Just one.

That's how many southeastern Connecticut races are in New England Runner magazine's just released annual list of the top 80 races across the six states.

New England Runner does a wonderful job covering the sport and its November/December issue was dedicated in large part to the late John Kelley of Mystic.

But, in this case, the magazine has made a mistake by almost completely ignoring our region in compiling its top 80 races.

The only race to make the list is the long-running Ocean Beach John and Jessie Kelley 11.6-mile race in August.

The magazine said this about race in its January/February issue: "New England's longest held free road race . Did you hear us? We said FREE and named for NER's former columnist and Boston Marathon/Mount Washington winner and his wife."

The Kelley race, which has been on the list in the past, deserves to be on it.

But there's a few other races in our region that are also deserving of the honor in the future.

Here are just a few of my favorites:

1. The Colchester Half-Marathon. This February race features a challenging and certified course and a huge post-race buffet for just $15. Race director Rick Konon does a masterful job overseeing this event each year and many runners use it as a Boston Marathon tune up.

2. The Charlie Stavros On the Beach Run. This 3-mile race is run along the beach in Misquamicut on a weekday evening in late August and honors a Westerly runner who died in a race. It's one of the most scenic races you'll ever run. And, like the Kelley race, this three-mile event is free, as is the beer, after you're done.

3. Tarzan Brown Mystic River Run. This 5.5-mile race in early November has attracted large fields for 36 years. The flat course along the Mystic River is not only fast but scenic and there the traditional chowder afterward.

4. While it's only been around for one year, the Griswold Wolverine Cross Country Classic is a 5K race held on the rugged Griswold High School course. Twice, you have to ascend one of the most challenging hills you'll ever run in a race. Now I know why this school produces so many great cross country and track runners.

5. Although it was held for the first time this past September, it's only a matter of time before the Surftown Half-Marathon in Misquamicut and Watch Hill makes the list. With a great course and superb organization by the Hartford Marathon Foundation run, it attracted more than 700 people for its inaugural edition and I wouldn't be surprised if it eclipses 1,000 this year.

6. And while it's not a race, the annual New Year's Day Run and Swim which starts at the Kelley's home in Mystic, is one of the more unique events you'll find in New England. It's not only a way to ring in the new year but a way to celebrate the local running community and honor the Kelleys, who did so much for running in southeastern Connecticut.

I'm sure all of you have your favorites and I probably missed some good ones. I just hope we get some more recognition next year.

On the schedule

The Mohegan Striders will hold their next meeting on Feb. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Norwich Free Academy library, room 1101. For more information about the running club go to www.moheganstriders.org.

Joe Wojtas is The Day's running columnist.