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Date: 10/26/2022
MONSON – The roads and paths in and around Monson are getting a bit more use these days as runners get in their final weeks training ahead of the 26th installment of the Monson Memorial Classic.
The annual half-marathon and 5K taking place on Nov. 13 will follow the same course as in years past and is back for the second year in a row after being sideline due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Begun in 1996, the race takes place very year in memory of Kelly Waldron and Kelly Waldron Perry, the two were sisters and died just eight months apart from different forms of cancer.
With the cooling temperatures and race season in full swing, race director Richard Ladew says the overall response this year has been fuel for optimism, not only from competing runners but also from volunteers, sponsors and just regular community members who want to help out.
“All of the awesome folks have been very supportive “
Ladew is in his first year as race director after working under the tutelage of Lee Williams, who ran the event for the past 25 years before taking a support role this year behind Ladew. A runner himself, Ladew has literally had his feet on the ground in past races while taking on some administrative duties at the same time.
It was all a part of the learning process.
Logistics are key, Ladew said.
“I’m trying to keep in mind how to coordinate everyone … as we get closer to race date,” he explained.
Ladew said there is a great volunteer response, even high school students and community members who must cover a litany of tasks from folding T-shirts to supplying water and taking in the registration packets as the participants arrive that morning.
This year, Ladew says there are offerings of help have been formidable and he is still actively encouraging more sponsorship and volunteers right up until race day.
Many past participants and sponsors continue to be a resource even if they’re not taking on the same roles this year.
“Local businesses have been great”, he said.
Monson Savings Bank continues to be the event’s largest sponsor and Ladew says Adams Hometown Market has also been a longtime friend to the race.
“Being a smaller town race, we’re still encouraging groups around Monson that would like to be a sponsor to Connecticut with us”.
A major part of what he expects to be a successful day is the coordination and cooperation with the town and the many areas to cover. The town resources including police and road workers to update and map out the course and address any challenges or changes along the route.
Promotions for the race are spread heavily across social media and through postings and signage.
The course will offer the competitive runner a fair contest.
“Monson is typified by its hilly geography,” Ladew said, so while a beautifully scenic endeavor the race is also challenging at different points in the course.
Proceeds this year are going to Griffin’s Friends Children’s Cancer Fund.
In past years donations have gone to the American Cancer Society of Western Massachusetts, the American Lung Association, the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Quaboag Valley Hospice.
Information on the race including volunteer and sponsor information can be found at https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Monson/MonsonMemorialClassicHalfMarathon5K as well as https://www.facebook.com/MonsonMemorialClassic.