Video: Manchester Statue of Running Legend Taking Shape

MANCHESTER, CT — The first of three sculptures for a local beautification project depicting notable Manchester residents is beginning to take shape, town officials said Tuesday.

Sculptor Michael Keropian has completed an armature — a small wire and clay model of Joe
McCluskey, town officials said.

McCluskey was an Olympic medalist and three-time Manchester Road Race winner credited
with re-establishing the success of the Road Race after World War II, officials said.

The process of creating the armature has been captured on a video:

It is the first of several videos that will be filmed and posted showing the progress of the sculpture.

When completed, the McCluskey sculpture will be placed in the East Coast Greenway parklet located on
the corner of Highland Street and Wyllys Street, across from Highland Park Market, officials said.

The high visibility location of the parklet means that the sculpture will be visible to the thousands who participate in the Manchester Road Race as they run that leg of the 4.748 mile race, officials said.

Officials said the Sculpture Committee believes that locating the McCluskey sculpture along the well-used pathway will be "an inspiration to those who walk, run and bike the Greenway throughout the year."

The Sculpture Project Committee hopes to complete fundraising for the McClusky sculpture and have it installed prior to the 2017 Manchester Road Race.

Click here for more information and to learn how to contribute.

After the completion of the McCluskey sculpture, fundraising will continue to fund sculptures of
Manchester educator, Elisabeth Bennet and author and Newberry Medal Winner, Emily Cheney Neville, officials said.

Photo and Video Credit: Michael Keropian/Town of Manchester