Run Medford sees record attendance for its third annual running festival

October 2, 2024

From the track to the road, nearly 1000 people took part in the race that fundraised for local schools

MEDFORD, Mass. /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Run Medford marked record attendance on Friday and Saturday, with nearly 1,000 participants taking part in the two-day running festival. The racing started Friday night with the Mayor’s Celebrity Mile, kids’ fun runs, a parathlete mile and high school miles. On Saturday morning, events shifted to the streets of Medford with a 5-mile run, 5K run, and 2-mile walk starting and finishing at Medford City Hall. The event benefitted the Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation which has committed to donating the funds to parent-teacher organizations at local Medford schools.

In the Mayor’s Celebrity Mile, 2023 Celebrity Mile Champion Team Hoyt’s Troy Hoyt defended his title in the men’s division, finishing in 5:46. The women’s field was championed by World Marathon Challenge champion Becca Pizzi with a time of 6:15. Another notable participant in the Celebrity Mile was NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, who ran the mile virtually in the International Space Station.

In the other events, these runners took the first place finish – many of them being residents of Medford:

• Men’s 5-mile: Medford resident Nofal Ouardaoui with a time of 28:43
• Women’s 5-mile: Megan Bonney with a time of 31:58
• Men’s 5K: Medford resident Dan Duett with a time of 18:00
• Women’s 5K: Caludia Mejia with a time of 21:58
• 5-Mile Wheelchair: Delmace Mayo with a time of 28:34
• Men’s Paramile: Delmace Mayo with a time of 4:27
• Women’s Paramile: Ariebella Ruth with a time of 6:52
• Girls’ High School Mile: Medford resident Emma Beardsley with a time of 5:40
• Boys’ High School Mile: Medford resident Adam Lewis with a time of 4:49

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.

“It’s so nice to come home to my roots and give back to the community with my team at DMSE and my foundation,” said McGillivray. “Participating in a road race can be a transformative experience for people of all ages, and it’s even better when the proceeds can benefit something that makes the world better: investing in the future and education of local kids. Thanks to every person who joined us and made it our largest Run Medford yet!”

All participants received Medford-themed swag including finisher 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, 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.

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MEDIA CONTACT

Oct. 1, 2024 Meg Treat, APR

meg@treatpublicrelations.com

805.766.1500

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