Shamrock Shuffle Turns Newtown Borough Green For St. Patrick's Day

NEWTOWN BOROUGH, PA — Irish eyes were smiling on Saturday as hundreds hit the pavement in Newtown for this year’s Shamrock Shuffle.

Sunny skies and blustery winds greeted a record number of runners - more than 800 - who 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 Ethan Frank crossed the finish line first in 16:53 beneath a giant green balloon arch framing North State Street. He ran in memory of his mom who died from pancreatic cancer in 2022.

“I love the St. Patrick’s Day theme, but it’s the Love For Life aspect of it that means a lot to me,” said Frank who repeated on Saturday as the race champion.

Proceeds from the race benefit A Love For Life, a Newtown-based nonprofit that raises funds for pancreatic cancer research.

“It was awesome to hear the people cheering along the way and to see friends and family along the way. It keeps you going,” he said.

Newtown's Ethan Frank is the first to cross the finish line at Saturday's Shamrock Shuffle in Newtown. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Jenna Fasulo of Yardley is the first woman to cross the finish line in just under 20 minutes. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

The 2026 Shamrock Shuffle is officially underway. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

Newtown Borough Mayor Tara Grunde-McLaughlin with a Shamrock Shuffle team from Newtown firefighters. (Christine Edmonds)

Yardley resident - Jenna Fasulo - was the first female to cross the finish line, completing the race in just under 20 minutes. A seasoned runner, this was the first time the New Jersey teacher took part in the Shuffle.

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 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 more than a million dollars for the Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine where 100 percent of the money funds cutting edge research.

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

“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.”

From left: Kathy Buczek, who hosted a post event party at the Temperance House; race director Carly Seiler-Bovell of Boss Events; and Christine Edmonds, executive director of A Love for Life, the beneficiary of the race. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Meg Russell sang the National Anthem. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Newtown Borough Mayor Tara Grunde-McLaughlin welcomes everyone to town for this year's Shamrock Shuffle. "What" a glorious morning. It's wonderful to see so many of you come out today. I'd like to make a special shout out to Newtown Fire Rescue and their team. Thank you so much for coming out and supporting A Love for Life. Together, you are supporting pancreatic cancer research. I wish you joy as you run the streets of our lovely town." (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Christine Edmonds with the first place women's finisher, Yardley resident Jenna Fasulo. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

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, fresh fruit, 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 produces quality endurance events that focus on creating a first-class racing experience.

Race director Carly Seiler-Bovell was thrilled with the turnout, which reached 800 runners this year. "We will be increasing it next year. We want to see a lot more green right at the start line. Growing up here and now bringing this huge event to town for a good cause makes me so happy. I just watched a video of all the runners leaving the start. It's just great to see them all happy and excited. It's a great feeling."

She also commended Edmonds and A Love For Life for their help and support of the event.

"We love being able to support A Love for Life, and Christine is always integral in helping with the event, getting people excited and organizing all the volunteers. It's been a really great partnership," said Seiler-Bovell.

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. She also thanked the Newtown Ambulance Squad, which stood by if needed, and the residents and business owners in the borough who dealt with street closures and detours during the event.