10K Race Director Hired

McCusker at Helm of Bridge of Flowers Race

(3/16/09) Running is in his blood – he started in high school, and hasn’t stopped since. 45 years later, Mike McCusker still runs 40-50 miles a week year-round.

Mike McCusker, who founded the 10K Bridge of Flowers Race in 1979 and managed it for many years, has returned as Race Director. In this role, McCusker has accountability for seeing that everything ‘runs’ smoothly, and that the Race returns a significant profit to the community. “Running is a key part of my life,” says McCusker, “and it’s a joy for me to be able to do this and give something back to local non-profit organizations supporting youth and athletics.”

McCusker has signed on the Bank of Western Massachusetts as the major Race sponsor, and is now soliciting sponsorships from other area businesses that benefit from the wide publicity the Race receives across New England.

A new feature this year is a partnership with Dial-Self, a local social service agency helping teens, who will use the 2-mile Nathan Hale ‘pre’ Race fun-run as a fund raising opportunity.

The Race draws about 1000 runners from a 200 mile radius in New England. “As one of 20-30 races each weekend throughout the season, we need to differentiate this race to draw top athletes,” says McCusker. “It’s one of the toughest 10K races in New England; Crittenden Hill makes the race notable. Also what makes us special is that the race is ‘spectator-friendly’ because begins and ends in the village.”

McCusker wants the Race to benefit all businesses in the area. “I have a vision of the Race as part of a summer festival,” he says, with complementary events in Memorial Hall, and reasons for people to stay the weekend. “Every runner usually has 1-2 people with them, and we know people come back the next weekend to spend more time here.” This year, McCusker hopes to survey the runners electronically after the Race, to gather data about specific benefits to businesses.

And McCusker’s next challenge? “As a warm-up, I am running up Mt. Washington Father’s Day weekend with my son. My goal is to win the 60+ Division and set a course record.” With goals like that, ‘running’ the Bridge of Flowers Race will be a snap!

For more information, call 413-834-3477 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .