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PUTNAM — At the annual Courthouse O’Putnam 5K March 11, the winners came from far afield in a very close race.
Taking first was Mike Stadolnik of Plainfield with a time of 17:27. Second went to Brian Balkus of Ashford with a time of 17:45 and third belonged to Piotr Kostyk of Bethel three seconds behind Balkus.
Jennie Cohen of New York City won the women’s race in 19:13.
The annual race drew thousands and it also benefited the Putnam IHSP Daily Bread Food Pantry to the tune of 445 pounds of food donated.
The Hartford Marathon Foundation sponsored the race.
Runners were encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations and some 445 pounds of food was collected to Daily Bread.
The Courthouse Bar & Grille has been a partner since the event’s inception in 2012. This year’s event had a special meaning for the popular restaurant set in the heart of Putnam’s Antique District – Courthouse Bar & Grille celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2018.
Before the 5K, participants cheered on future runners (ages 2+) at the HMF FitKids ¼ or ½ mile races. All ‘Wee Mile’ participants received a finisher’s medal and a festive knit O’hat. The race started and finished in picturesque downtown Putnam in a loop course along the Quinebaug River.
“We are pleased to have hosted this fantastic event for seven years now,” said Courthouse Bar and Grille owner Sheila Frost. “It brings the community together, families and friends create new memories and runners get their competitiveness geared up! It’s a great way to kick off the spring season. The Irish theme is fun, we take pride in our corned beef sandwiches and get so much enjoyment in seeing the community come together for a big green party year after year.”
“We’re grateful for the continued partnership with Courthouse Bar & Grille which brought hundreds of runners, walkers and spectators from across the state to the Quiet Corner for a festive celebration,” said Beth Shluger, CEO of the Hartford Marathon Foundation. “We encouraged participates to donate nonperishables to support the food pantry and then shop, eat and enjoy the community after they crossed the finish line.”