More than 13,000 runners hit the pavement Thursday morning for the 80th Annual Manchester Road Race (https://www.manchesterroadrace.com/).
Several participants dressed up for Thanksgiving, sporting turkey and pilgrim hats. Others recycled their Halloween costumes or improvised with what was already in their closet.
Runners said the cheering crowd of supporters makes the Manchester Road Race so special.
“It’s just nice to see the community come out and there’s music, there’s people, there’s high fives,” said Patricia Daniels from Terryville.
“This is awesome. You get everybody in the town, everybody in the whole community to come out, have a good time, celebrate Thanksgiving,” said Stephen Niggebrugge from Manchester.
Manchester Police also kept a close eye on the race this year. Armed officers and K9s were on the ground, on the top of buildings and even flying above in a helicopter.
This year’s winner was elite U.S. runner Ben True. He previously won the Manchester Road Race in 2014.
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True, of Hanover, New Hampshire, outleaned Leonard Korir of Colorado Springs, Colorado, at the finish to take the men's title in the 4.75-mile race. Both were timed in an unofficial 21 minutes, 31 seconds.
Christopher Thompson, of Bronxville, New York, was third in 21:35.
Emily Sisson, of Providence, Rhode Island, ran away from the women's field for the win in an unofficial 24:08.
Sarah Pagano, of Brighton, Massachusetts, took second in 24:19, and Jordan Hasay of Beaverton, Oregon, was third in 24:27.
