About the Race

The Commodore Hull Thanksgiving Day 5K Road Race was started in 2002 by a small committee of volunteers who wanted to create a community event that would recognize one of the greatest naval heroes in U.S. history, Commodore Isaac Hull, and bring attention to the tremendous changes going on in the downtown areas of the two communities. The race begins and ends along historic Canal Street in Shelton and twice crosses the Housatonic River on its way to and from the downtown area of Derby. The border of the two towns is actually in the middle of the river which is highlighted with the display of a gigantic American flag by ladder trucks from the local volunteer fire departments.

Since its inception on Thanksgiving morning in 2002, the race has become a true Thanksgiving tradition selling out well in advance of race day each year. From 300 runners in 2002, the capacity of the race is now capped at 750 providing a fun experience for everyone involved. The race was honored by the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce with its Silver Seal Award in 2012 in recognition of its contribution to the quality of life in the Valley.

Though not considered a fund raiser by the committee, the race has been very successful in raising funds that have been donated to the Boys & Girls Club which is only a short distance from the race course in downtown Shelton. In 2015 the race donated more than $17,500 to the Club.

The race is very runner friendly and is noted for its strong relationship with its runners. A real family oriented event, the race has special pricing for grammar and high school students and runners age 70 and older enter free of charge. It was a pioneer in on-line registration for runners when it wasn't fashionable and still does not charge extra fees for using the service. It is also well known for it's use of photography and videography to highlight runner participation. It uses its website, Facebook, Twitter and e-newsletters to communicate with its participants, volunteers and sponsors. It was one of the first races to use drones for race course pictures and may have been the first race in the state to live stream its event from the pace car!

The race is made possible because of the support of a loyal base of sponsors beginning with Greco & Haines whose initial sponsorship made the race possible.


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