It’s hard to believe with the snow banks lining the streets and intersections of Putnam that The Courthouse O’Putnam 5K is right around the corner.  Organized and run by the Hartford Marathon Foundation,  in cooperation with the owners of The Courthouse, James and Sheila Frost, preparations are moving forward for the third running of the event, which has taken Putnam and the area by storm.

Based on the previous turnout, more than 700 runners the first year and more than 1000 last year, the organizers are preparing for a record number of participants.  The current preregistration numbers are ahead of last year’s pace with more than 400 runners rearing to go.  The day looks promising for breaking previous registration records and providing Putnam with a sea of green as the town gets in the mood for St. Patrick’s Day.

“All reports that we receive from the Hartford Marathon Foundation are that everything is moving forward smoothly in anticipation of a big turnout.  These people are so easy to work with because they are super organized and top notch professionals” said Sheila Frost.

Last year on race day, Putnam resembled a Christmas winter wonderland as Storm David had assaulted Putnam with a major snow event.  Thanks to the great work of the Putnam Public Works Department the course was in great shape for the participants.  Currently, unless Putnam is blanketed with snow around the day of the race, the DPW has once again done a great job in cleaning the streets of the Antique City.

 Race organizers have decided that the change in the course instituted last year appears to be the best route for the 5K.  The start of the race is on Canal St. near the entrance of Modern Lumber.  The course turns briefly on to Kennedy Drive and loops its way on to Park St., veers right under the arch and up South Main St., working its way to School St., Providence St., back down Kennedy Drive and up Main St. where it finishes in front of the Courthouse Bar & Grille.

“The Hartford Marathon Foundation is so happy with the course that they are seriously thinking of having it TAC certified in the near future.  The change of the start last year, from Kennedy Drive to Canal St. alleviated many of the traffic worries but it’s still a wonderful venue for spectators with many great vantage points,” said Sheila Frost.

HMF recently lost its major sponsor ING.  The O’Putnam 5K is fortunate that Harpoon Brewery of Boston and Windsor, Vt., have stepped up to assist The Courthouse.  As part of the sponsorship, all participants will be treated to a cold Harpoon Ale and a corned beef sandwich at the completion of the race.

“The O’Putnam 5K is the number one item on my list and on Harpoon’s agenda right now.  We’re all very excited to be part of this great community event,” said Steve Mills, brewery representative in Connecticut.

According The Courthouse owners James and Sheila Frost, the event is scheduled for March 9 with the starter’s gun being fired at 1 p.m.  Runners, walkers and spectators are reminded that this is the day we spring forward and set our clocks to Daylight Savings Time.  The 5K is preceded by the HMF FitKids Run, which takes place at 12:30 p.m.  Until  March 2 the entry fee is $30 but will go to $35 on March 3 and race day.  The fee for students ages 18 to 22 is $25 and $30.  The cost for runners ages 5 through 17 is $10 and $15, while wee mile entrants ages 2 through 11 is $10. All runners will receive a cool Irish themed knit hat as part of the registration packet.  To register go to www.hartfordmarathon.com. 

Volunteers stationed along the route will provide fluid stations as well as assisting with registration and results.  There are also other areas where volunteers are required.

“Volunteers are an integral part of our success.  We’re still looking for volunteers to assist with the main race as well as the kid’s race and to act as monitors along the route.  Of course we can’t say enough for the support provided by the Putnam Police Department,” said Sheila Frost.   

 The current course record holders are Linda Spooner for the females with a time of 20:12, coincidentally set in 2012.  The male record holder is David Lusignan in a time of 17:11 also set in 2012.  Although the race is for both the casual jogger as well as the competitive runner, it’s a certainty that there will be individuals out to break the existing records. 

This year, for the first time, a local group is the charity beneficiary.  Individuals wishing to make a donation should go to the website for information in support of the Putnam High School Student Activity Account.    

“Putnam is a great community with a vibrant spirit.  We’re very proud to be able to bring this type of excitement and entertainment to our area.  This is a fun day and my motto is ‘Run, Walk, Jig or Jog, come on out.’  Wear a costume and enjoy the day,” said Sheila Frost.

 

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