Event Details
The Faxon Law New Haven Road Race is excited to celebrate its 49th anniversary this Labor Day, Monday, September 7, while continuing to honor the memory and legacy of longtime announcer Mark Gilhuly.
Known as the “Voice” of Connecticut road races, Gilhuly lost his battle with pancreatic cancer in 2024. His wife, Linda Kowalski, will carry on his tradition of welcoming approximately 6,000 runners competing in this year’s race at the starting line.
“Mark was the voice of positivity, kindness and passion as he loved people and life,” Linda said.“We now have the opportunity to use our collective voices to bring focus to the need to help patients and their families who are devastated by this disease.”
Last year, Kowalski spearheaded passage of legislation on pancreatic cancer at the Connecticut legislature in honor of Mark.
While you may not have been able to pick Mark out of a crowd, runners throughout Connecticut could recognize his voice anywhere. Mark announced hundreds of races, including more than 30 Faxon Law New Haven Labor Day Road Races. His upbeat personality and enthusiasm energized crowds at the starting line, but it was his ability to connect with runners that made him so special.
Known as the “Voice of Summer,” Mark had a special way of making every runner feel like they mattered. With his quick wit, familiar voice and words of encouragement, he became a beloved part of race day for generations of Connecticut runners. He knew many runners by name and would often share a fun fact, offer a few words of encouragement or find just the right thing to say as they approached the finish line.
For some runners, those words became a defining moment in their race. More than a few would seek Mark out after crossing the finish line just to tell him how his encouragement helped them dig a little deeper, find another gear and make that final push. Mark did more than announce races. He made people feel seen, supported and celebrated.
That connection came naturally to Mark, who was a passionate athlete himself. He was an avid cyclist, swimmer, runner and golfer. He participated in countless races throughout his life, completing 24 marathons, more than 50 triathlons and an Ironman Triathlon. He won the inaugural Greenwich Triathlon and directed the Milford Triathlon for many years.
In May 2024, as Mark continued his courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, he was honored with the John Bysiewicz Award, presented to an outstanding individual who demonstrates courage and determination in the face of adversity and serves as an inspiration to others. Even while facing his own illness, Mark continued to inspire those around him, helping raise thousands of dollars for pancreatic cancer research and support.
He passed away in September 2024, but the voice that encouraged so many runners continues to echo throughout the Connecticut running community.
“The race is about friends and families achieving their goals, having fun, community and raising funds for good causes and community,” Kowalski said.
Kowalski has spent the better part of her life working in government relations to advocate for many policies, including those that support our healthcare system, medical professionals and the patients they serve.In the 2025 legislative session at the Connecticut General Assembly, Kowalski convinced the legislators to include nearly $300 000 in the budget to increase outreach and public education efforts on the need for early detection of the disease. She continues to raise funds for research initiatives.
At this year’s Faxon Law New Haven Road Race, Mark’s presence will be felt in a place where he spent so many Labor Day mornings: at the starting line, surrounded by runners he encouraged, families he welcomed and a community that loved him. His voice may be missed, but the joy, encouragement, passion and connection he brought to race day will remain a lasting part of the event.
Major sponsors of the event include Faxon Law Group, Crabtree Lexus, Town Fair Tire, In Memory of Mark Gilhuly, Corsair, G Café, Ivy Rehab Network, Yale University, and the City of New Haven.