The Brass Key on Main Street in Manchester is quiet Wednesday, but come Thursday morning, it should be packed!
"It's a good day for business" said Emily Roether, a manager at the Brass Key. "We sell a lot of breakfast sandwiches, hot coffees, hot teas, especially with this weather. We’ll do a full breakfast menu. It gets packed up."
The same is true for the nearby Landmark Cafe – runners and spectators looking to warm up and refuel head to local restaurants after the annual Manchester Road Race on Thanksgiving day.
This year, the race sold out with 15,000 registered runners, according to the race website.
"I've enjoyed every year, and I think it tells everyone what Manchester is about," said Rudy Kissmann, a member of the Manchester Board of Directors who has been attending the race for as long as he can remember.
He said security will be ramped up this year as a precaution following the Boston Marathon bombings.
"There’s cameras on Main Street and throughout the race, and there’s a lot of other unseen things, if you will," said Kissmann.
Runners also won’t be able to leave unattended bags in the area. Police suggest they leave bags at home, with a friend or in a designated drop-off area.
"There’s a place where they’re throwing them all into a pile across at Saint James," said Kissmann, of the church on Main Street.
Seasoned race veterans offer advice to those heading to Manchester on Thursday.
"Get here early, find a good place to park because parking is limited. Get something warm to warm up your bones," said Roether.
Then pick your favorite spot to settle down, because at 5 a.m. Main Street will be closed from Center Street to Charter Oak. At 8:45 a.m. the Exit 3 ramp for I-384 will be closed. Many roads will remain closed until the race finishes.
