Tim Milenkevich was still battling the lingering effects of an upper respiratory infection for the 11-mile edition of the Lightfoot Running Series, but you would never know it. The Ansonia resident blew away the field on the hilly West Norwalk course, finishing three minutes ahead of the second place runner at a time of 1:04:18under six minutes per mile. The win locks up the Lightfoot Series championship for Milenkevich, having won all four races he participated in.
"Coming in I didn't think I would feel 100 percent," Milenkevich said. "This one has the hardest hills of any of the races. I love these races. It's seven bucks per race. You can't beat that. It's awesome."
All money after costs raised by the Lightfoot Series is donated to local organizations such as Courage to Speak and the Norwalk Senior Center. The Lightfoot Series almost came to an end a few years ago after attracting runners from all over the country for almost 30 years. When the Series founders wanted to step down, Don Capone volunteered to keep the races going.
"We have a very, very loyal following," Capone said. "We draw runners from all up and down the east coast. I had people calling me from Boston last night asking me if they could register the day of the race. It really does Norwalk proud"
The 11-mile course is a unique distance for a competitive run. Capone says the runners appreciate the differences and challenges of all six of the summer races. Longtime race volunteer Leon Breault says it's more than just the courses that draw runners to the Lightfoot Series.
"It's almost like a family here," Breault said. "It's more like a fun run. What other race can you go up to an ice cream truck afterwards and get a free ice cream?"
Click here to see the full results of the 11-mile race.
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