Today our family returned to the Santa’s Run after a one year layoff because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve returned to a lot of fun races after most were cancelled in 2020. This was my 10th time doing this classic Glastonbury, Connecticut race.


I first did it in 1989, but then didn’t do it again until 2000. Over the last 21 years, I’ve done it eight times. The past few times, we have done its as a family. Today was one of those days. I ran with Dahlia, who had a decent run. She went out a little hard (I was behind her for the first mile) and paid the price, but she hung in there and still scored first in her age group.


Debbie ran the first mile with us before she picked up the pace (or rather held the pace the three of us were on) and also got first in her age group. Shepard blasted the run, going 20:36 for the 3.5 miles, which was good for 8th overall. There were a couple of 17 and under runners in front of him, so he only got third in age group, but he was happy considering that the had a cyclocross race yesterday in Southwick.


Santa’s Run was much smaller this year. The usual festive atmosphere in the Glastonbury High School gym was moved outside and it was different. Thankfully, the weather was fantastic. The temperature was in the low 40’s Fahrenheit, but it felt warmer in the bright sun. The raffle was done outside and there were no awards. It was low key but still fun.

We saw fewer friends, but some were still there. Of course I have to mention Todd Brown who was wearing bib #1 again. He is Mr. Glastonbury. After the race, we stopped at Boston Hill Tree Farm in Andover to get our Christmas Tree. We have a special connection with that place and the owner. She has attended Debbie’s yoga classes for years. That completed another tradition that we missed in 2020 because when we went to get our tree last year, the farm was closed. Santa’s Run and a Christmas Tree run made for a fun Sunday.
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