Shamrock Shuffle Sends Hundreds Racing Through The Streets Of Newtown

NEWTOWN BOROUGH, PA — For the first time in three years, sunshine greeted Saturday’s Shamrock Shuffle, putting an Irish smile on everyone’s face.

Thanks to the beautiful weather, a record number of runners - 700 in total - donned the green for this year’s race, which wound its way through the tree-lined streets of Newtown Borough.

As a large crowd cheered, Newtown’s own Liam Steyn crossed the finish line first beneath a giant green inflatable arch framing North State Street. The 14-year-old posted a time of 16:34.

Twenty-six-year-old Lindsey Gerlach of Fort Washington was the first female to cross the finish line. She posted a time of 19:56.

Christine Edmonds and Newtown Borough Mayor John Burke helped kick things off at the start of the race.

Meg Russell sings the National Anthem at the start of the race.

Cheering on the runners as they made their way across the finish line was Christine Edmonds, the founder of A Love for Life, the beneficiary of Saturday’s race. A Love for Life raises funds for pancreatic cancer research in hopes of one day finding a cure.

Edmonds founded the Newtown-based organization in memory of her husband, Kevin, who died from the disease in 2012 after a two year battle. She and her organization have raised thousands for the Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine where 100 percent of the money funds cutting edge research.

“What a beautiful, glorious, shiny happy day in Newtown,” said Edmonds. “Everywhere you looked were smiling faces, and hundreds of families and neighbors, laughing and enjoying the sunshine. It really was a morning to appreciate the joys of being in a small town that has a
huge heart."

Edmonds added, "We had over 40 volunteers that showed up early and helped to control the traffic and assist our borough police department. Some of the runners had never been to Newtown before, and were impressed with the race coordination. Carly Bovell and her team with BOSS Events really hit this one out of the park."

Christine and a group of volunteers from a Love for Life presented medals to every runner who crossed the finish line and made sure each received a bottle of water and refreshments. Later they joined them at The Temperance House for a post-event celebration.

“There is such a feeling of accomplishment and camaraderie at the end of the race - and a lot of celebrating at the Temperance House afterwards!” said Edmonds.

The event was organized by Newtown-based Boss Events, which produced quality endurance events that focus on creating a first-class racing experience. This was the event’s seventh year, but the third time the 5K took place only in Newtown Borough with the Temperance House as its
festival partner.

“It was great,” said race director Carly Bovell. “And what a great community. Everybody gets into the spirit. They’re wearing their green. Everyone gets dressed up. It’s really fun. On top of that, all the businesses get involved. Everyone gave a special coupon for drink specials and percentages off at their shops.”

Edmonds added her thanks to Newtown Borough Police Chief James Sabath and the local officers who provided support to the event and secured the safety of the participants.

Click here for complete race results.

Stephanie Hondorp of East Windsor, New Jersey, and Margery Davil of Ewing, New Jersey, had the distinction of being the last to cross the finish line.