WCEG 17th Annual 5K Ridge Run

The WCEG 17th Annual 5K Ridge Run is a scenic community athletic event scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026, in East Granby, Connecticut. Hosted by the Women’s Club of East Granby (WCEG), this long-standing tradition invites competitive runners and casual walkers alike to experience a route defined by rolling meadows and views of the Metacomet Ridge. The event serves as a primary fundraiser for the Women’s Club, with proceeds directly supporting community initiatives and local projects within East Granby. Participants who complete the registration process before April 11th are guaranteed a commemorative Dri-fit event shirt.

Event Logistics and Participation

Race day check-in begins at 8:30 AM at East Granby Farms, located at 79 North Main Street. It is critical for participants to arrive early, as Route 187 is strictly closed to traffic from 9:45 AM to 11:15 AM to ensure runner safety. The 3.1-mile course starts at the North Entrance parking lot, travels north to Austin Brook Drive, and returns via a scenic off-road grassy path that finishes near the historic painted silo. Post-race activities include an awards ceremony at 11:00 AM featuring cash prizes for overall winners, complimentary chair massages by Little Bird Wellness, and nutritional samples provided by local sponsors. A dedicated water station is hosted mid-course by the East Granby Congregational Church.

Regional and Community Context

East Granby (06026) is a picturesque town in Hartford County with a 2026 population of approximately 5,300 residents. Nestled in the Farmington Valley, the town is known for its rural character and significant geological landmarks, most notably the Metacomet Ridge. The local economy is stable and professional, with a high median household income of approximately $115,000. The community is defined by a strong commitment to land preservation and outdoor recreation, with a large portion of the town's acreage dedicated to state parks and land trust trails.

The median age in East Granby is 44.2 years, reflecting a community of established families and active professionals. The town's social fabric is tightly woven through volunteer organizations like the Women’s Club, which has been instrumental in local philanthropy for decades. The geography of East Granby Farms, a 75-acre municipal park that serves as the race hub, exemplifies the town's transition from an agrarian past to a modern recreational destination. Events like the Ridge Run highlight the local culture of health and civic duty, drawing participants from across North-Central Connecticut to support the vital social services and community grants funded by the WCEG.