| A Thank You Letter From Bill Neller |
In 1975, Joe Concannon asked me to help him start a world-class race in Litchfield to bring his worldwide friends together with his hometown friends. He and I worked together through 1976, getting our plans, ideas and needs in order. Then in late 1976 I sent out the paperwork needed and met with town officials to get the approval.
On February 24, 1977, White Memorial Foundation sent me the permission to run through their foundation. We had asked Selectman Dave Skonieczny to help us present the race to the town, and on March 1, 1977 I received a letter from First Selectman Ted Litwin with tentative approval to have a “road foot race.”
I formed a full committee and went to work with only 13 weeks to get ready. I apologize that I cannot remember all the names on that first list, but the newspaper articles included the following: Dave Skonieczny, Dave Driscoll, Frank Coangelo, Gerry Perusse, Patty, Bill and Mary Dwan, Steve Eisenhaure, Bruce Losee, Jim Cardello, Tony Crowe, Bob Huften, Nancy Battistoni, Dave MacDonald and Joe Nadeau among others.
On Sunday, June 12, 1977, 234 runners lined up to run, the youngest being 6 and the oldest 73. Olympians and world-class runners with plodders and joggers. At 1:00 p.m., Dave Skonieczny gave the command and the First Litchfield Artillery sounded its cannon. Dodgie Doyle’s cruiser led the runners out of town, and 34 minutes and 30 seconds later, back to the green and into history.
One of Joe’s friends, Bill Rodgers, won the first LHRR. Another good friend and local favorite, Ovidio DeRubertis finished tied for last, in 225th place. Between those two linked together forever were 223 more of us.
Because of the civic groups, town officers, police, local businesses, foundations, medical people, the runners, marshals, helpers, spectators, residents housing runners, that very special committee, and especially Joe Concannon, I was given the gift of friendship that has not only stayed strong but has grown and spread through more and more people and families for 31 wonderful years. I thank you all very much for that.
Thirty-one years ago, about four and a half minutes and a half-mile into the race, Joe Concannon shook my hand as we were running and while crying said, “We did it, we gave them the first Litchfield Hills Road Race.”
Every year I start the race with several great friends dead last, just to see that wonderful view running down West Street and Meadow. I still get emotional and tears in my eyes that first half mile. What a spectacular feeling that is. It doesn’t get any better than this! |
-Bill Neller
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