This five mile race has been a tradition for me since its inaugural year. This race is held on New Year's Day morning every year as a fundraiser for the FOP Post #28 and so far has been sponsored by Ne England Striping. The race director, Rich Allain is very organized, involved and responsive and begins sending out emails and updates months in advance for sign up and to keep runners updated. He is responsive to suggestions about shirts etc. and makes every effort to make runners happy, as impossible as that may be.

Parking and bib pickup are at the lodge in Norton on the day of the race. Runners can wait inside until it is time to start and then we walk down the street together to reach the appropriate start. Race is not chip timed, but organizers do a good job of getting times pretty accurate.

This race goes through the neighborhood with some small inclines at times. It is well-marked and all right turns. Since this is a small race, it's easy to find yourself running alone sometimes. There is one water stop halfway through and little to no spectators.

What makes this race great is the little size and atmosphere. When runners return, they are treated to a breakfast buffet of eggs, bacon and/or sausage (I'm vegetarian, so I forget), fruit and toast and awards. There are awards for top overall runners and first 3 in age group. There is also a trophy for the last runner. Everyone is happy at this race and it's an amazing way to begin the new year with friendly runners and five miles.

The cost for past years has been $20-$25, which is a great deal for breakfast, a shirt, five miles and maybe a medal in your age group.