OPutnam pg 1 2-21-13

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O'Putnam Race
Everyone gets ready last year. Braiden Saucier running in The Week Mile last year. Photos courtesy of  Steve McLaughlin Photography.


O’Putnam 5K II preps
for Saint
Pat's Day
By Ron P. Coderre
The Courthouse O’Putnam 5K & Wee Mile coming off its initial 2012 success is back and looking to be even bigger and better this year.  Last year the event, which is run by the Hartford Marathon Foundation, attracted 700 participants, far exceeding the expectations of The Courthouse Restaurant & Grille owners James and Sheila Frost.
“Last year our first venture was so exciting.  We were thrilled to witness the sea of green that washed into Putnam.  We were truly all Irish on that day and we are anticipating a repeat this year,” said Sheila Frost.
The event is scheduled for March 10 exactly seven days before the official celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.  The 5K is planned for a 1 p.m. start and will be preceded by the Wee Mile fun competition at 12:30 p.m.  According to the Frosts, preregistrations are running ahead of last year and it’s possible that as many as 1000 runners could be making their way through the streets of Putnam this year.
Due to the large turnout last year and the anticipated increase this year there is one major change to the race.  The starting point, which last year was on Kennedy Drive, has been moved to the intersection of Canal St. and Monohansett St.  In shifting the starting point, race organizers along with the Putnam Police Department are bypassing crossing Rt. 44 and avoiding a possible logjam of traffic especially with emergency vehicles.
“This is another great event for Putnam and our department wants to do everything possible to make it as safe as it can for the participants.  We’re pleased to be an integral part of the entire process,” said Putnam Police Chief Rick L. Hayes.
The course, which is still being finalized will head south on Canal St., turn left on to Kennedy Drive, go under the ‘arch’ on Arch St, find its way to South Main St., merge on to School St., turn left on to Providence St., come back down Kennedy Drive, curl in front of the post office and end in front of the Courthouse Restaurant.
Registrations are currently being accepted online at hartfordmarathon.com or by calling 860 652-8866.  The entry fee is $30 and will be $32 for those who enter on the day of the race.  All entrants will receive a tee shirt, corned beef sandwich and a Harpoon Celtic Ale.  Prizes in the form of gift cards will be awarded to the top three male and female runners as well as age group winners.
“Everything is running real smoothly again this year.  We’re so pleased with the cooperation we’ve received from the police department, the Mayor’s office, the public works department and the Putnam Business Association,” said Frost.
Last year’s overall winner was David Lusignan of Woodstock in a time of 17:11 a full 30 seconds in front of second place-finisher Chris Messier of Plainfield.  Linda Spooner of Sturbridge was the top female runner in a time of 20:12, followed by Pauline Frascone (20:41) and Denise Scott of Putnam (21:37).
Race organizers in Hartford and Putnam are also looking for volunteers to assist in a variety of ways.  Individuals interested in more information should visit the website.  Frost notes that the Congregational Church of Putnam has volunteered to serve coffee in front of the church on the day of the race.  Spectators are being encouraged to line the race route and cheer on the participants.
“Run, walk, jig or jog we’re encouraging any type of involvement and participation.  Runners who wish to compete in costumes will make the event more festive and that’s what we want.  Our wish is that the people who come to Putnam that day will see what a fine community we have and will come back and visit us,” said Frost.
The first O’Putnam was a tremendous success because the entire community laid out the ‘green carpet’ for the runners and visitors.  The goal of the O’Putnam 5K II is to surpass its previous success in a truly St. Patrick’s Day fashion.