SOUTHINGTON, CT — Runners and walkers will take to the streets of Southington Sunday for a long-time Apple Harvest Festival tradition that includes races for everyone from young children to competitive runners.
The 46th annual Apple Harvest Road Races, organized by the Southington Community YMCA, will take place Sunday, Oct. 4, with events including a 5-mile race, 5K, Middle School Cup, 2-mile health walk, Y Cup 1-mile race, and Little Fritter Fun Runs.
Proceeds from the races will support YMCA financial aid and scholarships for individuals and families facing financial challenges, providing access to YMCA programs and services.
The 5-mile race begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by the 5K at 8:45 a.m., with both starting at the top of Columbus Boulevard and traveling through local neighborhoods.
The 5K and 5-mile races will be professionally timed, with instant results and finish-line photographs available. Awards will go to the top finishers overall and in several age divisions.
The Dave Gworek Memorial Award will recognize the top male and female Southington finishers in the 5-mile race, while the Tony Manning Memorial Award will go to the top male and female Southington finishers in the 5K.
There is also a $200 prize for breaking the male or female course record in either race.
The Middle School Cup 5K is open to students in grades six through eight. Students will compete as part of the 5K, with the top 15 boys and girls earning medals.
Points earned by Kennedy and DePaolo Middle School runners will determine which school wins the Middle School Cup.
Students from outside Southington can also participate and earn individual medals.
Younger runners can participate in the Y Cup 1-Mile Race, which is geared toward fourth- and fifth-graders.
Southington students will earn points for their schools based on the top five boys and girls in each grade, while children from outside town may also compete.
The 2-mile health walk begins at 8:30 a.m. in front of the YMCA.
The flat course travels to the Linear Trail before finishing near the refreshment area on the Southington Town Green.
Proceeds from the walk support chronic disease programs operated in partnership with Hartford HealthCare.
For the youngest participants, the Little Fritter Fun Runs are expected to begin around 9:45 to 10 a.m. on the green.
Children ages 2 through 7 can participate in races ranging from 50 yards to two laps around the green, with races divided according to age and ability. Each participant receives a medal.
Packet pickup will be held at the Southington Community YMCA, 29 High St., from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3; and 7 to 8 a.m. on race day.
T-shirts are available on a first-come, first-served basis to qualifying registrants.
Current online registration prices listed on the race website are $41.28, including processing fees, for both the 5K and 5-mile races; $38.10 for the Middle School 5K; $27.50 for the 2-mile walk; $22.20 for the Y Cup; and $28.56 for the Little Fritter Fun Run.
The races coincide with Southington's annual Apple Harvest Festival and are centered around the YMCA and town green area.
For more information and to register, click on this link.
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