Manchester Road Race

On Thanksgiving day, the 72nd annual Manchester Road Race took place. Of course the running is the main event but, many people took notice of what was going on sidelines of the course as well. Garage bands played music in the driveways of the homes that lined the course to encourage the runners. Residents set up their grills and made food just for the occasion. Many restaurants opened their doors early to accommodate the runners and their supporters. Food was handed out to the runners as a sense of encouragement The atmosphere is said to be enjoyable for all. The man coming in first place was an Irish Olympian by the name of Martin Fagan, who completed the 4.748 mile race in 21 minutes and 41 seconds.

Last year, Martin Fagan came in second place in the Manchester road race when he was on the home stretch and a man passed him by. He said he just did not have the strength in him to catch up. This year, things changed. When Fagan was on the home stretch on a slight hill heading to the finish, he looked over his shoulder to look at his pursuers and then sped up the hill to the finish.

According to Courant.com, Fagan said, "It's awesome...It's just been so long since I won a race. I've won my Irish nationals, but a lot of road races, internationally, I've been second, third. . . . I do the same every race, go out hard, but never hold on. It's a great feeling to be able to hold on and win."

Fagan ran in the Olympic marathon in August and had his hopes set on becoming another Irish runner to win the race, including Mark Carroll, John Treacy, John Doherty and Eamonn Coghlan.



Information provided by Courant.com.

[Brian S. contributed to this story.]