Hometown charm and world-class running experiences turn eyes toward Medford
MEDFORD, Mass. – Hundreds of runners took to the streets of Medford this weekend as Run Medford made its return to the community. The two-day event began on Friday afternoon with Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn officially dedicating the Dave McGillivray Track at Hormel Stadium. McGillivray, Boston running legend and long-time Boston Marathon race director, was born and raised in Medford and began his running career on the track now named in his honor. The dedication was followed by children’s and mile events on the newly minted McGillivray Track. On Saturday, participants could choose between a five-mile run and a two-mile walk at Medford City Hall.
12-year-old Michael Studer won the men’s division of the 5-mile event in 28:16. Jennifer Lafluer was the women’s winner in the 5-miler with a time of 34:56.
Local students Evan Russell and Emma Beardsley were victors in the High School Mile with times of 5:24 and 6:07. Delmace Mayo and Mary MacDonald topped the podium in the parathlete mile, finishing in 4:55 and 9:05.
In the star-studded Mayor’s Celebrity Mile, Mayor Lungo-Koehn and Troy Hoyt, grandson of the late Dick Hoyt, took first place. They finished in 7:08 and 6:04, respectively. Other notable Celebrity Mile participants included WCVB journalist Josh Brogadir, Mayor of Westfield Mike McCabe, Mayor of Amesbury Kassandra Gove, WHDH reporter Steve Cooper, Lawrence Eagle Tribune reporter Bill Burt, Medford Police Lt. Joseph Casey, WATD radio personality Gary Leavitt, para runner and triathlete John Young, MetroWest reporter Tim Dumas, charity runner Paulie Veneto, four-time Boston Marathon Winner Bill Rodgers, 1976 Boston Marathon Winner Jack Fultz, third Place Finisher at the 1979 Boston Marathon Bob Hodge, and Boston Glory Team Member Mark Donohue.
Overall and age group winners received Newton Running Shoes for first and second place and Ford Tavern gift certificates for third place.
“Run Medford is our City’s biggest race event and has had a huge positive impact on local business, non-profits and residents,” said Mayor Lungo-Koehn. “This community-wide event would not have been possible without the support of Dave and the Finish Strong Foundation, so we are excited to honor his work with a dedication at the Hormel Stadium Track.”
“The Medford community, especially the running community, is so special and I love giving back in such an exciting way,” said McGillivray. “I’m honored to receive this track dedication as our team works to make Run Medford a community tradition for years to come.”
The multi-day celebration of community, running, and the City of Medford highlights founder and race director Dave McGillivray’s connection, legacy, and community service with his hometown. Funds raised by Run Medford will be distributed by the Finish Strong Foundation to Medford Recreation, this year’s chosen beneficiary.
All participants received Medford-themed swag including finish medals and t-shirts featuring the blue Mustang mascot of Medford High School. Finishers also received copies of McGillivray’s book “Running Across America, A True Story of Dreams, Determination and Heading for Home” – which tells the tale of his Medford, Ore. to Medford, Mass. run across the nation.
For more information on Run Medford and to be the first to know when registration opens for next year’s running, visit www.RunMedford.com and follow the race on Instagram and Facebook.
For more information on DMSE Sports, visit www.DMSEsports.com and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
For more information on the Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation, visit www.davemcgillivrayfoundation.org and follow the foundation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
ABOUT DMSE SPORTS
DMSE Sports is a full-service event-management organization, providing a full range of event and race production, management, and consulting services to support events of all sizes. Dave McGillivray and his team at DMSE Sports are responsible for the technical and logistical aspects of more than 30 races and walks per year. From overseeing organizing committees to working with local officials and handling registration, credentialing, lead vehicles, and course setup, DMSE Sports does it all. The firm has produced more than 1,600 events since opening its doors in 1981 and serves clients throughout the United States. For more information on DMSE Sports, visit www.DMSEsports.com and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
ABOUT THE DAVE MCGILLIVRAY FINISH STRONG FOUNDATION
The Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation seeks to inspire and empower youth across New England and beyond to increase physical activity, expand literacy, and build community and self-esteem through running, reading, and performing acts of kindness. Their vision is rooted in a belief that discovering a passion for physical activity, reading, and acts of kindness at a young age gives individuals self-confidence and self-respect, which empowers them to move forward—one step at a time. For over eighteen years, the foundation has remained committed to preparing individuals for future success and building vibrant communities. For more information on the Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation, visit www.davemcgillivrayfoundation.org and follow the foundation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
