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Ready

Putnam Bank President Tom Borner and QVCC President Carlee Drummer at the start line of the Tackle the Trail Race in Pomfret. Courtesy photo.

 

 

DANIELSON —  When the Quinebaug Valley Community College Foundation looked for a new kind of fund-raiser that might appeal to a different audience, Dr. Murray Buttner had the answer.

Buttner, a Foundation member and avid runner, suggested organizing a race starting at the Danielson campus and ending at the college’s Willimantic Center. Then it occurred to him that one of the most scenic routes between the northeast corner and Willimantic was the old Air Line Trail that once offered fashionable rapid transit from New York to Boston. The idea to Tackle the Trail was born.

Oct. 18 more than 150 runners will participate, beginning at the Rt. 169  trailhead in Pomfret. The approximately 19.4-mile route includes five legs winding through Pomfret, Hampton, Chaplin and Windham, ending at Milk Street in Willimantic. 

According to Monique Wolanin, interim director of community engagement, support from the local community has been exceptional. A number of local businesses have signed on as sponsors, including Putnam Bank (Starting Line Sponsor), Savings Institute Bank & Trust (Finish Line Sponsor), The Center for Bone & Join Care, The Citizens National Bank, Gates Automotive Group, Quiet Corner Family Practice, Jewett City Savings, Weiss & Associates, UNFI (all Leg Sponsors). Live broadcast sponsor WINY will be at the start of the race and WILI Radio at the Finish (sponsored by White Water Partnership).

“Putnam Bank is pleased to sponsor the QVCC Foundation’s Tackle the Trail race,” said Tom Borner, president and CEO. “At Putnam Bank, we value the communities we serve and know the importance of education and health in these communities. This healthy event supports education—a winning combination. We are ready to tackle for a great cause.”