The race, also known as the Holyoke Marathon, is the 10th oldest marathon in the country.
Joni Fredette, of Holyoke, finishes first in the 2011 Walter Childs Memorial Race of Champions.
This Sunday is the 51st Walter Childs Race of Champions.
Also known as the Holyoke Marathon, the race is the 10th oldest marathon in the country and 19th oldest in the world. It is a race which is rich in history, having also been the Olympic Marathon qualifier in the late 1960s, back in the days when people considered marathoners really crazy. The runners hardly drank water, never mind sports drinks. John Kelly, of Boston Marathon fame, has run Holyoke.
The Greater Springfield Harriers and Fast Feet Running Store have sponsored the race for the past two decades. Walter Childs’ daughter, Beverly, has assisted the Harriers for the last few years. Childs, who founded the race, passed away in 1991.
The original course started at Mountain Park and wound its way down into Holyoke, through the center of Chicopee and into the North End of Springfield via Carew Street. It returned through Chicopee Street and up Cabot Street before the finish back at Mountain Park. The Harriers changed the course in the late 1990s for various reasons, including wanting a more scenic route.
The new course starts at the old Mount Tom ski area parking lot and descends to Whiting Reservoir. It circles the reservoir 2Ò times before exiting onto Route 141 at mile 10. Then comes an 8-mile loop on the south side of Route 141 through Holyoke, Southampton and Easthampton, and back to East Street at mile 18. The last quarter of the race is flat and fast – if you have conserved your energy. The last 1.2 miles is a challenge as it finishes below the old entrance to Mountain Park.
The race is well-organized by the Harriers, with adequate water stops and no chance of getting lost.
Last year’s winners were Matthew Shamey of Amherst (2:37) and Joni Fredette of Holyoke (3:24). As of this writing they have not registered to defend their titles. The course records are by Dave Hanachek in 1995 (2:27), and Cheryl Dube in 1994 (3:03).
OK, here comes my pitch. Many years ago when I first heard about the Holyoke Marathon, I also found out that it was the area’s only marathon. The Texon Marathon in Amherst was defunct. I vowed that I would at least start it every year, even if I only ran part of it. Local runners need to support this race, and it drives me crazy that some travel all over New England to run a marathon but have never run Holyoke. It’s easy for your family and friends to watch, cheer you on and meet you along the course.
It is baffling to me that most runners and even residents of Holyoke have never heard of the race. The Harriers and the Childs family are determined to keep it going. I love this race; I’ll be there hoping for my 26th finish. Will I see you at the starting line?