Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce and Kelley’s Pace to host 50th Annual Tarzan Brown Mystic River Run

The beloved Tarzan Brown Road race is presented by Jeff Anderson, Owner of Kelley’s Pace and the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, with the blessing and involvement of the Family of Tarzan Brown, as we honor his legacy and bring the community together. Tarzan Brown was a world-class runner who won the Boston Marathon twice and earned a place on the 1936 US Olympic team, and his legacy is important for the region. The 50th Annual Tarzan Brown 5 Mile Race will take place on Sunday November 2nd beginning at 1 pm. Registration is open and can be done at runsignup.com/Race/CT/Mystic/TarzanBrown.

Jeff Anderson, owner of Kelley’s Pace, expressed enthusiasm for the milestone event: “We are excited to put on the 50th running of the Tarzan Brown Mystic River Run. The first race held on November 7, 1976 featured a fast field with young and old elite runners, including Boston Marathon winners, Amby Burfoot, John J Kelley – the younger, and John A. Kelley. The race has had its ups and downs over the years. The resurgence last year with 452 registrants, it is well poised to go for another 50 years. Road racing is no longer just for the elite runners, today we welcome any and all who want to participate and enjoy a run along the Mystic River. See you all on Sunday.”

Over the past five decades, the Tarzan Brown 5-Mile Road Race has showcased some of New England’s finest runners, each adding their own chapter to the event’s storied history. In the early years, legends like Wayne Jacob and Amby Burfoot set a blistering pace, trading victories through the late ’70s and ’80s. The 1990s brought new names to the podium—Joe LeMay, David Raunig, and Carla Thompson among them—cementing the race as a proving ground for regional talent. In more recent years, Sam Alexander and Chris Helminski have carried the torch on the men’s side, while Rebecca Snelson, Martha Merz, and Sara-Caitrin Mandelburg have built a legacy of consistency and endurance among the women’s champions. Together, these runners reflect not just the competitive spirit of the sport, but the enduring community pride that has kept the Tarzan Brown tradition alive year after year.

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Bruce Flax, President of the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce anticipates a great event: “The 50th Annual Tarzan Brown Mystic River Run is a momentous occasion, celebrating a half-century of community spirit and honoring a true athletic hero of our region. This partnership with Kelley’s Pace allows us to ensure the race’s legacy continues, attracting runners to experience the stunning River Road course in Mystic while supporting the Chamber’s vital work for local business and tourism. We encourage everyone to join us for this special anniversary event!”

Upon speaking with Tarzan Brown’s granddaughter, Anna, she spoke of the deep-seated connection to the community. Anna shared, “The family of Tarzan Brown is grateful to Kelley’s Pace and the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce and all of the loyal supporters through the years for making it possible to commemorate and honor a legend,”

The inclusion of this historic race aligns seamlessly with the core mission of Kelley’s Pace and complements its existing portfolio of community running events. Consistent with Kelley’s Pace’s commitment that all its races benefit a nonprofit organization, this event serves as a dedicated fundraiser for the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, directly supporting its mission and essential community initiatives.

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Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce and Kelley’s Pace to host 50th Annual Tarzan Brown Mystic River Run