The 42nd annual Branford Road Race is returning to the Branford Green for Father’s Day this year. Last year’s event was held at Walsh Intermediate School under strict COVID protocols. Race organizers are expecting a crowd of nearly 2,000 runners and walkers to take part in the five-mile race, the two-mile health walk, and the one-mile Read to Grow family fun run at this year’s event.

The Road Race kicks off the final day of the Branford Festival, a community celebration that attracts thousands of people and was last held in 2019. The race is one of Connecticut’s top running events and is the host of the Connecticut five-mile state championship.

“We are glad to that the race and the festival are returning to the Branford Green,” race founder Ray Figlewski said. “Runners always appreciate the five-mile course with the scenic water views and thousands of spectators.”

Runners and walkers can enjoy live music and aid stations along all courses. All event participants will receive tech tees. After the races, participants can join the post-race brunch offering a choice of a breakfast sandwich or a pancake breakfast. Stony Creek Brewery is hosting a post-race celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance and the event is limited to 400 attendees.

This year’s event includes several exciting new additions. At the Medtronic Parkinson’s Welcome Tent, attendees can learn about Parkinson’s Disease and other movement disorders. Families impacted by Parkinson’s Disease will be offered a complimentary breakfast hosted by the Hartford HealthCare David & Rhoda Chase Family Movement Disorders Center. Read to Grow is bringing its book mobile to the Branford Green on Father’s Day and will be collecting new and gently used children’s books for distribution to local children and families.

The event is also pleased to announce three official race charities. Charities include the American Parkinson Disease Association, CT Chapter, along with Camp Rising Sun and Read to Grow. Participants who raise $200 or more for any of the charities receive complimentary entry into the race of their choice. Visit branfordroadrace.net to learn more about the signature charities.

Sponsors of the 2022 race include H.D. Segur Insurance, Medtronic, Connecticut Orthopaedics, Stony Creek Brewery, Hartford Healthcare’s Chase Movement Disorders Center, Madison Polymeric Engineering, soundRUNNER, College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, Cigna, CrossPoint Federal Credit Union, TYCO Print, 99.1PLR, and The Sound.