O'Putnam pg 1 2-23-12
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- Category: Past Issues
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Sheila and James Frost
O’Putnam
Go Bragh
5K Race
By Ron P. Coderre
The community of Putnam is steeped in Irish history. When the textile industry was booming along the Quinebaug River, Irish immigrants descended on Putnam and quickly became an integral piece of the fabric of the town.
Names such as Dempsey, Murphy, Donovan, McCormac, Madden, Denning, O’Connell, Ryan, Flanagan and Flaherty have more than dotted the pages of Putnam history. Those who remember the Irish-American Club on Pomfret Street can recall the events that took place there every St. Patrick’s Day as the descendants of the folks from Erin, “the olde sod” gathered in celebration of their heritage.
March 11, just six days prior to the official date of St. Patrick’s Day, Putnam will become green again as it did in times past when it stages the O’Putnam 5K & Wee Mile. The event, which is sponsored by the Courthouse Bar & Grille, is the brainchild of James and Sheila Frost, owners of the restaurant.
“Last year I ran in the O’Hartford and thought then what a great idea for Putnam. Since then we’ve worked with the Hartford Marathon Foundation and our local officials to make my dream a reality,” said Sheila Frost.
The event, which is scheduled for a 1 p.m. start time, has received the approval and cooperation of the Putnam Board of Selectmen, the Special Services District and the Putnam Police Department, the Recreation Department and the Putnam Business Association.
“We’re excited about this new event,” said Putnam Police Chief Rick L. Hayes. “We’ve done everything possible to assist the Courthouse and the Hartford Marathon Foundation to prepare for this day. We plan on having a presence on race day at all the major intersections and along the route.”
The 5K (3.1 mile) run is scheduled to assemble on Bundy Street prior to moving to its official starting line on Kennedy Drive. The runners will proceed south, turning onto Arch Street through the arch and left on to South Main Street. At Putnam Farmer’s Co-op the runners will head up School Street and turn left on to Providence Street, where they’ll head west, reaching Marshall Street at the end of Marshall they’ll head down Woodstock Avenue to the Bridge Street bridge. Then it’s back on Kennedy Drive, before turning left on to Massicotte Circle and right up Main Street to the finish line in front of the Courthouse Bar & Grille.
The 3.1 mile run and wee mile for youngsters is a distance that should attract not only the serious runner but the recreational runner as well and the individual trying to get into shape. Part of the mission is to encourage a healthy life style for people of all ages.
“We want this to be a fun event and an Irish spirited day. We’re encouraging all participants to dress in costume to enliven the atmosphere. Our goal is to get people to think healthy and to continue the coming together of our great community of Putnam,” said James and Sheila Frost.
When the couple initially began planning the event they set a goal of 300 runners. According to organizers at the Hartford Marathon Foundation, they are edging up to that number quickly. In addition to the participants, the success of the event will rely heavily on at least 35 volunteers.
“We are delighted with the progress and response to this first O’Putnam. The event would not be possible without James and Sheila Frost. We are so pleased to be coming to Putnam, which we think is a marvelous community,” said Hartford Marathon Executive Director Beth Shluger.
The O’Putnam 5K is the third such event in Connecticut. It joins the O’Hartford and the O’Niantic. It’s also the second major road race in Putnam, joining the Deary Memorial Road Race, which takes place in August. Official timing for the O’Putnam will be handled by Bay State Race Services. Awards will be presented to overall winners, top male and female runners and age group winners.
Adding to the festivities will be the presence of the Irish Bagpipers, who’ll perform on Main Street, which will be closed to automobile traffic for the afternoon. All runners and volunteers will be treated to a corned beef sandwich and Harpoon ale as a reward, as well as receiving a commemorative T-shirt.
Registration and volunteer information is available on the Hartford Marathon Foundation website, hartfordmarathon.com or by calling 860 652-8866.
“We’re hoping Putnam area businesses and organizations will encourage everyone to come out and support the event. We’re also encouraging schools and teams to participate,” said Sheila Frost.
It’s time for Putnam citizens to show their Irish spirit. Get out your o’sneakers and join the fun. If you can’t run, step out and line the race course and give the runners a hardy “O’Putnam go bragh” cheer.