It might be the Goose Day Run, but Miller has owned the race
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LEWISTOWN -- Records fade and finish times blur, but Goose Day still pulls Jeff Miller to the starting line. Even with back and hip pain dogging him for months, the 59-year-old says he'll race Saturday because Goose Day is his birthday -- and his tradition.
"I have been dealing with back and hip problems for the last couple months, but I am determined to run Goose Day since it's so important to me and Goose Day is my birthday," said Miller, who turns 59 on Saturday.
"I have been cross training over 4,000 (miles) this year on the bike to make up for my lack of running miles," he added. "It's hard to win races at my age, but I will be out there giving 100% like I always do."
Healthy or not, the Lewistown man and veteran high school cross country and distance coach is set on adding at least one more victory to his totals.
An all-time record number of runners is expected for the 48th Annual Goose Day 5K Run this Saturday at 9 a.m. in Downtown Lewistown. Miller plans to be in that field.
Last year's 228 finishers set a new participation mark, and with pre-registrations approaching 200, organizers say this year's turnout could reach 250 or higher.
Organized by the Juniata Valley Striders Running Club, the race is a mainstay of Mifflin County's Goose Day celebration and one of central Pennsylvania's oldest road races, dating back to 1978.
The mostly flat course begins on South Main Street, just below Monument Square, makes a quick left onto Water Street, then heads to South Dorcas Street before looping back to South Main and continuing to the south side of town. Runners return to the start/finish line on Main.
The top overall male and female winners, along with the top male and female masters' winners, will receive Goose Day trophies. There will be first-place awards in nine male and nine female age groups. Second and third places in each age group will earn medallion trophies. Special awards will go to the oldest and youngest finishers.
T-shirts will be available to all pre-registered runners, with a limited supply on race day.
Pre-registration is $25 for adult runners and $20 for those 18 and under. Family rates begin at $40 for two members, $55 for three, $70 for four, with reduced pricing for families of up to 12. Online registration is available through runsignup (Goose Day 5K). Race-day registration begins at 7:45 a.m. at the old courthouse and is $35 for all runners.
Applications are also available on the Juniata Valley Striders' website (www.jvstriders.com) and on the club's Facebook page.
Proceeds support local youth running, including Juniata Valley Striders' youth track and cross country programs, high school cross country and track programs in Mifflin and Juniata counties, and the Striders' annual high school scholarships.
For more information, contact race director Gary Ishler at gekeye@yahoo.com.