TheFinalSprint.com - Track & Field, Marathons, Racing News, Training Advice, Elite Athlete Blogs, Interviews, Podcasts, Videos and More! - TheFinalSprint.com is the Premier Destination for Track & Field, Marathon, Cross Country, Olympic and Road Racing Enthusiasts.

TFS to Expand Writing Staff and Internship Program

Whether you are a seasoned veteran, an aspiring journalist, or even just a knowledgeable fan looking for a profitable hobby, we want to hear from you! Click here to apply today!

Manchester Road Race Establishes Trophy in Crothers’s Honor

Posted September 26th, 2008 at 5:34 PM by David Monti

Section: News & Results, Road Racing

Organizers of the Manchester Road Race have established a new trophy in honor of the late Ray Crothers, who died of cancer last February at the age of 65. Starting this year, the top finisher in the men’s over-60 division will receive the Ray Crothers Memorial Trophy.

Crothers won the Manchester Road Race in 1965 and also captured the high school division twice in 1959 and ‘60. Compiling an impressive long-term record at the event, he finished in the top-25 14 times between 1959 and 1980. He also won the over-40 bracket in 1984. Despite being gravely ill, he walked the 4.748 course last November.

“Ray loved this race, and did so much for it,” said race director Jim Balcome, through a media release. “I have to believe that he would be pleased to be remembered in this fashion, and we are absolutely delighted to sponsor an award bearing his name.”

Balcome added that a large number of Crothers’s friends and relatives, including his widow, Robin, will participate in this year’s race in honor of the former champion. The race will be held for the 72nd time in Manchester, Conn., on Thursday, November 27, Thanksgiving Day.