In 2014 Sandy Hook’s John Gonski started running not knowing where his road race path would take him. On December 1 he joined elite company having completed the journey in the Run 169 Towns Society, a group of runners dedicated to completing a race in all 169 towns/cities in Connecticut. The final race event was the Oxford Trail Race to start December.

“I’m thrilled and upon completion I realized it is the longest personal or professional goal that I have ever set for myself and achieved. It took me almost ten years. I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything, I’ve met so many wonderful people that are incredibly supportive of one another,” Gonski said.

From discovering towns he never knew existed to seeing some pretty notable wildlife this journey has been about much more than the completion of races.

“There are towns that I had never heard of and some still might not believe are in the state of Connecticut — Sprague. The bear encounters, both alive and deceased, are quite memorable. Seeing a live bear makes you think, maybe I’ll turn around now and go home,” he added. “I have discovered many communities that have become favorite places to visit because they have such charm and quaintness. Sometimes while out on the race course, I might pass something by that will inspire me to return with my family to enjoy.”

The club has been around since 2012, although the idea of running in every town can be traced back to 1977, according to the website run169towns.org. The site includes a listing of upcoming races. Runners have created races in some towns to make this quest possible. And this is not all about running with races held for various causes.

“We’re always on the lookout for new races and are willing to share if we discover. Although our journey is Connecticut alone, many friendships have been forged where teams will do destination races. As for myself, I’ve set up a few. Madison Arthritis Jingle Bell Run is one that comes to mind. It’s a fair amount of work to break even as you need a fair amount of runners as well as sponsors to offset costs. The race is typically for an excellent charitable cause and you want to provide a meaningful amount to the organization,” Gonski said.

The Sandy Hook 52-year-old first found out about the 169 runners thanks to a fellow runner’s race day wardrobe.

“It was shortly after 12/14 and I participated in a fundraising race in Kent where I saw someone wearing the Run 169 shirt. I struck up a conversation, did some exploration post race, and decided it would be fun to give it a try. Nearly ten years later, here I am,” he said. “There is a tremendous camaraderie among the group, we cheer each other on, lift each other up when we need it, and many strong friendships have been created.”

Races take place throughout the year, as does training.

“I’ve run in every kind of weather — rain, snow, sleet, extreme heat, and I run year-round outside, always in shorts. I actually dial it back in the warmer weather with spring and summer being my favorite time of year to run, not only because of the favorable temperature but also because of the increased wildlife activity,” Gonski said.

Gonski’s running career started, as it does for many, as a way to improve health and — step by step — from increased miles to making time in his schedule to run in every town, it led him on quite a pursuit.

“I started running in early 2014 to get into better shape but I really got serious about it during COVID. I went from running a couple of hundred miles to regularly running about 1,500 annually. My wife [Jill] likes to remind others that are thinking about running that when I started I couldn’t run to the mailbox — and the mailbox isn’t that far — without getting winded,” Gonski said. “I certainly expect to continue to run — just have to consider what will be my next long-term challenge. That helps to keep me motivated.”

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.