Manchester Road Race

(Credit: John Long/Hartford Courant)

Each year, tens of thousands of avid sports enthusiasts wake up early Thanksgiving morning and flock to Manchester to be a part of the annual Manchester Road Race. Some run, some walk and still others find their place along the sidelines, coffee or beer in hand, ready for the biggest party of the year.

Established in 1927, it is the third largest race in New England and stands among the 25 largest distance races in the country. 2009 marks the 73rd running of the Manchester Road Race, with proceeds from the event going to support Muscular Dystrophy research and other local charities.

Roads close at 7 a.m. and remain closed to traffic until 11:30 a.m., race begins promptly at 10 a.m.

A free shuttle will be provided to a central drop off area just a few blocks from the starting line. The shuttle will have three pick-up locations: Manchester Community College's parking lot C, the commuter parking lot in Bolton (adjacent to the old Manchester Drive In) and the State of Connecticut Social Services Department parking lot at 699 Middle Turnpike East, Manchester. Shuttle service is free for race spectators and participants. All are encouraged to be ready to load buses by 8:30 a.m. to ensure plenty of time to enjoy the race and get into the starting pack. No pets allowed. Highway message signs will direct drivers to the shuttle locations.

If parking in the vicinity of the race, use Manchester public parking lots behind the stores on the east side of Main Street. Keep in mind that because of the race, Main Street closes to traffic at 7 a.m. Any cars parked on I-384 will be towed.

For more information, visit the Manchester Road Race Web site.

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