A historic Goose Day win
Mifflin County standout becomes first woman to win overall title, sets course record
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LEWISTOWN -- The Goose Day 5K has seen fast fields, big crowds and decades of local dominance, but Saturday delivered a jolt of something entirely new.
Former Mifflin County and Bowling Green State University standout Kylee Cubbison blasted through Downtown Lewistown and became the first female to win the overall title in the event's 48‑year history, topping a record 291 finishers with a winning time of 16:40 that also set a new women's course record.
Cubbison, of Lewistown, added the historic victory to a résumé already stacked with achievements. A six‑time Mid‑American Conference champion at Division I Bowling Green, she holds program records in the 1,500, 3,000 and 5,000 meters and graduated with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. Her high school career at Mifflin County included multiple District 6 medals and school records in the mile and two‑mile.
Behind her, Jeff Miller, also of Lewistown, turned in another standout performance. Miller, who turns 59 on Tuesday and owns 26 Goose Day victories, was the top male finisher in 16:55. His son, Lance Miller, of Ithaca, N.Y., placed third in 16:59, giving the family two of the top three spots.
“It was exciting to see how many people came out to see the race,” said Cubbison, who was making her Goose Day5K debut. “It was exciting for me to win. I hope it helps to inspire more girls to come out and run.”
While attending Bowling Green, Cubbison hadn’t been able to come home to run the Goose Day race. Now that she’s graduated, she’s seeking other opportunities.
“I’ve been looking for different racing opportunities,” she explained. Cubbison competed in the recent Wyoming Valley Run, a 10-mile race in Pittston.
In the masters division, Nate Kauffman, of Belleville, led the men in 18:03, while Emily Houde, of Dover, Mass., claimed the women's masters title in 19:52.
This year's race surged past last year's total by more than 60 runners, marking the largest field in Goose Day Run history. Organized by the Juniata Valley Striders, the event continues to support youth running programs, including the JV Junior Striders, local cross country and track teams, and the club's annual high school scholarships.
The Striders also thanked the more than 50 volunteers who helped stage the event, including athletes, coaches and parents from the Mifflin County cross country teams; the Juniata Amateur Radio Club; Lewistown Borough Police; Lewistown Fire Police; FAME EMS; and Lewistown Borough staff.
Complete Goose Day Run results are available at www.runhigh.com.