Several H.S. teams use 5K run as bonding event

The Faxon Law New Haven Road Race has developed into one of the premier events in New Haven and each Labor

Day draws participants from every walk of life in its 20-Kilometer main race, the 5-kilometer run and the popular kids fun run.

The date of the event each year serves as perfect timing for high school fall sports teams to participate in the 5K race as their regular seasons quickly approach.

Some coaches use it as a way for their teams to have some fun and take a break from the rigors of practice. Other coaches use it as a way for team bonding where freshmen and sophomores can interact and connect in a fun environment with the upperclassmen. Some coaches also use it as a way to maintain fitness and stay in shape.

The event has become a regular part of the preseason process for athletes from the Cheshire and North Branford field hockey teams.

“We’v been competing in the New Haven Road Race a long time at Cheshire,” Cheshire firstyear coach Kya O’Donnell said. “I ran in it when I played at Cheshire and

we’re doing it again. It’s been a long tradition and something I wanted to continue as coach. For us, it is considered a practice day.

“We get a good workout in by running the race. But it’s a chance for us to let our hair down and take the field hockey part out of it. We use it for team bonding where the freshmen and sophomores get together with the juniors and seniors and hang out together. When the race is done we usually head out to someone’s house for an afternoon pool party.”

New Haven Road Race director John Bysiewicz said high school teams sign up every year to run as a team in the 5K along with many other local youth organizations.

“With these high school teams that run, it shows everyone that people have a good time at this event,” Bysiewicz said. “The bottom line is having fun. Coaches wouldn’t bring their kids here year after year if they didn’t enjoy it.””

North Branford field hockey coach Babby Nuhn said it’s exciting to be a part of a special local event like the New Haven Road Race.

“Our girls love it and they have a great time,” Nuhn said.