The next mile is unrelenting. The grade steepens with each twist and turn of the narrow macadam until it crests at Canterbury School. August finds towns located at either end of the Valley hosting races where hills take their toll in the early going. Usually held on the same day, Torrington's 5 Miler is run mid-morning, while the Shelton Sunset 10K gun goes off late afternoon. Just a thought.
Hills maintain a lasting grip on runners.
It's a love-hate thing. Several years ago a Waterbury 10K with killer hills was changed to a flatter 5 Mile course in order to attract more entrants. Elite racers brought in from out of state had whined about slow finish times. The race now attracts less people than before. I still meet a lot of people training over the old course.