In addition to the approximately 5,000 walkers and runners who participate each year, the event draws spectators from around New England who gather along the race route to cheer on the participants. The event draws extensive media coverage as athletes from around the globe come to New Hampshire to participate in the race – the CIGNA/Elliot 5K is the fastest race in New Hampshire recording a sub-14 minute finish in 2003. Veteran's Park is the official race “headquarters” and where the crowd of thousand collects prior to the firing of the starting gun. Participants will begin arriving in the park after work with a critical mass assembling by 5:30 PM. After the race, participants again re-convene in the park for refreshments and the awards ceremony.