New Haven runners hit the pavement for 42nd annual Faxon Law Road Race

News

by: Kent Pierce

Posted: Sep 2, 2019 / 05:26 AM EDT / Updated: Sep 2, 2019 / 06:41 PM EDT

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Thousands of runners took to the streets of the Elm City Monday morning for the 42nd annual Faxon Law New Haven Road Race.

The race actually consists of four different races, so there is something for the whole family.

This year, it was the News8 family helping Mayor Toni Harp start the kids’ race. Alyssa Taglia and Chief Meteorologist Gil Simmons welcomed young athletes to the first race of the day.

The kids running in that race will be the ones running the longer races in the coming year. Like 17 year-old Michael Loschiavo of Milford, who graduated to the 5K after a few years.

“You get a bunch of bands playing, cheering you on, and you get a bunch of people,” Loschiavo said. “It’s one of the best 5Ks to run.”

He’s now doing the half marathon, just like Laurie Bova.

“We grew up in New Haven, so you go through all the neighborhoods and I love going through all the different neighborhoods and everyone comes out and everyone is spraying you with water and cheering you on,” Bova said.

Her family is spread out now, but they all come back and run the various races. Even 8 year-old Brooke, who is running the 5K.

Thousands of runners tackled 3 different distances. The main attraction is the 20K, a national championship race. Leonard Korir defended his title with a time right around 59 minutes. Past winner Sara Hall won on the women’s side.

The race welcomes all kinds of competitors. That includes ones who can’t walk, and runners who can’t see. Our own Alyssa Taglia did the 5K, and because traffic and weather go together, Chief Meteorologist Gil Simmons was right behind her.

“I’m happy with how I did. Good timing, I think,” Taglia said. “I had a great time. There are so many supportive people along the way. There’s bands, and that makes it a lot easier and a lot more fun.”