The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
USATF honors Tolbert for second time since 2014
John Tolbert, a member of the Board of Directors for the Faxon Law New Haven Road Race for nearly 25 years and a running buddy of long-time race director John Bysiewicz, recently won his second national award since 2014 for his contributions as Elite Athlete Coordinator of the 20-kilometer National Championship.
Since 1996, the 20-kilometer National Championship has been a part of the overall event of the Faxon Law New Haven Road Race. Tolbert has been the Elite Athlete Coordinator of the national championship since 2001.
In December, United States of America Track and Field, which governs the nation’s road racing and track and field, awarded Tolbert the Marja Bakker Contributor of the Year Award for his contributions to women’s long distance running. He won a similar award in 2014 for his contributions to men’s long distance running.
“It’s nice to get recognition with an award that is voted on by elite female runners for what you do, I’m out there at 4 a.m. on race day setting everything up for the runners,’ said Tolbert, a Branford resident. He has also been a member of the New Haven Road Race Board of Directors since 1995. “But honestly, this award is really a reflection of the entire New Haven Road Race Board of Directors, the hard work they do and support they give me and everyone associated with the event.
“It’s a cooperative effort. If they didn’t do all the things they do, all the year-round planning and support they give, I wouldn’t be getting this award. They make the race look better and it’s why the race has become a special event for runners and the New Haven community.”
Tolbert received his award at the annual USATF convention in Columbus, Ohio in December.