Commodore Hull 5K: A Tradition With Roots & Reach

Thanksgiving morning in Shelton and Derby doesn’t just mean turkey, family and football—it means waking up early, tying your laces, stepping into the crisp air, and joining a community bound by tradition, kindness, and purpose. The Commodore Hull 5K Road Race is now in its 23rd year, but its origins are rooted in a hope to honor history, revitalize downtowns, and support the next generation.

The Beginning: A Vision and a Community

Back in 2002, Glenn Gaetano—a former Derby High football star, naval veteran, and investigator—returned to the Valley with two loves: running and community. He saw how Shelton and Derby were transforming, with downtown renovations and growing local pride, and felt there was room for something more: an event that would spotlight that progress, give residents something to rally around, and benefit local youth. That’s how the Commodore Hull Thanksgiving Day 5K Road Race was born. To date, Greco & Haines has been the main sponsor since the first race in 2002.

Named in honor of Commodore Isaac Hull, a naval commander born in Shelton who lived in both Derby and Shelton, the race connects people not only to place but to time—recognizing history even as the towns grow and change.

The Original Team: Faces of the First Committee

The race didn’t come together on its own. Glenn Gaetano was joined by a dedicated group of local residents who believed in the mission. The original committee included: Diane & Nick Serdenitsky, Jay Wilson, Joe Pupolo, John Saccu, William “Red” Clynch, Mark Anthony Izzo, Tom Wilson, George Huffman, Jack Walsh, Carl Sylvester, Vera Gaetano and Pam Petro.

These people helped design the initial route, manage registration, raise awareness, and bind the event tightly to the community. One of the early symbolic decisions was to run across the Commodore Isaac Hull Memorial Bridge, a structure linking Derby and Shelton—both literally and figuratively—to the legacy of Commodore Hull.

Growing Up: Milestones Over the Years

From the first year—around 300 runners—the Commodore Hull 5K steadily grew in reputation and participation. The race did more than raise funds—it raised community expectations and interest in local downtown redevelopment, history, and the value of togetherness. Downtown Shelton, once scarred by the big fire of 1975, saw renovations, brighter community spaces, and more vitality.

Over time, the participation numbers increased. Youth participation became especially meaningful—families running together, younger runners joining older ones, and even runners bringing young children who would one day run the full race themselves. That inter-generational energy has become part of the race’s DNA.

Honorary roles were added to recognize local leaders. For example, Joe Benanto, a legendary coach in the Valley, was named the first Honorary Race Director early on for his contributions to local sports and youth.

Today: Tradition Meets Purpose

Now in 2025, the Commodore Hull 5K is not just a run—it’s a gathering of hope, health, and history. While the route remains beautiful and scenic (through downtown Shelton, across the bridge, through Derby, and back), the event today supports even more:

Nearly 1,000 runners and families gathered with the goal of starting Thanksgiving not just with gratitude, but action.
Proceeds go toward the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, enabling programs that help youth build confidence, skills, and community involvement.
Sponsorship, volunteers, local businesses, and donations all help sustain the race and elevate its impact.
The race is also a way to showcase how far Shelton and Derby have come—from recovery and redevelopment to being places people look forward to visiting and celebrating.

Why It Resonates

What makes Commodore Hull more than just a 5K:

History + Identity: The race doesn’t shy away from history. It invites participants to remember Commodore Isaac Hull, see the progress in their towns, and feel connected to place.
Community Building: It weaves together old and young, newcomers and long-time residents, businesses and families. Everyone plays a role.
Supporting Youth: At its heart, the race is a fundraiser. It gives back to kids through the Boys & Girls Club, which means every step runners take helps someone else grow.
Tradition: There’s something magical about doing something together year after year—crossing the same bridge, running the same route, hearing the same cheers.

Looking Forward

As the race enters its third decade, the challenge and excitement are in preserving what makes it special while adapting to modern expectations—ensuring safety, smooth logistics, memorable experiences, and bigger community impact. Plans are always evolving—improving how we register, how we use sponsors, how we involve youth, and how we deepen ties to local history and culture.

If you know old stories, photos, or faces that haven’t been remembered yet (original runners, supporters, kids who ran early on), let’s collect them. They’re part of the soul of Commodore Hull—and the story is only richer with those details shared.