The Sun Came Out for MPMC 5 Miler!

5/27/2016

The Sun Came Out for MPMC 5 Miler

The forecast had planners and runners a bit worried, but the weather couldn’t have been better for the 6th Annual MPMC 5 mile run/walk on Saturday May 14th at Springfest. Lions Club Park and pavilion is a perfect setting to start and finish the race- thank you Lions Club!! Senator Eichelberger was there to thank racers for “running for Johnston Run” and supporting walkability/bikability in our communities. He noted that his work in Congress includes encouraging Penn DOT to make safe, multimodal use the goal for all roads.

Apex Wellness was there to provide runners with gentle stretches and massages on their return. Many thanks to Betsy Miller’s team from Legacy Realty Mercersburg for helping the runners rehydrate and replenish electrolytes with water and fresh fruits. Additional sponsors Atlas Copco, DL Martin, Modnur Pharmacy, Fast Ink, Summit Health, Fulton County Medical Center Foundation and Summit Physicians Services were there on our T-shirts!

Many Thanks – it takes a Community.

Senator Eichelberger sounded the bull horn at 9AM and 39 runners and walkers were off with tags on their shoes to receive official timing by Timber Hill Timers. They made the trek from just beyond the corner of Karper and Corner Roads, then turning left to proceed on Charlestown Road, turning back before Nevins Road, turning right again onto Mt Pleasant Road, and then left onto Corner Road to make the final leg to the finish line. (This route is also a fun loop for an enjoyable, scenic family bike ride)

Ken Czuprynski (of Keystone Orthopedics) was our emcee and kept the crowd pumped as he announced each runner and walker crossing the finish line. Luke Cessna was Men’s overall winner with a time of 34:50 and Stephanie Pullens took the Women’s overall with a time of 42:22! This was a first for both!

A number of runners were over 60 – and their energy and well toned muscles made it obvious that this running habit helps keep people fit and healthy. (In fact 150 minutes per week of brisk walking or other physical activity reduces the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and Alzheimers by 50% -- and runners accrue even more benefits) Our 70 and over age group champions were Ray Michael and Delores Price (pictured below).

Special entry this year were 2 huskies Coal and Embers running their owners Liz and John Martin.

Race coordinator Ingrid Ashley noted, “The Race is really about people getting together to support Montgomery Peters Mercersburg Connectivity projects including the Streamside Trail and stream bank restoration.” Even our youngest volunteers noted, “I’m doing this so I can ride my bike around safely”. They helped with stuffing the “goodie bags”, directing on the course, and reminding folks to spread the word through social media (photo at beginning of blog!) Many thanks to all our volunteers who set up the course, made check-in smooth, and cheered the runners along the way with cool water and encouragement with “looking good!”

Congratulations to all participants!! Official times are posted at mpmcproject.org

Age group winners:

Age 15- 19 Jonah Nortarianni Stephens
Age 20- 29 Ryan Barnhart, Anna Crouch
Age 30 -39 Cain McFadden, Leigh Ann Irwin
Age 40 – 49 Rob Harvey, Alicia Nortarianni
Age 50- 59 Mike Meadows, Kim Brant
Age 60- 69 Neal Hospelhorn
Age 70 & Over – Ray Michael, Delores Price
Men’s Overall winner – Luke Cessna
Women’s Overall winner – Stephanie Pullens

As runners returned triumphant and a little winded, they also commented on the magnificent views of our rolling hills, trees and fields against the back drop of our Tuscarora Range. A runner from Cumberland noted that, “this is one of the most beautiful courses I run”. A main goal of MPMC is to restore the “connectivity” of our community – with safe, scenic, seamless routes for walking and biking. Share the road signs are reminding pedestrians and cars to be mindful of each other. Long term goals with Penn DOT include improving the shoulders.

The MPMC 5 mile run/walk is held each year to promote the efforts to increase connectivity of the Tuscarora area for walkability, bikeability, and sustainability of our beautiful natural resources. As you know, Mercersburg has a beautiful stream running through it. As a limestone stream, if healthy, it would be an ideal habitat for trout. Unfortunately the stream is on the impaired waterways watch list in Pennsylvania. Revitalization of this stream is possible with attention paid to restoring riparian buffers and conscious attention of storm water runoff. What is a riparian buffer you ask? Read about it on mpmcproject.org. MPMC and the Johnston Run Committees are devoted to bringing vitality and connectivity to Mercersburg in an effort to bring the community together, and make the area a destination spot for walkers, runners, bikers, and families to stay active and enjoy our rich culture, heritage and beautiful outdoors.

Watch for progress and volunteer opportunities on the Johnston Run Streamside Trail – “where history and ecology meet!” mpmcproject.org Support with donations at gofundme.com/macwell

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