PITTSTON — The third day of the Pittston Tomato Festival opened with the 21st annual Miles for Michael 5K run/walk, which brought many experienced runners to the city’s main street for some pre-game carbs and serious stretching.
Many of the event’s participants, however, were simply out for a morning walk for a good cause.
Miles for Michael is a not-for-profit local foundation in the name of the late Michael Joyce who was stricken with esophageal cancer and, after fighting a courageous battle, passed away in 2006 at the age of 43.
Mary Rossi, a member of the Miles for Michael Committee and administrative director at Joyce Insurance, said Michael would have been thrilled that the event included a 1.5 mile walk.
“It provides a chance for everyone to be included,” she said. “He would have liked that.”
Employees of Joyce Insurance were handing out water to thirsty participants on Saturday, something that has become a tradition.
“We also have employees that are participating in the race,” said Rossi. “We always enjoy participating in anything here in Pittston. We love being an integral part of the city.”
To Tony Schwab, of Jenkins Township, participation in the race was more than an opportunity for exercise or socializing; it was one more step toward his recovery from a stroke over a year ago.
Last year, Schwab was in a wheelchair. This year, aided by a cane and surrounded by friends, he made his way down Main Street at a solid pace.
The former Myers High School principal said walking in the event was only one of his goals and that he is looking for other milestones as he made his way back.
Stan Waleski, of Avoca, trained for over a month with Schwab to ensure they were “walk ready” as they took to the streets.
“We walked a lot in the last few weeks,” said Waleski. “We’re doing it in honor and memory of Michael Joyce.”
Bob Devlin and Tom Gorman, both of Pittston, joined their friends as the race began, with smiles and a great deal of laughter.
“We’re defending our first-place finish,” both said. “We were in the 60 and above category last year and we think we were the only ones in that category.”
Devlin and Gorman have participated in the race for about four years, and are looking forward to continuing for years to come.
Organizers of the event said, although only about 150 people had pre-registered, Saturday morning brought a “surge” of those wanting to participate, taking the number of participants to over 250.
Brandon Hampton, YMCA program director, was on hand to help people register and distribute T-shirts.
Hampton, who knew many of those participating, took time to provide a word of encouragement and to help participants find the right size.
“This is a great use of our space here at the Y,” he said. “And we always like to be involved in things happening in Pittston.”
