On a crisp January morning, the shoreline streets of Milford buzz with sneakers striking pavement and the steady rhythm of breath meeting cold air. The Winter Wonderland 5-Miler, held each year on the last Sunday of January, draws runners from across Connecticut. Some chase personal records, others enjoy the feeling of community amidst the often-isolating winter months. At the heart of it all is a club that has quietly defined Milford’s running spirit for nearly half a century.
Founded by a small group of enthusiasts who simply loved to run, the Milford Road Runners has grown to a club of around 180 members. “Some of them are old-time runners who don’t even run anymore,” the club’s Vice President, Chuck Winchell, explains. “But they still come out to cheer us on.” That camaraderie – between those still racing and those now clapping from the sidelines – is what keeps generations of members coming back for more.
A Community That Runs Deep
The Milford Road Runners are more than a club; they’re a multigenerational community bound by a shared passion for movement. Their events range from competitive races to social runs, family track nights, and quirky in-house challenges. There’s even an internal Grand Prix series where runners of similar paces compete in friendly rivalries throughout the year. “You’re not going up against the best in the world,” Club President Jerry Meshell laughs, “But it’s about seeing improvement – and sometimes a little good-natured trash talk.”
For the competitive few, the club is also part of the USA Track & Field Grand Prix series, where Connecticut running clubs vie for top honors across a calendar of races. But as Chuck put it, “Most of us are recreational types now. We’re here because we love running, and we love Milford.”
The club’s Winter Wonderland 5-Miler and its July 4th race, hosted at Tribus Beer Co., are local institutions. The Winter Wonderland course loops from Platt Tech High School through city streets lined with volunteers, families, and even the occasional spectator in mittens clutching coffee. “We’ve had years where people wear shorts,” Jerry says, “and others where it’s fifteen degrees. But the spirit never changes.”
More Than Medals
The Road Runners’ purpose extends beyond the finish line. Each year, the group awards three scholarships to graduating Milford high-school students who embody dedication and sportsmanship. “We had 17 applications this year,” Jerry shares. “They don’t have to run in college – it’s about what running taught them: perseverance, balance, commitment.” Each scholarship is funded primarily by the club’s races and community partnerships.
The club also sponsors an annual cross-country meet between Milford’s four high schools, complete with trophies, medals, and a healthy dose of hometown rivalry. It’s one of several ways the group invests in the next generation. “We want kids to see running not just as a sport, but as something they can do for life,” Jerry says. “Some of our adult members first ran with us as kids, and now they’re bringing their own children.”
That spirit shines brightest each summer during the club’s Kids’ Track Series, hosted at Foran High School. The series draws nearly 200 children. Jerry notes, “some are two years old, running with their parents. Others are teenagers competing seriously. But everyone’s smiling.” It’s become a family tradition in Milford, and a reminder that health, fitness, and community start with small steps.
Miles and Memories
The Milford Road Runners’ calendar is full of rituals that define its culture: weekly group runs, destination marathons, and the much-anticipated December holiday party, where awards are handed out for the Grand Prix standings. “Anyone who runs six races gets a long-sleeve shirt,” Jerry notes. “It’s a small way to celebrate that commitment.”
Members travel together for destination races like the Marine Corps Marathon, Philadelphia Half, or Cincinnati’s Flying Pig. “We make it a trip,” Jerry explains. “It’s camaraderie, a chance to celebrate what we’ve built here.” Even injuries become part of the shared story. Tales of resilience pass between friends over post-run coffee, and those recovering from a setback are welcomed, celebrated, and supported. As Chuck reflected after a recent window of recovery, “running beats you up, but it gives you back even more. The community keeps you going.”
Within the club, generations overlap naturally. Seniors in their seventies share advice with beginners training for their first 5K. One standout runner, Janet Voelpert, holds American records in the 15K and 10-mile races for women aged 75–79. “She’s amazing,” Chuck says. “She just keeps getting better and is constantly improving.” That sense of lifelong vitality captures the Road Runners’ essence: movement as medicine, age as just another number.
Ham, Eggs, and Donuts
Not every event is serious. Over the years, the Road Runners have found humor and joy in the offbeat. There’s the “prediction run,” where participants must remove their watches and guess their finish time. The winner is whoever finishes closest to their prediction, not fastest. And then there was the infamous “donut run,” which required eating donuts mid-race. “Six donuts,” Jerry recalls, laughing. “If you threw up, you were disqualified.”
Other challenges include team mileage goals (“Run 2,025 miles in 2025”) and themed fun runs. Chuck, modestly describing himself as a “ham and egg” runner, nods to the group’s easygoing spirit. Even their social media reflects this warmth: one public Facebook page for announcements and one private page for members to plan runs, swap training tips, and sometimes just check in on each other.
Local Roots, Local Partnerships
The Road Runners’ success is powered by community support. Local businesses like Patriot Bank, Patel Podiatry, and Tribus Beer Co. sponsor races and provide water, prizes, and volunteers. “It’s truly a town effort,” Jerry says. “Everyone pitches in – businesses, schools, even the health department.” (Although, as they joked, navigating food-safety rules for post-race watermelon slices can be a marathon of its own.)
For race directors, that teamwork is essential. Each event requires coordination with the city, police, and volunteers, who brave winter winds to staff intersections or hand out water. “We couldn’t do it without them,” Jerry affirms. “They’re the real heroes of race day.”
A Club for Every Pace
Perhaps what makes the Milford Road Runners most special is their inclusivity. Membership costs just $10 a year, and all are welcome – whether you’re training for marathons or walking your first mile. Weekly runs cater to every schedule and stamina level: Monday “recovery” runs at Platt Tech, Wednesday evening meetups, Saturday group jogs, and spontaneous Sunday outings along the boardwalk. “There’s always someone to run with,” Jerry notes, having run 18 miles with a small group just the day before. “And if you’re not feeling it that day, there’s always someone to talk to.”
The club’s newsletter, sent out weekly, chronicles it all: race results, photos, upcoming events, and personal milestones. Their Instagram page, managed by a younger volunteer, keeps the community connected visually. Photos of smiling finishers and medal ceremonies remind followers that the club’s energy is contagious.
Beyond the Finish Line
As the Road Runners approach another Winter Wonderland, their story feels deeply intertwined with Milford itself. They embody what small towns do best: creating spaces where people of all ages can show up, share miles, and find meaning in motion. The club has weathered storms, both literal and figurative – from frigid race days to pandemic disruptions – and each time, it’s found its stride again.
Chuck sums it up: “Running keeps us healthy, sure. But the real wellness comes from showing up for each other.”
The Winter Wonderland 5-miler will take place on Sunday, January 25. Visit milfordrr.com for more information.
"It’s camaraderie, a chance to celebrate what we’ve built here."