Warm Weather Greets Runners at the 43rd Annual Woodbridge 5K Road Race

The 43rd running of the Woodbridge 5K Road Race took place Saturday, October 4, 2025, drawing more than a hundred participants to the heart of town. While the skies were bright and beautiful, runners faced an unusual challenge for early October: unseasonably warm temperatures that climbed to nearly 80°F.

For many, the warmth was a surprise. October in Connecticut typically offers crisp mornings with highs in the 60s, a range widely considered optimal for running. Experts note that cooler conditions—especially in the low 50s—allow runners to perform more efficiently without the body diverting energy toward cooling itself. Instead of the “sweet spot” of a cool fall morning, Saturday’s race felt more like a summer jog, making endurance and pacing especially important.

Race Day Schedule

The day began with registration between 8 and 10 am, as families, volunteers, and participants gathered in front of the Woodbridge Town Library at 10 Newton Road. At 9 a.m., children lined up for the popular Fun Run, which took off from the nearby Fitzgerald Walking Trail, filling the path with cheers and encouragement.

At 10:30 am, the main event — the 5K Road Race — stepped off from in front of the library. The course wound through familiar neighborhood streets, shaded in places by early-turning foliage, with residents lining driveways to clap and call out encouragement despite the heat.

Race Results

The results showed a strong mix of seasoned athletes, talented youth runners, and community members, reflecting the race’s enduring local appeal. A father-and-son duo took the spotlight at this year’s race. Thirteen-year-old Logan Schneider of Danbury took first place overall with an impressive time of 18:39.64, closely followed by his father, Brandon Schneider, also of Danbury, who finished just a fraction of a second behind at 18:39.98. Rounding out the top three was John Onofrey of Woodbridge, who clocked in at 19:41.

The first female finisher was Katie Lorraine-Mace of West Hartford, who crossed the line in 20:15. Jennifer Schneider of Danbury was the second female overall, followed by Sandy Zaeh of Woodbridge. The top 10 overall finishers, as well as information about winners in each age bracket, can be found by visiting the race results page on the RunSignup.com website.

Community Spirit and Thanks

As always, the Woodbridge 5K was about more than competition. The race was organized by the Recreation Department and brought neighbors together in celebration of health, perseverance, and local pride. Volunteers, including members of the Recreation Commission, were on-hand to ensure a smooth day reminding everyone that this annual tradition is truly a community effort.

A special thanks went out to this year’s generous sponsors, whose support made the race possible: Katz’s Deli LLC, Law Offices of Resnik and Resnik, Levey Miller Maretz LLC, Paul The Plumber, Inc., Progressions Salon & Wig Boutique, Svetlana & Edward Babajanyan, Town of Woodbridge, West Rock Materials, Division of Sal-War Inc., Woodbridge Running Company, Woodbridge Volunteer Fire Association, Woodbridge Police Department, and Xfinity.