MONROE, CT — Runners can register for the annual Newtown Savings Bank Mile Down the Pike race which will come through Monroe Turnpike before Monroe’s Memorial Day Parade on Sunday, May 25. The event raises money for veterans groups and causes.
“People can show off their healthy lifestyles, while encouraging others to do the same,” said Dr. Paul Moyse, who founded the event.
In addition to competitive runners, he said people can also jog or do a fast walk as long as they can finish their mile in 15 minutes or less, so the roadway is clear in time for the parade. The event will be held rain or shine.
The race starts at Firemen’s Field and ends at the Elm Street and Cross Hill intersection. Check-in starts at 11 a.m. and closes at 12:15 when participants will walk to the starting line. The race will get underway at 12:30 p.m.
Registration costs $22.20 and is discounted at $16.90 for veterans. To register online, click here.
Moyse, a chiropractor in town, was involved with the Sprint for Monroe for over three decades until the annual 5k race ended its long run in 2023. He remembers talking to fellow organizer Amy Primorac about it.
“Being a healthcare provider, I guide people toward a healthy lifestyle and some form of exercise has to be part of that,” Moyse said. “We first did the Sprint over 30 years ago, built all this enthusiasm, then we stopped it and there was this void.”
“We wanted to get another healthy event here in town,” he said. “Amy and I decided to do the Mile Down the Pike. This is the third annual race. It’s growing and we just get positive feedback on it every year.”
Moyse said money raised from the Mile Down the Pike has been used to buy flags for veterans’ gravesites in town and for veterans groups and causes. The Memorial Day Parade Committee decides how to use the funds.
Moyse expressed his gratitude to Newtown Savings Bank, which is this year’s new title sponsor, as well as to other local businesses contributing to the prizes for runners:
- Bella Rosa Pizzeria Ristorante, 500 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe
- Last Drop Coffee Shop, 435 Main St, Monroe
- Bill’s Drive-In, 431 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe
- Marathon Sports, 1596 Post Road, Fairfield
“Marathon Sports is giving gift certificates for new pairs of shoes to all of the top male and female finishers,” Moyse said.
Medals and other prizes will also be awarded to the top three finishers in each category.
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