For a few hundred runners each winter, it's the camaraderie of sharing a frosty challenge, a small test of backbone, courage and good sense.

It's the Tradition Run...

The Beginning

In 1970 Bernie Jurale celebrated his 70th birthday by running up to the radio towers at the summit of West Peak in Meriden, Connecticut USA. A teacher at a local high school, Jurale was joined in the following years by some of his students. Bernie made his last assault of the mountain in 1979 at age 79, but his spirit and determination have been carried forward by area runners, creating a tradition that has lasted over 30 years.

Click here for a dramatic view from the course.

This is an un-race. It's not a fun-run because it's no fun, and it's not a race because times are not recorded and the results are listed alphabetically. This run does not cater to the fair weather jogger or the PR seeker.  There is no first prize.  Each finisher receives an embroidered patch, a certificate and a chance to win a picture of  Castle Craig, the stone tower at the top of the mountain.  

The prevailing attitude of the day is "snow and ice are nice" and you will only hear complaints from the runners if the sun is out and the road is dry.

One of the most memorable moments in the run's history occurred in 1983 when the run had been "officially" postponed. A storm had deposited ten inches of snow on the mountain.  

Two dozen runners refused to be denied, and began the 3.1 mile trek through virgin snow.  In the last mile where the climb is steepest, runners desperate for solid footing followed snow-mobile tracks to the summit.  As the runners reached the top, they formed a receiving line to greet the succeeding finishers with handshakes and high-fives. 

Joining The Fun

This year the Tradition Run will take place on the third Sunday in January at 10:30 A.M.  There is no charge to participate.  Registration begins at 9:30 A.M. at the Maintenance Facility in Hubbard Park.  The run is sponsored by the Meriden Parks and Recreation Department and the Record-Journal newspaper.

It starts at the old zoo area, running 3.1 miles to Castle Craig.  There is a 700 foot elevation gain, 500 feet in the last mile.  There will be water at the top, and  a van to bring you back down, but the hardcore runners run down the mountain to make it 6.2 miles for the day.  There are pre/post run refreshments and a raffle prize.