The historic Sound View Beach in Old Lyme, CT, is set to come alive with community spirit as the Old Lyme Fire Department and Auxiliary prepare to host their annual Bound for the Sound Road Race on September 20, 2025. This beloved community event offers something for everyone with three race options: a challenging 10K, a fast 5K, and a family-friendly 1-mile Fun Run. All races begin and conclude at the iconic Sound View Beach, with participants crossing the finish line at the end of Hartford Avenue near the flagpole where the beach meets the road.
More than just a race, Bound for the Sound represents the essence of Old Lyme’s community values. The event transforms the historic beachfront into a center of activity, bringing together residents and visitors while supporting a worthy cause. All proceeds benefit the Old Lyme Fire Department Auxiliary, helping to maintain the camaraderie among department members and supplement their emergency response capabilities. The race course showcases the natural beauty of Old Lyme, with the 5K offering a flat, fast route perfect for personal records, while the 10K provides a slightly more challenging course with gentle rolling hills.
Community members interested in participating can easily register online at the official race website (runsignup.com/Race/CT/OldLyme/BoundfortheSound). Registration includes not just the race experience but also post-race refreshments, creating a festive atmosphere for participants to refuel and socialize after crossing the finish line. Course maps and additional race details are readily available on the registration website, and updates are regularly posted to the event’s Facebook group, ensuring everyone stays informed about this community celebration.
For those who prefer to support from the sidelines, the event offers numerous volunteer opportunities that are crucial to the race’s success. Volunteers can register through the same online portal as runners, contributing their time and energy to various aspects of race day operations. Local businesses and individuals looking to make a larger impact can explore sponsorship opportunities by contacting the organization directly at president@olfd.org. This community-centered approach ensures that Bound for the Sound remains not just a race, but a true community gathering that strengthens the bonds within Old Lyme.
The post-race celebration promises to be as engaging as the race itself, fostering community connections in a relaxed beachside setting. Participants and spectators will gather to enjoy refreshments included with race registration, creating a perfect opportunity for neighbors to connect and celebrate their accomplishments together. The iconic Sound View Beach provides a picturesque backdrop for this community gathering, with its historic character adding a special dimension to the festivities.
The event organizers have emphasized their excitement about bringing residents together for this special day, noting that the spirit of the event extends far beyond the race itself. “We look forward to seeing everyone on September 20th!” the organizers shared in their announcement, highlighting the event’s inclusive nature. Whether running, walking, volunteering, or simply cheering from the sidelines, Bound for the Sound offers multiple ways for community members to participate in this celebration of local pride and support for the dedicated volunteers of the Old Lyme Fire Department.
Header Image Source: Cecep Rahmat on Unsplash
