Write-up & photo by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.wordpress.com  The start of the 76th Manchester Thanksgiving Day Road Race is merely hours away in Manchester, Connecticut. It is the town’s biggest annual event, attracting thousands of participants and spectators. Excitement begins building in town a few weeks before race day. Runners can be seen jogging the sidewalks along Main Street on practice outings, signs go up in front of local restaurants inviting runners in and sweatshirts from past Manchester road races become popular attire. At exactly 10 a.m. the race is scheduled to get under way in front of St. James Church on Main Street. The 4.748 mile course draws world class runners, as well as, aspiring young runners and many area folks who have made…