Thunder Chicken Race Set for Thursday

On Thursday, the Rotary Club of Portsmouth will be hosting the 20th annual Thunder Chicken Road Race. Part of the Portsmouth Community Road Race Series, Thunder Chicken is a 5K race that starts at 6 p.m. on Pierce Island and winds through historic Portsmouth, finishing at the town’s Strawbery Banke. 

Attracting up to 400 runners every year, the race welcomes participants of all ages and abilities, making it an annual favorite of Portsmouth’s vibrant running community, as well as a great race for families and the casual enthusiast.

Racing divisions include Youth (12 & under), Junior (13-19), Open (20-29), Sub-Masters (30-39), Masters (40-49), Sr. Masters (50-59), Grand Masters (60-69 & 70+), as well as a Wheelchair division.

Race co-chairperson, Rick Page, notes that “Thunder Chicken has become an event that people really look forward to as a fun way to get together with other members of the community while enjoying a great summer evening.”   

The Thunder Chicken race helps to raise over $10,000 annually for Portsmouth Rotary’s charitable fund.  This fund helps Rotary give back to the community through scholarships, exchange programs, and donations to many of the areas charities and service organizations.  Page notes that “Thunder Chicken is just one of the many events we hold every year that allow us to convey the spirit of community and giving that we believe is at the heart of Rotary.” 

Page also adds that this year’s race is pleased to enjoy sponsor support courtesy of Living Innovations, Ricci Lumber, Portsmouth Regional Hospital, Centrix Bank, Altus Engineering, First Colebrook Bank, People’s United Bank, Leone McDonnell & Roberts PA, and Karen Pierce (in memory of her husband George Pierce who served as the race’s director for many years).       

Racers can register either online at www.portsmouthrotary.org (through Wednesday, August 1) or on the day of the race from 3:30 to 5:30 pm at the Strawbery Banke (14 Hancock St.).  The first 250 registrants receive a complimentary Thunder Chicken T-shirt.

Submitted by Nancy Notis, Portsmouth Rotary Club