Community and Spirit Shine at the 2026 Ion Bank Cheshire Half Marathon & 5K
Richard Reggie Smith Research/Editor Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) 4.0
Cheshire was very active this past Sunday, April 12, as thousands of athletes and spectators gathered for the annual Ion Bank Cheshire Half Marathon & 5K. Starting at 8:30 AM under ideal racing conditions, the event once again solidified its reputation as a premier highlight on the regional athletic calendar and a cornerstone of the Cheshire community.
A Legacy of Inclusion and Impact
The Ion Bank Cheshire Half Marathon & 5K has come a long way since its inception in 2012. Established by a group of parents with special needs children, the race was designed to promote healthy lifestyles while increasing acceptance for individuals with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities.
What began as a spring initiative by the Abilities Without Boundaries board—inspired by their successful autumn Hot COCO 5K—has evolved into the town’s largest community event. Today, the race is managed by the Cheshire Half Marathon/5K Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit. To date, the event has raised more than $1,000,000 for local charities, including Abilities Without Boundaries, Best Buddies CT, and the Cheshire Lions Club.
2026 Race Highlights and Results
The 2026 edition maintained the event’s high standards, serving as the USATF CT Half
Marathon State Championship host. Over 1,500 runners participated across the various events, navigating the signature flat, scenic course that includes stretches of the historic Farmington Canal Trail.
According to official data from Super Race Systems, the competition saw impressive performances across all age brackets:
Half Marathon Statistics
Total Finishers: 934 out of 941 starters.
Women’s 75-79 Division: In a standout performance, Janet Voelpert finished in 2:00:59.
5K Race Statistics
Total Finishers: 543 runners.
Men’s 35-39 Division: Joseph Landini led the group with a time of 20:57.
Women’s 35-39 Division: Shana Brierley took the crown in 21:09.
Youth Highlight: Haley Charron won the Female 12 & Under division with a stellar 22:51.
The event also featured the "Healthy & Active Living Festival" and Kids Fun Runs (400m and 800m), ensuring a family-friendly atmosphere at the track throughout the morning.
Logistics and Coordination
Executing an event of this magnitude required significant local cooperation. Major thoroughfares, including South Main St (Route 10), Higgins Rd, and Oak Ave, were closed until 12:30 PM to prioritize runner safety.
The weekend was not without a minor technical glitch; on April 10, a "Code Red" traffic advisory was accidentally broadcast to residents at 1:00 AM. The Cheshire Police Department issued a prompt apology for the late-night notification, and the error did little to dampen the community's enthusiasm for the Sunday races.
Historical Context
Congratulations to all the runners, volunteers, and sponsors who contributed to the continued success of the Ion Bank Cheshire Road Races. Through their efforts, the tradition of athleticism and charitable giving in Cheshire remains stronger than ever.
About the Event
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