The course will begin and end on Shelton's beautiful new Riverwalk. The Housatonic river will be on your left as you sprint from the starting line.
It's hard to believe, but the largest case of industrial arson in U.S. history took place in the open field on your right. In 1975, the old Sponge Rubber Products was destroyed in a senseless case of arson and nearly 1,000 people lost their jobs.
Willow trees and the river on your left as you head under the Commodore Hull Bridge (Rt. 8).
The street gets its name from the canal that once ran along here providing power to the many factories that lined the street. Parts of the canal including a lock connecting to the Housatonic River are located farther along Canal Street.
The course will loop around the brand new Farmers Market which is a living reminder of the agriculture which is still conducted here.
The course has a slight incline as it leaves the Canal Street area and heads for the downtown commercial area of Shelton.
You are now heading west on Howe Avenue, Shelton's historic downtown area.
Turning right and heading for Derby, you pass over a bridge that carried traffic over the canals and railroad lines.
Up ahead is the Derby/Shelton Bridge and our first of two trips across the Housatonic River.
You will know you are in Derby when you see these bright banners commemorating our race hero, Commodore Isaac Hull, in the center of the Derby-Shelton Bridge - and the Housatonic River
As you head up Main Street in Derby, you will get this view of Elizabeth Street in the heart of the old Borough of Birmingham. Elizabeth is one of the three north/south streets in the Borough named for the daughters of Sheldon Smith who developed the downtown area of Derby.
Elizabeth Street is the longest, straightest section of the course. There is an incline from Main Street to the back of the Derby Green before it becomes perfectly flat.
As you run along Elizabeth Street, the Derby Green will be on your right. A beautiful New England Green with three churches and the historic Sterling Opera House on the perimeter of the Green, it was recently renovated and is now a center of community activity once again.
The spire of St. Mary's Church, the oldest Roman Catholic Church, will now loom in front of you on the left.
Elizabeth Avenue now becomes Seymour Avenue, and you will see many fine examples of the Victorian style homes once owned by the leading merchants and manufacturers of Derby.
The Derby Public Library is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and it marks the turn around point for our looped course.
St. Mary's Church is straight ahead now on our way back down Seymour Avenue to Elizabeth Street.
As we approach the Green for the second time, you will want to look to your right this time for the Sterling Opera House which will be covered by scaffolding. The Opera House was the first structure in CT to be listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and it is currently undergoing a renovation. Famed for its acoustics, this theatre was renowned for its vaudville style productions until its closing. It also served as the city hall and the police station was located in the basement with a court house above.
Entering the easiest part of the course as Elizabeth slopes down to Main Street
Turning right onto Main Street, you get a vision of what once was and will someday be again. Hubbell's Shoe Store on your left is the oldest shoe store in CT and was part of the Valley's thriving retail center until malls emerged in the 1960's. The city is currently in the beginning stages of a major redevelopment project in the area.
As you head back across the bridge, look at the factory on your left which now makes flotation devices. In the 1800's it was the Derby Silver Company. the building on the right was once part of the Valley's textile industry.
As we turn left and head back onto Howe Avenue, the end of the course is within striking distance. The downtown is undergoing a renaissance with new development beginning to take place. Take a quick glance at the new senior apartment complex that was once the site of a piano factory and the Boys & Girls Club, both of which were destroyed by fire.
Turn left on Cornell Street and head down towards Canal Street
The last major straightaway on the course is wide and flat!
The course will now drop down under the bridge looping around the supports towards the finish line
As you go under the bridge look across the River to the flood control wall in Derby. A year from now the top of the wall will be part of Derby's new Greenway.
One last short uphill incline with the River on your right now. Get ready to sprint to the finish!
The finish line is starting to come into view!
Less than 100 years to go
The Housatonic River and the Derby/Shelton Railroad Trestle provide a scenic backdrop to the finish line. The Trestle will one day connect the Riverwalk with Derby's Greenway.
Pause on your way back to the Farmers Market for refresments and results to pay tribute to Shelton's Veterans at this stunning new memorial along the Riverwalk.
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