Kelley's Pace

Kelley’s Pace is a business that organizes and oversees foot races in the Mystic, CT area, in addition to serving as a community running store dedicated to ensuring people feel comfortable on their feet. Named after John J. Kelley—the only male runner to win both the Boston Marathon and the Mount Washington Road Race, as well as a two-time Olympian representing the United States—this family-run store sought to update its race logos for several key events.

Some races are designed to be family-friendly, requiring logos that are lighthearted and fun, while others commemorate historically significant events, necessitating designs that tell a meaningful story and create a sense of pride for participants.

For instance, in designing the logo for The Battle of Stonington 5K, historical accuracy was a top priority. Kelley’s Pace specifically requested that the flag featured in the design reflect the original 16-star, 16-stripe banner, which was the only one of it’s kind and historically significant. This flag flew above the cannon battery in what is now Stonington Borough as local defenders engaged in cannon fire with a British squadron offshore.

Similarly, for the Tarzan Brown Mystic River Run logo, we collaborated closely with a family member of Ellison “Tarzan” Brown, who emphasized the importance of incorporating his Native American headdress into the design. Brown, a proud member of the Narragansett tribe, won the Boston Marathon twice (in 1936 and 1939) and famously competed wearing his headdress, symbolizing his deep pride in his Narragansett heritage.