Community and Spirit Shine at the 2026 Ion Bank Cheshire Half Marathon & 5K
- Staff
- Apr 14
- 3 min read
By Richard "Reggie" Smith
Research/Editor Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) 4.0
The streets and trails of Cheshire came alive on Sunday, April 12, as more than 1,500 runners, volunteers, spectators, and supporters gathered for the annual Ion Bank Cheshire Half Marathon & 5K. Beginning at 8:30 a.m. under cool spring skies and favorable running conditions, the event once again demonstrated why it has become one of Connecticut's premier road races and one of Cheshire's signature community traditions.
From elite competitors chasing championship times to families cheering on first-time runners, the event showcased the town's longstanding commitment to fitness, volunteerism, and charitable giving.
A Race Built on Inclusion
The Ion Bank Cheshire Half Marathon & 5K traces its origins to 2012, when a group of Cheshire parents of children with special needs came together with a vision of creating more than just a road race. Their goal was to promote healthy lifestyles while fostering acceptance and inclusion for individuals with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities.
The race grew out of the success of the Abilities Without Boundaries board's annual Hot COCO 5K and quickly became a spring tradition. Today, the event is organized by the Cheshire Half Marathon/5K Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting local charitable causes.
Over the past 14 years, the race has raised more than $1 million for organizations serving the community, including Abilities Without Boundaries, Best Buddies Connecticut, the Cheshire Lions Club, and other local nonprofits.
Championship-Caliber Competition
The 2026 race also served as the USATF Connecticut Half Marathon State Championship, attracting competitive runners from across the region while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for participants of all abilities.
Runners enjoyed Cheshire's signature flat course, which winds through neighborhoods and incorporates scenic stretches of the historic Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, making it one of Connecticut's most popular distance races.
According to official timing results from Super Race Systems:
Half Marathon
934 runners completed the race out of 941 starters.
Matthew Goldsmith captured the Men's 20–24 division in 1:19:16.
Janet Voelpert delivered one of the day's most inspiring performances, winning the Women's 75–79 division with an impressive time of 2:00:59.
5K
A total of 543 runners crossed the finish line.
Division winners included:
Joseph Landini, Men's 35–39 Division — 20:57
Shana Brierley, Women's 35–39 Division — 21:09
Haley Charron, Female 12 & Under Division — 22:51
The morning also featured the popular Healthy & Active Living Festival along with children's 400-meter and 800-meter Fun Runs, giving young athletes an opportunity to participate while creating a festive atmosphere for families throughout the day.
A Community Effort
An event of this size requires months of planning and the cooperation of numerous organizations and volunteers.
Temporary road closures affected portions of South Main Street (Route 10), Higgins Road, Oak Avenue, and several connecting streets until approximately 12:30 p.m. Cheshire Police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, public works crews, race volunteers, and dozens of community organizations worked together to ensure participants remained safe throughout the event.
Despite a minor technical mishap two days before the race—when an automated CodeRED traffic advisory was inadvertently sent to residents at approximately 1:00 a.m. on April 10—the excitement surrounding race weekend remained high. The Cheshire Police Department quickly apologized for the overnight notification, and preparations continued without interruption.
A Tradition That Continues to Grow
Since its inaugural running in 2012, the Ion Bank Cheshire Half Marathon & 5K has become one of the town's largest annual community gatherings. The first race attracted approximately 2,200 participants, making it the largest inaugural foot race in Connecticut history.
The event has also hosted outstanding athletic performances over the years. The half marathon course record of 1:09:10, established by Zakaria Djouma in 2016, still stands as the benchmark for competitors.
While fast finish times are celebrated, the race's lasting legacy extends well beyond competition. Every registration, volunteer shift, sponsorship, and cheering spectator helps strengthen organizations that serve Cheshire residents throughout the year.
Looking Ahead
As another successful race concludes, the Ion Bank Cheshire Half Marathon & 5K continues to exemplify what makes Cheshire special: neighbors coming together in support of one another, promoting healthy living, and giving back to the community.
Congratulations to every runner, volunteer, sponsor, public safety official, and organizer whose dedication made the 2026 event another memorable success. Their collective efforts continue a tradition that combines athletic achievement with a spirit of generosity that benefits the entire Cheshire community.
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