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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