Runner's & Triathlete's Web (RRW) Athletics: Manchester Road Race Establishes Trophy In Crothers's Honor

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.