Race Report: January Thaw 2026

by Sapan Bhatt
 
I can’t think of a better race to start the year than the January Thaw. Coming off the holidays it’s a great opportunity to come together and see faces both new and familiar. 
 
This year's edition saw 22-degree crisp air and roads which were a bit slushy in spots. It’s fun to scroll back through old Thaw photos and see it’s truly a roll of the dice what type of weather we get. But that keeps it interesting.
 
Start of the 4.5-mile race, you’re working to catch your breath in the cold. I found the strip of asphalt in the middle to be the most stable. I took the liberty of going a little bit into the road on the first climb. I received a supportive honk from a plow truck and was amused at the sight he was about to see of a herd of runners coming up the hill.

The road in mile 2 has a camber that would make Sugarloaf blush. The bit of downhill was a welcome reprieve from the initial climb. Mile 3 is always the trickiest. It’s a steady climb instead of one big hill to punch up. I kept looking at my feet as Billy and I slogged through it. 
 
The next thing I knew, I saw Lindsay shouting encouragement and directing the turn down that big hill to start Mile 4. The slush made the road a bit more precarious than years past, but offered a fun ride. My favorite view on the course was where Alicia was perched taking our great race photos. That sweeping view of the horizon before you make the last turn back into the school road, amazes me every time. It was especially pretty this year with the wind whipping snow into the air.
 
The after event was a lot of fun. I especially enjoyed getting photos with Ian and his penguin suit and chatting with fellow racers. Many thanks to all the volunteers, our race director Ron, volunteer coordinator Tom, and especially Julie for crafting such beautiful penguin trophies. Here’s to a great year of running for all!