Chamber Hosts Sailfest Charter Oak Federal Credit Union 5k Road Race July 10

Race logo designed by Bennie Dover Jackson 5th Grader Jenaliz Eli Cordero Gomez

Eastern CT – The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT has announced that its annual Sailfest Charter Oak Federal Credit Union 5k Road Race will be held on Sunday, July 10, 2016 starting from New London’s Parade Plaza. Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. for a 9:15 a.m. shotgun start.
 
Sponsored by Charter Oak Federal Credit Union, the Sailfest Charter Oak Federal Credit Union 5k Road Race is a 5k measured loop race with markets, splits, aid, and water. The race sends runners through the heart of historic downtown New London, starting at the Citizens Bank on Eugene O’Neill Drive before snaking through Bank, Howard, and Willetts Streets, Montauk Avenue, Tilley Street, and State Street. The finish line is located adjacent to the corner of Bank and State Streets near New London Union Station.
 
Timing is officiated by SNERRO with the MyLaps Chip Bib System. Awards will be presented to the first overall male and female finishers, as well as the first and second male and female finishers in the following divisions:

  • Youth (12 and under)
  • Junior (13-19)
  • Open (20-29)
  • Sub-Master (30-39)
  • Master (40-49)
  • Grand Master (50-59)
  • Great Grand Master (60-69)
  • Veteran (70+)
This year’s race logo was designed by Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School 5th grade student Jenaliz Eli Cordero Gomez. Her winning design, featuring a gray whale and a nuclear submarine, pays tribute to New London’s whaling heritage and recognizes Connecticut’s Submarine Century, a year-long celebration of Naval Submarine Base New London’s centennial anniversary in 2016. The design will be showcased on the front side of t-shirts worn by racers. Ms. Gomez will have the honor of firing the shotgun that marks the start of the race.
 
“The Chamber is delighted to host this race every year,” said Tony Sheridan, President & CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT. “The Sailfest Charter Oak Federal Credit Union 5k Road Race is a great way to cap off Sailfest weekend, bringing athletes of all ages to downtown New London for a morning fun run. We look forward to welcoming the running community on July 10.”
 
Race registration is $25 per individual, $15 for military personnel (non-Navy). Registration is non-refundable.
 
In recognition of Connecticut’s Submarine Century, Navy personnel race FREE this year.
 
Volunteers are sought for positions during registration and as guides on the race route. All volunteers receive a free race t-shirt for their services. Interested persons can contact Megan Cronin, Program & Events Manager for the Chamber, at MCronin@ChamberECT.com.
 
Learn more about the Sailfest Charter Oak Federal Credit Union 5k Road Race at www.ChamberECT.com/race or call the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT at (860) 701-9113. Print and digital versions of the registration form are available.
 
Additional sponsors of the Sailfest Charter Oak Federal Credit Union 5k Road Race include A Beautiful Company General Contractors; Atlantic Broadband; Bank of America; The Captain Daniel Packer Inne; Chili’s Grill & Bar; Coca-Cola of Southeastern New England; Conway, Londregan, Sheehan & Monaco; Eastern CT State University; Fiddleheads Natural Foods Co-op; Guinan & Houle LLP; MJ Sullivan Automotive Center; and United Community & Family Services (UCFS).  
 
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About the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut:
The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut is a collaborative of business and community leaders dedicated to securing and enhancing the economic vitality of eastern Connecticut. The Chamber works to create value for its members and the region by providing forums for business networking, leadership and discussions of issues that affect the region; providing opportunities for members to showcase their products, services and accomplishments; helping small businesses succeed through educational programs; and working to reduce the costs of doing business in Connecticut.  For more information, visit www.ChamberECT.com.