pilot

An Addition to the Mill Street Run Tradition

by Cate Murway

It’s a 5K now!

Forgo the flip-flops, rummage for your running shoes, pass the pasta, and start hydrating well.

Saturday, September 6th is the 47th Annual Mill Street Run.

John Vincent Mundy exudes the intense spirit and tradition of the Mill Street Run. The newly extended distance of 5K [3.1 miles], coupled with his indefatigable efforts will make things happen in a big way.

This annual signature Flat-Out event is competed along a great route, on a flat and fast, exact measured two loop course. It showcases the town and includes a pretty diverse crowd of school teams, who have lots of energy and are passionate about running, former committed athletes, former and current residents and first time competitors of all ages, who join together to kick off the Cross Country season in a fun fashion. Sport groups, scouts and girl guides are encouraged to enter teams.

Volunteers are the most important part of any well-organized event and every little task and minor detail is essential to the overall experience. John Mundy’s wife, Ann, along with sisters-in-law, Rosemarie Szczucki and Carol Ferguson, and his daughter, Christine Leffler all perform race day duties, assuring that everything ‘runs’ smoothly.

Additional volunteers will keep the area safe and clearly advise where a competitor starts and finishes.

Bristol Borough Police, the Fire Police, the Rescue squad, the Bike Patrol, and Knights of Columbus help provide safety for the welfare of the runners.

“I do traffic, every time for the race.” Virginia Burton, Bristol Fire Police Force, Station 51.

Funds accrued from the event are allocated to the Bucks County Rescue Squad Bike Patrol Unit to defray costs of uniforms and bike repair in appreciation for all of their assistance over the past years.

The registered participants vary in demographics and their reasons for running, but the Mill Street Run always brings the community together, catering to everyone, from first time runners to seasoned athletes. The Mill Street Run is a great place to network, socialize and exercise. It’s a multipurpose, fun, family friendly and healthy, warm, welcoming environment; community fitness at its best.

Some come to keep the tradition; others come to make a new one!

Let’s just see who runs this town…..

“If you have never competed in a Mill Street Run... This year is the time to greatly consider lacing up the trainers. The Historic Run is officially a 5K. I know Bristol is pumped, and so am I.”

Carl Waxmonsky, former BHS Assistant XC Coach/HS team captain

“It's my first race...looking forward to having fun and setting some personal goals.”

Kelli Brandt Rosado, Principal of Snyder-Girotti Elementary / Middle School

“We take our team there because it is a great first meet for our high school team. It's a great course that does not discourage new runners. We have had a lot of proven success there and looking forward to it this year!”

Kristin Eileen Malloy, Bensalem H.S. coach and Three Amigos club coach

“It's my first race, as well as my boys run XC for BHS so this year it's a family adventure.”

Colleen Britt, Registered under "Angel Cake's Mom"

“For the love of the run. I started in high school and going back now only gives me memories that I thought I lost. Running keeps me in shape, keeps my mind focused, and gets me where I want to be.”

Jenn Sarzynski Davis, former VJM XC/track captain

“To share one of my favorite runs from high school with my daughter!”

Jen Rossino Leary, former VJM XC/track captain

“Lots and lots of tee shirts from running Mill Street over the years and always placing second or third in my age group but never first. Ran the open race while my daughters ran the High School section for VJM. After they ran their part of the race they would join their dad in the open race. After graduation we all continue to run in the open race until marriage and change of location took us all out of the area. Then a few years back I called for a family reunion to celebrate my entry into a new decade and the highlight of the celebration would be running once again The Mill Street Run. Due to pregnancy complications one daughter was not able to run that day but her sister was able and she ran with me, never leaving my side throughout the race. That child placed first in her age division and I after decades of running Mill Street finally won my division. Later, I discovered that I was the oldest entry in the race and I believe my age division, ‘Older than Dirt’ had no other competition.”

Bill Slack, Florida resident/ VJM alumnae parent

“…..reunion of BHS runners and Jimmy Morrison [Pennsbury] and a bunch of PHS runners will be in town as well.. yes I'll be up from NC.

Bob Mulligan, BHS ’71, competed on the team that won the Class B track and field State Championship.

Per childhood friend, Andy Bidlingmaier, “Bob is in the BHS Hall of Fame. 2 mile State Champion for a few years running 69 - 71 when he graduated.”

“I've been a runner since I was in middle school. Now I have the privilege of coaching at Bristol High. How awesome is it to be able to run in the same race and with the athletes I have coached! It's like coming full circle.”

JoAnn Potts Mazzocchi, BHS coach

“Haven't run in a race since high school. A great motivator to get back into running.”

Bethanne M. Olczak, Snyder-Girotti PTA member/ co-chair of the Playground Committee

Are you planning to participate in the 47th Mill Street Run next Saturday, September 6, 2014?

Even if you've never run a long race before or if you're a first-time runner, everyone discovers that running together is truly an enjoyable and exciting experience.

The professionally timed race is sponsored by The Bristol Borough Business Association, First Federal Savings & Loan and the Athletic Shoe Shop of Newtown. The local businesses are so generous.

Join the award ceremony in the waterfront Bristol Lions Park at the Victorian gazebo to celebrate the top runners. Medals are awarded to the top male and female finisher 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 & older.

Along the way, you will hear the collective pounding of sneakers in motion. Community spirit shines in the faces of the Borough residents who stand in their front yard or gather on the sidewalk with enthusiastic support to “cheer on” complete strangers as the event rolls through the town. People just come out to share in the energy. Welcome Friend!

There are few guarantees in life, but odds are that everyone is 100% motivated to try again. Plan for the race next year….. the 48th Annual Mill Street Run, always the Saturday after Labor Day.

Come visit historic Bristol on the Delaware again for another healthy dose of small town America.

Stay around for the 9th Annual Doo Wop in the Park, sponsored by the Bristol Borough Council from 4:00pm - 11:00pm.

[Rain Date – Sunday, September 7th]

Mill Street Run t-shirts to all pre-registrants (by Saturday August 30, 2014)

T-shirts will be on sale on race day for $10.00.

Veterans may enter at the reduced rate of $10.00.

Information is on Facebook.

HIGH SCHOOL TEAM REGISTRATION IS FREE IN 2014

REGISTRATION OPENS AT 7:30AM

High School Girls Race [limit 10] @ 8:30am

High School Boys Race [limit 10] @ 9:15am

Open Race [and additional HS athletes] @ 9:45am