Tighten Your Laces….It’s Almost Time for the Races!
by Cate Murway

Forgo the flip-flops, rummage for your running shoes, pass the pasta, and start hydrating well.
Held every year, the Saturday after Labor Day, is the professionally timed Mill Street Run…. oh what FUN!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 7, 2019 for the 52nd Mill Street Run. Rain or Shine!

Races are scheduled everywhere these days and on just about any given weekend, so it’s not all that difficult to find one to run. But by competing in the highly anticipated, flat and fast Mill Street Run, each competitor can be a part of celebrating the specialness and the uniqueness of historic Bristol on the Delaware. Whether you’re a trained, hardcore endurance athlete, a very casual jogger or an enthusiastic spectator [thank you very much!], running this race can serve as a kick off to the Cross Country season in a fun fashion, as well as an inviting window into the Borough’s eclectic personality. 
The entire community embraces this event and takes pride in it and spectators line the streets to cheer and support the runners amid the collective pounding of sneakers in motion. 
There is no shortage of creativity when devising traditions in this town!

All are heartily welcome to join in the homey, spirited, fun-filled atmosphere and festivities that give participants the chance to get to know a little more about the most engaging historic Bristol Borough.
It’s quite a family-oriented race as it truly often connects and touches multiple generations of families who, by tradition, have competed in the Mill Street Run that was begun by John Vincent Mundy, St. Mark School/HGP ‘65/ West Chester U. ’69 who clearly exudes the intense spirit and traditions of this most quality event. He originally initiated it as a 3.8-mile “male only” event in 1967, but the start and finish has always been on Mill Street, one week after the unofficial end of summer.
His personal magnetism and innate courtesy of mind brings out the best of loyalty, and his unending tireless efforts always make things happen in a big way. John Mundy also started the cross-country, track and track & field programs at Holy Ghost Prep while he was still a student.
Sport groups, running clubs, squads, scouts and girl guides are all encouraged to enter teams. Running together as a team and celebrating the challenge is an experience like no other.










Many runners grab fortifications before and a bite to eat afterward at the many restaurants on Mill Street.
Some businesses will cheerfully open their doors early for the participants and spectators.
Calm Waters Coffee Roasters on 242 Mill Street will offer a special java jolt “drink of the day”.
Healthy Plate Meal Preps, LLC on 247 Mill Street will offer an after race special “sensational smoothie”.

*No Entry Fee for Grade School Race, High School teams or for their team runners in the Open Races
Contact Meet Director John Mundy  johnvmundy@gmail.com

ENTRY Deadline: Saturday, August 31, 2019/all teams must be in accord with PIAA rules and regulations.

There are traditionally 12+ enthusiastic teams showcased in each HS race battling to be the fastest group to finish together. There is also a short and sweet grade school [1.55mile] race at the Mill Street Run.
Scoring and awards give extra recognition to athletes from small schools, which is not usually the case, making this a DO NOT MISS race for every team. Varsity scoring will be tabulated in two divisions.
*Specially designed Mill Street Run T-shirts will be on sale for $15.00.

TIME:Grade School Race  8:00AM
Girls' Varsity 8:30 [10-girl team limit] 
Boys' Varsity9:15 [10-boy team limit]
Open Race   9:45 [unlimited JV's]

*Individual Open Race entries: $25.00 [+ $2.50 SignUp fee] includes a Mill Street Run T-shirt *to all pre­entries received by the pre-entry deadline [8.31.19]. Race Day Registration will be available. https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Bristol/MillStreetRun50thAnnual
Funds accrued from this event go to the Bucks County Rescue Squad.

Some Mill Street athletes take the Open Race super seriously, while others walk or jog with their family members, making it perfect for runners and joggers of all speeds. This is race where you can actually fully embrace pushing yourself — and a stroller. It has more of a block-party vibe than your average race and the camaraderie of the community is something to celebrate! So bring a buddy!

Awards begin after the Open Race completion in the waterfront Bristol Lions Park at the Victorian gazebo nestled at the scenic Delaware River. It's always nice to get a little recognition.
These races are most generously sponsored by the Bristol Borough Business Association [BBBA], Penn Community Bank, Bristol Fuel/ CBM, Dr. Mark E. Burton, DPM and King George II along with area businesses.
Top 100 finishers in the Girls' & Boys' H.S. Races receive medals and there are special awards to the top 10 individual finishers in each division, as well as Winning Team and coach awards for each division.
In the Open Race, awards are presented to the top 100 finishers, plus age group awards.

Hey… there’s NON-treacherous terrain and quite stunning views and the race is known for its camaraderie.
Volunteers 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.

Course Preview: The Mill Street Run begins on Mill Street, then turn left onto Radcliffe Street, then another left turn onto Dorrance Street, then turn left again after Pond Street onto the grass or macadam walking/bike path, and then a final left turn back onto Mill Street. This loop is repeated TWICE and the celebratory finish is on friendly Mill Street. 
 P.S. HURRY!....... it's a race!

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION please contact John Mundy - 215.801.0342 or johnvmundy@yahoo.com. 

KEEP IT LOCAL… this small town race has become quite legendary in this town! 
So, meet up with friends and enjoy the town’s historic charm ambiance.
Come visit historic Bristol on the Delaware for a healthy dose of small town America.
People just come out to share in this energy in motion. Welcome Friend!

Recommend a “Spotlight”. E-mail vjmrun@yahoo.com

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