Medford's Biggest Running Celebration Welcomes Diverse Lineup of Celebrities and Community Leaders

The third annual Run Medford event is set to captivate audiences with a star-studded lineup of local celebrities, leaders, and media personalities who will compete in a one-mile race as part of the weekend-long celebration of community, running, and the City of Medford.

Uniting the Community Through the Power of Running

Showcasing Medford's Vibrant Community

The Run Medford track festival is more than just a race – it's a celebration of the city's vibrant community. This year's event will feature a diverse array of local leaders and personalities, each bringing their unique energy and enthusiasm to the track. From the Medford Mayor to a renowned sports anchor and a world-champion marathon runner, this event promises to captivate and inspire spectators.One of the highlights of the event is the participation of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, who will be running virtually from the International Space Station. This unique and exciting addition to the lineup underscores the event's commitment to inclusivity and innovation, as it seeks to engage the community in new and innovative ways.

Empowering Youth Through Running and Literacy

The Run Medford event is more than just a celebration of running – it's also a platform for empowering the city's youth. The Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation, the event's organizer, is dedicated to inspiring and empowering young people across New England to increase physical activity, expand literacy, and build community and self-esteem.This year, the foundation will be donating funds raised by the event to causes benefiting local students in Medford schools. Past beneficiaries have included the Charlotte and William Bloomberg Medford Public Library, the Power Kids Summer Enrichment Program, the Medford Parks And Recreation Program, the Medford Senior Center, and the Center For Citizenship And Social Responsibility At Medford High School.

Honoring the Legacy of a Running Legend

The Run Medford event also pays tribute to the legacy of Jerry Panarese, a beloved member of the New England 65+ Runners Club and the director of the Run of All Ages for 25 years. In honor of Panarese's memory, the event has added a 5K race to its lineup, which will be named after him.The goal of this race is to create the largest field of 80+ runners in a 5K race in the country, further cementing the "All Ages" namesake of the event. This initiative not only honors Panarese's memory but also reflects the event's commitment to inclusivity and celebrating the achievements of runners of all ages.

A Weekend-Long Celebration of Running and Community

The Run Medford event is more than just a one-day affair – it's a weekend-long celebration of running and community. In addition to the one-mile race, the event will feature a variety of other events, including kids' fun runs, a parathlete mile, high school miles, a 5-mile run, a 5K run, and a 2-mile walk.These events will take participants on scenic tours through the hometown of Dave McGillivray, the event's organizer and a renowned endurance athlete. All participants will receive Medford-themed swag, including finish medals and t-shirts featuring the blue Mustang mascot of Medford High School.Finishers will also receive 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. This unique offering not only celebrates the event's connection to the city but also provides participants with a memento that captures the spirit of the event.