The Commodore Hull Bridge
Under the bridge for the first time
A clearer view of the river
Entering the Shelton Riverwalk
..........with the railroad trestle
Get ready to run on the grass
Healding for the monuments
From Riverwalk to downtown
Elizabeth Street and St. Mary's Church
Approaching the Green again
The Second Congregational Church
Where did we see this guy before?
A beautiful view of the river
Less than a half mile to go!
Race Director Glenn Gaetano marks the new starting line for the 2003 race. The course is now an officially certified 5K course and the start has been shifted to make for a faster start.
A flat stretch at the start as the Commodore Hull Bridge comes into view for the first time.
A first glimpse of the river as the course winds under the bridge
We're now on Shelton's beautiful Riverwalk with the Housatonic River on the right
The railroad trestle connecting Shelton and Derby comes into sight
The course will now leave the brick for the grass along the Riverwalk
Race Director Glenn Gaetano points the way along the grass behind the Riverwalk
Straight ahead is the strinkingly beautiful war memorial to veterans of many wars from Shelton
We now turn our backs from the River and head for downtown
Cornell Street connects our course with Shelton's busiest street - Howe Avenue
Heading for the center of Shelton
This bridge will carry us over the historic Shelton canals which provided the water power for the factories below. the historic Derby Silver Company is on the right.
Many bridges have carried traffic over this river including covered bridges. This bridge dates back to 1916.
Thanks to Derby Public Works, we get a glimpse of the Commodore himself as we enter Derby. You also might find yourself greeted by the sirens of the Derby Fire Department as you reach the end of the bridge.
Turning right, we head up historic Main Street. On the left, you have the banking center of Derby from a bygone era. You will notice some major demolition going on on your right as Derby once more adapts for a better future. John Kennedy twice traveled this route - once as a candidate and once as President
One of Derby's four ladies (Olivia, Elizabeth, Minerva and Caroline) streets that run north from Main Street
Prior to shopping malls and redevelopment, this was the retail center of the Valley. For a period of time this area of Derby was known as Birmingham.
Once known as the Derby Commons, the Green hails back to 1836 when prominent local industrialist Sheldon Smith returned to his home town after making a fortune from commercial ventures in New York City. He helped to develop the borough of Birmingham and donated the land for the Green and the surrounding churches.
Look to your right to see one of the churches that are part of the Birmingham Green Historic District
Also on your right. We'll catch the third church on the way back.
St. Mary's Church coming up on your left is the oldest Catholic Church in the city and in the Valley. It was founded by Irish immigrants who brought their religion with them whenthey arrived at Derby Landing in 1833
A nice flat stretch heading for the turn around. Notice the variety of Victorian style homes that were populated by the retail leaders of the 19th and 20th centuries
Derby Public Library is located in a building of white Ansonia granite at the intersection of Caroline and Elizabeth Streets. It was built in 1902 with funds provided by Colonel and Mrs. H. Holton Wood to honor their son Harcourt Wood, who had died in Derby in 1897.
We're now heading back down Elizabeth Street with the spire of St. Mary's right in front of us
We're now heading back down Elizabeth Street with the spire of St. Mary's right in front of us
On the right, you can see Derby City Hall and on your left and impressive Civil War monument erected by the citizens of Derby and Shelton
Look carefully, and you can see that this beautiful old church is missing something. The spire was blown off in a hurricane and never replaced!
Notice the refurbished front to this historic old gem. It was the first building in Connecticut placed on the National Register of Historic Places
The easiest part of the course will carry us down Elizabeth Street and a right turn on Main Street
Try to imagine the all wood covered Huntington Bridge which connected the two towns when Shelton was still known as Huntington
As you cross over the Viaduct once more, try to catch a glimpse of Canal Street below. If you look to the right, you can even catch a glimpse of the last remaining above ground part of the canal.
How Avenue is named for one of the early industrialists who helped create the prosperity of the city
You can see the river ahead - and its downhill!
Glenn Gaetano wants to make sure that we stay straight on course
With the monuments directly ahead, we turn right
Back on the grass, we get another great view of the Housatonic River
It's a sprint down Canal Street to the finish line
Once you cross the finish line, head for the Farmers Market and a bountiful supply of refreshments, a great raffle, and the final results and awards!