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Carl Sylvester Named 2016 Honorary Starter


Carl Sylvester

Carl Sylvester, an original member of the Commodore Hull Race Committee and race day volunteer and runner, has been named as the Honorary Starter for the 2016 race. The tradition of selecting the Honorary Starter began in 2005 with the selection of legendary coach Joe Benanto, and 2014's selection of Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti marked a decade that the award has been presented. Carl is the twelfth person selected to fire the starter's pistol to begin the race.

Carl is 83 and just celebrated his 60th wedding anniversary with Esther Pagliaro on June 18th. He is a 1951 Shelton High School grad and from UCONN in 1956 with a degree in business.  He worked for Sikorsky for 43 yrs and retired 18 yrs ago as Director of Research and Engineering.

Carl started racing and running 30 years ago and has won many races in his division, including the Commodore Hull Race.  He has done over 1,000 races and it has not been uncommon for him to do 2 in a weekend over the years. What he likes most about racing is this, " I have met the nicest people in my running career and that is true in every race."  

When asked about his participation in the Commodore Hull Race, he said, "I have been a plank holder in our Commodore Hull 5K and what a thrill to run in my hometown every Thanksgiving. Being part of the 5K crew has been tremendous and it is wonderful each year as my grandchildren Joey, Maryann and Theresa volunteer with me and we all get to the Market at 6AM to get ready. My wife Esther has been a terrific supporter every year and the kids even sleep over to make sure we are on time. Then to run the race and get water along the course from my niece Michelle Haywood and her husband Brett and run with their children, my great nephews, Tyler, Brian and Zach.  What a way to start Thanksgiving and see the many friends having a fun and healthy time."

Carl is also an accomplished artist as you can see from this story dating back to 2009.

Carl has 4 grandchildren, 3 pictured above and Carl Curran, he has not been a volunteer He has 2 daughters, Carol a music teacher in Shelton and Rosemarie who teaches in New Haven while a third daughter Donna (a nurse) is deceased.  

Click here to see the full listing of Honorary Starters.


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