Sterling's Freezer Five road race a fine tradition to run in the New Year

For new race directors Kate Pietrovito and Jay Morrissey, the Freezer Five is all about ringing in the new year with one of the finest road-running traditions in Central Mass.

Central Mass Striders again present the Freezer Five, 5 miles over the "flattest rolling hills of Sterling," two Sundays from now, on good ol' New Year's Day. While the 2021 live event was canceled because of COVID and last year's regained some steam, this January event is poised to thrive upon its 42nd running.

The race starts and finishes at the Houghton School in Sterling, with race-day registration beginning at 9 a.m. before an 11 o'clock start.

"It's a great way to start a year," said Morrissey, the CMS vice president. "It's intimate enough that it's a small local race, but it's big enough to put a footprint down that it's special."

While the pandemic disrupted plans for recent Freezer Fives, enthusiasm remained strong. Some 116 were on board for the 2021 virtual event, and 203 finished last year's race.

"Jay and I are friendly competitive," said Pietrovito, a past president of CMS. "We just want to grow the race. This has always a tradition in such an awesome way."

"We're hoping to see the 250 mark and continue to grow," she added, "while making connections with the youth in the community."

If registrations to day are any indication, the Freezer Five is well on its way to a fine draw for 2023. By Friday, 158 already had registered, meaning the pairs of gloves given to the first 125 entrants were long gone. And while weather always remains a factor, expect plenty of people to take advantage of registration on race day.

Remember, the Freezer Five is not a 5K, but in the tradition of the 5-mile road races that dotted the slate in the 1970s and '80s. For so many years, Joe O'Connor was a smiling, driving force while building up the tradition of the Freezer Five as race director.

"This is not a beginners' race, but it challenges a little more," Morrissey said. "It's a fine gateway race toward the 10Ks and beyond."

Returning for the first time since 2020 is the Freezer Five kids' race, over a short out-and-back course. Registration for the kids' race is a $5 donation, which will benefit the 1% Percent Youth Sports Clinic, a new nonprofit organization "with the mission of educating and empowering the next generation of runners," and the Planting the Seed Foundation, which helps families in need throughout Worcester and Central Mass.

"We providing somewhat of a reboot to the kids' race," Pietrovito added, "and we're proud to be able to bring awareness to these two groups."

Also available on race day are the Freezer Five "RE(I)CYCLED" T-shirts, from events of days past. There will be medals for all finishers, and free finish-line photos will be provided by Racewire.

There is a water stop at the midway point, where the course turns for home in the out-and-back.

"All CMS races take on the individual personalities of those who run these races," Morrissey points out. "It's our opportunity to give back and that community is really important."

So don't hold hold it against Pietrovito and Morrissey if they're doughnut lovers and are making sure our pastries of delight are on hand. Also among the post-race refreshments will be a cocoa bar and a plentiful supply of bananas.

Recent post-race raffles have produced Garmin watches as the grand prize, but organizers are slipping in a surprise this year.

"It's what a runner always wants and always needs," Morrissey hints while mentioning the 2023 grand prize produces "a pair of these."

The Freezer Five kicks off another fine season of events for Central Mass Striders (cmsrun.org).

"The club puts on races at a very reasonable cost," she said. "We're super proud that we're keeping that going. People become runners not only for the exercise but also for all sorts of other benefits."

The entry fee is $30 through Dec. 26 and $35 on race day. Those ages 70 and over can register free on race day.

"Our hope is to get the race to be a little more profitable, boosting participation, and then we can consider expanding things over the years," Pietrovito said. "And we're always open to feedback."

"It's a season of renewal, and a great way to share that love," Morrissey said. "We're hoping here to open this up to a larger group of folks."

"We're glad to bring back the tradition and really hoping for good weather," Pietrovito added.

"We've come through three of the hardest years of our lives," Morrissey said, "and this is such a great way to feel connected to a community."

To register, visit freezerfive2023.racewire.com. For more information, visit cmsrun.org/races-events-3/freezer-5-miles/.

No CMS run on Dec. 24

Just a quick holiday note — the Central Mass Striders' Saturday run at Worcester State University will not take place this week as it falls on Christmas Eve.

The Saturday runs will resume Dec. 31, New Year's Eve.

For a fine cause on Turkey Day

Former T&G editor Paul Jarvey reported that his Thanksgiving Charity Fun Run, which took place Nov. 24, raised $2,209.

The proceeds were delivered in checks to Friendly House and St. John's Food for the Poor.

—Contact John Conceison at john.conceison@telegram.com. Follow him on Twitter @ConceisonJohn.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Sterling's Freezer Five road race a fine tradition to run in New Year