When I moved back to Connecticut from Georgia in August of 2005, I had begun to take running seriously, or at least seriously for me and I wanted to join an organization that would help me further my interest in the sport. After some googling, I discovered the Hartford Track Club and sent an e-mail to Peter Hawley telling him that I was interested in the club and asking if I could help out. Peter responded that the club needed a new treasurer and after attending my first board meeting in September of 2005, I was appointed to the position (in retrospect I don't think Peter fully knew what he was getting himself into when he asked me to join the Board). When I accepted the position in the fall of 2005, I had no idea about the history of the organization or the opportunities I would be presented with. Over the past seven years, I was given the opportunity to found and direct the Solstice Sprint 5K and the Greater Hartford 1/4 Marathon, to direct the Hogsback Half Marathon, to develop a scholarship program for runners from Connecticut high schools and to make over $20,000 in donations to charitable organization such as the Blazeman Foundation. Now that the Hartford Track Club will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary in September of 2012, I have been given the opportunity to plan an anniversary celebration honoring the Hartford Track Club and it members.
Before the details of the celebrations, a little history. The Hartford Track Club was formed in September of 1962 by charter members Charley Dyson, Bill Smith, Willie Gagnon, Bob Bamberger and Don Pirie. In December of 1962, the club organized the "Holiday 6," its first race. This race was held annually at Kenney Park in Hartford and attracted fields of up to 30 runners. In the late sixties, the race was moved to Goodwin Park and became the forerunner of the annual Joe Vailonis 10K, which now takes place on New Years Day.
By 1967, the club membership grew from the original 5 members to 14 members. By 1968, membership was up to a total of 18. In the early years dues were $1.00 a year. The Hartford Track Club joined the A.A.U. briefly in 1965 but had to cancel its membership due to lack of funds. In 1968, the Hartford Track Club rejoined the A.A.U. and has been a member ever since.
Noting the then complete absence of road races in Connecticut during the winter months, in 1972 the Hartford Track Club began a series of winter races and these "Winter Series" races continue to this day.
The Hartford Track Club Newsletter was first published in 1972 (thanks to Lee Bradley here's a copy of a 1979 Newsletter). The newsletter was printed irregularly whenever there was enough club news to warrant the postage cost of sending it out. Beginning in 1980, the Hartford Track Club began regular publication of its newsletter (once again thanks to Lee Bradley here's a copy of Volume 1, Issue 1 from February of 1980) and publication of the newsletter continues today.
In 1975, Cindi Cassidy became the first female member of the club. In that same year the Hartford Track Club also passed the 150 member mark. Today the Hartford Track Club numbers over 400 runners, almost half are female.
Today the Hartford Track Club provides motivation, group runs, training opportunities, a comprehensive set of member's results and regularly fields USA Track & Field Grand Prix teams and teams at other events. In addition to the long running winter series, the Hartford Track Club also sponsors a four race series that includes the Greater Hartford 1/4 Marathon, Solstice Sprint 5K, Hogsback Half Marathon and the 8K Cross Country Challenge. Theses races series have grown to include over 1,000 runners annually.
As we approach the Hartford Track Club's 50th Anniversary in September of 2012, its time to celebrate. In conjunction with the 2012 Hogsback Half Marathon on September 22, 2012, we'll be throwing the Hartford Track Club a 50th Anniversary Party. All activities will be taking place at the Goodwin Dam, Durst Road in Colebrook Connecticut.
50th Anniversary Celebration Begins - 10:30 a.m. As the first half marathon finishers cross the finish line, our 50th Anniversary Celebration will begin. We'll have a catered lunch (baked chicken, red potatoes, salad, apples, apple pie, cider donuts and the traditional post-race bagels and bananas), music, raffles (every runner, guest and volunteer will receive 5 tickets for free) and give aways of Hartford Track Club apparel.
Family 1/2 Mile Race - 11:15 a.m. There will be a 1/2 mile fun run across the Goodwin Dam. No registration is required and all children who participate will receive a special finishers award.
Awards & Recognition Ceremony - 11:30 a.m. The Hogsback Half Marathon awards ceremony will begin promptly at 11:30 a.m. In addition to awards for the overall and age group winners of the half marathon, we will also be recognizing and presenting awards to the Hartford Track Club's founding members and individuals who have been members for 25+ and 10+ years.
Raffle - 12 p.m. After the awards ceremony, we'll have some great prizes to raffle off. If you or someone you know would like to donate a raffle prize (you'll receive recognition on our website, Face Book Page and at the event) please contact me at kaburns1214@gmail.com.
I hope to see lots of familiar faces on September 22, 2012 to help the Hartford Track Club celebrate 50 years of running in Connecticut.
Add a comment