MANSFIELD — The Bruce A. Waite 5K celebrates 10 years fighting back against mesothelioma and honoring the life of former Mansfield Senior High School teacher (1959-1989), Bruce Waite, who died of the disease in 2003.
The event draws crowds from all over the United States and boasts a following of Waite’s family, friends, students, and those directly affected by the battle against this cancer.
The event happens on Sunday, Sept. 19, at Ontario High School, 457 Shelby-Ontario Road, with registration at 1 p.m. and race at 2 p.m. It’s the only Miles for Meso race in Ohio.
Walkers, runners, and cheering sections are welcome.
Registration is $20 ($25 after Sept. 8) and a Miles for Meso long-sleeved shirt is guaranteed for the first 200 registered. Awards are given for overall top male/female in each age group for this chip-timed race.
The day is full of high-energy fun, food, butter-soft race shirts, unsurpassed hospitality, and special celebrations of the 10 years. There’s even a quilt raffle, available the day of the race or by contacting the event director at info@brucewaite5k.com.
Visit the race Facebook page for even more info: https://www.facebook.com/brucewaite5k.
According to annual participant Gordon Lieb from Austin, Texas, “Bruce Waite was a bright light, a touchstone, and a friend to me, like he was for so many people. The Bruce Waite 5K is just the most tangible celebration of his memory and legacy. Bruce would be proud of the group that gathers to celebrate him each fall, and I think he’d be just a bit embarrassed by all the attention as well – the thought of which makes me smile.”
“Jill (Waite) and her team have created such a wonderful atmosphere around the race, and being surrounded by Bruce’s amazing wife, former students, and everyone who admired him so much is a positive contrast to the gravity of the cause,” Lieb said.
The Bruce A. Waite Miles for Meso 5K Run/Walk raises mesothelioma awareness and honors the life and memory of Waite and others affected by the disease. The race has raised over $90,000 for mesothelioma research. Mesothelioma is a cancer caused from asbestos exposure and can take 30-40 years to manifest.
“I am blown away by the support and success of the event,” said Jill Waite, race director and daughter of Bruce Waite. “I just wanted to honor my father and create an event to fight back and help others in some way as they face the monster (mesothelioma) that wreaks havoc on their lives.”
Bruce Waite was an avid runner for over 30 years, so a running/walking event was the perfect way to honor his legacy. He 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.
