MANSFIELD — The Bruce A. Waite 5K celebrates the 5th year fighting against mesothelioma and honoring the life of former Mansfield Senior High School teacher (1959-1989)
Waite died of the disease in 2003.
The event draws crowds from all over the United States and boasts a following of Bruce’s family, friends, students, and those directly affected by the battle against this cancer. The event runs on Sunday, Sept. 18 at the Ontario High School, 457 Shelby Ontario Rd., with registration at 1 p.m. and the start at 2 p.m.
New this year are Ekho Activity Monitors for the first 100 registered. As always, the day is full of energy, music, door prizes, food, and cotton candy. There were 328 people participating in last year’s event.
The race will be chip-timed by Ohio Race Day. The first 200 registered are guaranteed to get a long-sleeved Miles for Meso shirt. Every finisher will receive a special commemorative award.
“We wanted to do something big for the 5th year,” said Jill Waite, event organizer. “So many of these people have been with us since day one and we wanted them to take away a symbol of what we’ve all created and what each of them has accomplished.”
The event has raised $40,000 for mesothelioma research.
“I am blown away by the support and success of the event,” says Jill Waite, daughter of Bruce Waite. “When I decided to begin this journey, I had no idea what to expect. I just wanted to honor my father and create an event to fight back and help others in some way.
“My dad would be amazed and humbled by the number of people, especially students and affected families, who continue to come each year. There are no words for what I feel as each person comes across that finish line – whether they are running or slowly walking. I’m proud of them all.”
This year the race adds a new category of runner, the 70+ age group, to accommodate those amazing seniors like Nancy Waite, Bruce’s wife, who made her mark on the event for the first time last year. Nancy is famous for the hospitality she brings to the event, but now she adds “participant” to her resume.
Bruce Waite was an avid runner for over 30 years, so a running/walking event was the perfect way to honor his legacy. Bruce had a quote written on the chalkboard in his classroom. It framed his life, encouraged his students, and exemplifies why we continue to strive for success.
“The road to mediocrity is heavily traveled; the path to excellence, seldom traversed”
– Bruce A. Waite.
Come join the celebration by registering or sponsoring at www.BruceWaite5K.com For questions, contact Jill Waite at info@brucewaite5k.com. Follow the event on Facebook.
