Media Prepares for Annual 5 Mile Race

Having sold out its 1,400 running slots over a month in advance, the Media 5 Mile Race comes into its 32nd year and remains one of the most popular annual events for borough residents and elite runners. It’s set for Friday. Not only are many of the original runners still participating, but plenty of second (and even third) generations of Media 5-Milers as well.

Those traveling through Media Borough should be aware that State Street and a section of Veterans Square (from the courthouse down to State Street) will be close starting around 4 p.m., reopening around 8:30 p.m. on Friday. The event begins at 6 p.m. with the children’s run at Barrall Field next to Media Elementary School, at State and Edgmont streets. Children up to age 13 are welcome to run, walk, roll, crabwalk, toddle or cartwheel their way through the course. Well, okay, maybe not cartwheel.

Runners will line up on State Street for the 7 p.m. starting horn. The double loop course around the borough has been certified by USA Track & Field, and features sloping grades and a few straight-aways. The finish line is on State Street just east of Veterans Square, which will also be the center of activity, including the awards ceremony at 7:45 p.m. The event will feature food, music and other vendors, and attendees are encouraged to eat, stroll and shop both before and after the race.

The race is run by a non-profit organization which channels the event's proceeds to 10 local organizations including two scholarships, Media Area NAACP, Media Fellowship House, Media-Upper Providence Free Library, Media Police Association Fund, Media Fire, Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1, Media Borough Capital Improvement Fund, Media Fair Trade Committee and the Domestic Abuse Project of Media.