By Ron P. Coderre

Thanks to an idea from Pomfret resident Dr. Murray Buttner who is an avid runner, the students of Quinebaug Valley Community College will be the beneficiaries of scholarship aid.

The concept of Tackle the Trail, a 19.4 mile race on the former Airline Trail, will take place for the second year in a row beginning at 9 a.m. Oct. 17.  The event, which features individual competition as well as relay teams, begins at the Trail head on Route 169 in Pomfret and finishes at Milk Street in Willimantic, according to the college’s Director of Institutional Advancement and Race Director Monique Wolanin.

“The Trail race committee and volunteers have worked hard to plan an exciting, fun event for all runners,” said Wolanin.

The cost for individual runners is $100, while the relay team entry fee is $150 per team with a maximum of five runners eligible.  All participants will receive a gift and entrance to the post Trail run celebration at the Willimantic Elks Club.  The proceed from the event support the QVCC Foundation’s mission, to raise funds so that all residents of northeastern Connecticut are provided the opportunity to attend the college regardless of income.  

“The committee has put together a great day for the runners.  Race day will include live broadcasts at the start and finish line on WINY – Putnam and WILI –Willimantic, massages for the runners, relay stations and a great post-race celebration at the Willimantic Elks Club,” said Wolanin.

From start to finish there are five legs to the competition.  Leg #1 is 2.3 miles, beginning at Route 169 to the Pomfret Town Hall.  Leg #2 is 2 miles and goes to Brooklyn Road, followed by Leg #3, which is 5.3 miles ending at Estabrook Road.  Leg #4 continues for 6.7 miles to Route 203/Beaver Hill Road.  The final Leg is 3 miles ending at Milk Street in Willimantic.

“This event wouldn’t be possible without the support of our many sponsors.  Special thanks to our friends at the Department of Environmental Protection for their efforts to get the trail ready,” added Wolanin.

Among the group of sponsors are Whitcraft, OOFOS, Putnam Bank, Savings Institute Bank and Trust, Friendly Spirits and Shock Top Beer, Hartford HealthCare, The Gates Group, CNB- A Division of ESB, The Center for Bone and Joint Care, Jewett City Savings Bank and WINY and WILI.

Race information can be accessed at www.qvcc.edu/tacklethetrail/.  Registration information is available at www.thelastmileracing.com.  Further information can be found by contacting Wolanin at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at 860 932-4174 or Susan Breault at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at 860 932-4062.