Litchfield Hills Road Race turns 32

LITCHFIELD — Despite temperatures above 90 degrees, about 2,000 runners of all ages braved outdoor events at the 32nd Annual Litchfield Hills Road Race on Sunday, June 8.

Philip Koech of West Chester, Pa., was the winner, coming in at 34 minutes and 59 seconds. Even with a pace of almost 5 minutes per mile, Koech was still a bit slower than the all-time record of 33:21 set in 1997. Nevertheless, Koech earned the $1,000 pot for winning the 7-mile race.

The top female runner was Florence Jeposgei, of Kenya, who came in at 41:06.

The race has enjoyed a colorful history. Runners from many different countries have participated; even a few Olympic champions have run. Thousands of people swarm to Litchfield on the first weekend of every June to enjoy the entire road race weekend. A craft fair on Saturday afternoon and a block party Saturday night, both on the town Green, accompany the Sunday race.

As a giant cannon booms, signaling the start of the race, the excitement and applause explode. A man with a wacky tie-dyed feather hat announces the names of the runners as they pass by.

Runners of all ages compete. In addition to the main race, there is a 2.3-mile race for teens and shorter races of 1 mile and 200-yard dashes for kids from 5 to 11. Awards were given afterward to all the top finishers.

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