Oh What FUN….the Mill Street Run
by Cate Murway
Every year, on the Saturday after Labor Day, Bristol Borough's Mill Street turns into a track, where some of the best runners in the area come to compete in the Mill Street Run.
So, “Welcome Friend!”
This salutation has served Bristol as a motto since a wooden sign greeted the Marquis de Lafayette on his “Farewell Tour of America” on September 8, 1824. The original sign hangs in the Borough Hall. Traditions connect the community.
Now you’ll hear, “Welcome Friend…. Come run with us!”
Kick off your flip-flops, locate your running shoes and start hydrating well.
Saturday, September 7th is the 46th Annual Mill Street Run.
John Vincent Mundy epitomizes the spirit and the very tradition of the 2.9 mile Mill Street Run. He works indefatigably for this annual race that showcases the town and includes close to 1000 people in the running tradition that kicks off the Cross Country season. His workload lightened a little for him at the end of this last school year, allowing him additional time to once again make this event “a great experience for all the runners who come to Bristol.”
Sincere heartfelt thanks were extended to John for his distinguished dedication as the founding Principal of Holy Family Regional Catholic School when he stepped down in June. His tireless efforts always make things happen in a big way.
It’s his personal magnetism and innate courtesy that bring out the epitome of loyalty! There are so many who work together with a common cooperative goal making the Mill Street Run a success. His wife, Ann and his brother, Hugh, along with sisters-in-law, Rosemarie Szczucki and Carol Ferguson, and his daughter, Christine Leffler keep everything “running” smoothly. David Proven makes sure that it starts smoothly.
Ready, Set, Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 7th.
The deadline for pre-entries is Friday, August 30, 2013. Specially designed Mill Street Run T-shirts are included with all pre-entries received by the deadline. The T-Shirts will also be on sale for $10.00.
The fees are $15.00 pre-entry and $20.00 post-entry. Please make checks payable to B.B.B.A.
The event with information is listed on Facebook and applications are available at Mignoni Jewelry and Gifts at 200 Mill Street.
Watch the area high school girls compete at 8:30a.m., followed by the high school boys at 9:15a.m., as the teams race for honors. Then run yourself at 9:45a.m.
This race is one that you do not want to miss.
Eat a good breakfast before coming to the run, something with plenty of carbohydrates, starch, iron and protein. Have a bowl of cereal, a glass of juice or milk, whole grain toasted bread, a banana or an apple. Don’t eat too much, but don’t eat too little. Let your food digest for at least half an hour to one hour.
Low-key road races can be fun and they offer a change of pace. Your adrenaline will get you going, so challenge yourself a little. Then just relax and enjoy the experience.
Some people run; some people walk. Others do a little of both.
The race begins on Mill Street. Turn left onto Radcliffe Street, another left on Dorrance Street, then turn left after Pond Street on to the walking/bike path, then make a final left on to Mill Street. Repeat (2 loops) and finish on Mill Street.
You’ll see children under 10, seniors over 60, pregnant women, dads pushing strollers, tall, short, and every size, shape and age imaginable in the Open Race.
Kristin Weinkopff, BHS '94 is a member of “Leprechauns for Lew”.
“It'll be my first 5K in honor of Lewis Samuel Dopson III, BHS ‘86.”
Some of the Villa Joseph Marie moms of the senior athletes have decided to add runner to their spectator role this year. Donna Hughes [Steph ‘14], Mary Pieczyk [ Rachel ‘14] and Aida DeColli [Danielle ‘14] will have their daughters cheering for them in the Open Race.
There will also be those truly prepared for some friendly competition.
BHS Assistant Cross Country Coach/former team captain, Carl Waxmonsky, BHS ’06, is running with a group of alumni. He came in 2nd place last year after earning top male finisher/overall in 2011.
"Brethren: Don’t you know that while all the runners in the stadium take part in the race, only one wins the prize. Run to win." Coach Vince Lombardi
Carl is “training to win”, but maintains that his goal is to finish in the top ten. His “Captain Clash” group includes Sam Scalzo, Mike Petrino, Connor Fe, Josh Frake, Unique Barnes, Raul Rodriguez, Tom Barrett, Zach Rivera, Pete DeLuca, along with his former teammate, Silas Adams.
There will always be runners finishing before you and some who finish after you.
Along the way, you will hear the collective pounding of sneakers on the pavement. A spirit of community shines in the faces of the people who stand in their front yard or gather on the sidewalk just to “cheer on” complete strangers.
When you see the finish line approaching, no matter how tired you feel, dig down deep and give it everything you’ve got left. It’ll be the most fun you'll ever have running.
Then remember to visit the water station to rehydrate.
The top 250 finishers receive medals and awards presented to them from the Victorian gazebo in the historic Bristol Lions’ waterfront Park with its unequaled views of the Delaware River.
Awards go to the top male and female finishers, and the top 3 male and female finishers in these age groups: 14 & under, 15-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over.
You'll be 100% motivated to try again!
In fact, there will be another race next year….. the 47th Annual Mill Street Run, the Saturday after Labor Day. Bet you never thought running could be so enjoyable and exciting.
Come visit historic Bristol on the Delaware again for another healthy dose of small town America.
For additional information, please contact John Mundy at 215.788.3055 [evening], or e-mail john.mundy@hfrcs.org.
Mail pre- entries to: John Mundy, 6415 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, PA 19007.
Recommend a “Spotlight”. E-mail vjmrun@yahoo.com
