Valley News Highlights CBHM 25 Years

By Jared Pendak
Valley News Staff Writer
Thursday, May 26, 2016

To maintain what organizers deem the Covered Bridges Half Marathon’s “small-town feel,” the race is capped modestly at 2,300 runners. Count four-time reigning race champion Rich Smith, of Enfield, among those who cherish its relative quaintness.

“It’s quite big for this area, but you still see a lot of people you know,” said Smith, who participates along with his wife, Alison Findon. “The after-party is great. You see a lot of local people and people you’ve come to know over the years. It never feels like it’s too big.”

That’s been a challenging goal over the years for an event celebrating its 25th running on June 5. Founded by former Woodstock resident David Chioffi in 1992, its popularity blossomed from 400 runners its first year to 1,200 in 1994 and more than 2,300 the following year. Demand has remained high, runner spots filling within minutes each year.

Read More: http://www.vnews.com/Covered-Bridges-Half-Marathon-25th-Anniversay-2293341

Note: The quote about donations is incorrect: "Today, nearly 40 such groups pledge to volunteer during the event in exchange for donations that total between $6,500-$7,500 annually, according to Silverman."  It should have read $65,000-$75,000.