Ever since that day, they formed a friendship that would quickly develop into the Branford Road Race. At its inaugural event, six hundred runners lined up to participate. The race has now grown into one of the largest 5-mile races in the country, with 3,000 participants expected to participate this year.

At its inception, Ray and Dick had a clear vision for their event. They wanted a race to bring the entire community together, while honoring runners above all else. This race is distinctly created with the runners in mind, as seen with the complimentary breakfast and post-race celebration. In its nearly four decades, the Branford Road Race has exceeded its goals. In fact, in 1985, the Branford Road Race teamed up with the Branford Festival to create a three-day town celebration. The weekend is filled with free events for the whole family to celebrate the shoreline community of Branford.

Not only has the race supported the town of Branford, but it has also raised thousands of dollars for numerous charities. Most notably are this year’s signature charities: Connecticut Advocates for Parkinson’s, Camp Rising Sun, and Notre Dame High School. In addition to his involvement with the Branford Road Race, Figlewski recently started the Parkinson’s Disease Workshop. The event discusses cutting edge research and practical knowledge available today about Parkinson’s lead by experts in the field. Battling this disease has not slowed his work ethic down, which will be seen as he participates in the Branford Road Race as a runner for the first time.

Runners and walkers can enjoy live music and aid stations along all courses. All race participants receive tech shirts. After the races, participants get post-race brunch with a choice of a pancake breakfast, breakfast sandwich or continental breakfast. Participants and spectators are invited to continue the Father’s Day celebration at the Stony Creek Brewery. Tickets for the Stony Creek Brewery Post-Race Celebration can be purchased online and includes Stony Creek beer and pizza from Marco Pizzeria.

Sponsors of the 2018 Branford Road Race include H.D. Segur Insurance, Premier Subaru and Kia, TYCO Print+Promo, Medtronic, Stony Creek Brewery, Barnum Capital Management, Connecticut Orthopaedic Specialists, Planet Fitness, Jen Reynolds LMT, Chabaso Bakery, soundRUNNER, Pasta Cosi, The Sound, Notre Dame High School, 99.1 PLR, Orangetheory Fitness, Marco Pizzeria, and Southern Connecticut Muscle and Joint Performance Chiropractic.