Special finisher’s medal to commemorate 10th anniversary Bucks County Duathlon

      It’s a 10-year love affair with the sweetest of intentions.
      The outpouring of affection by multi-sport athletes both in and around Bucks County for one of their own – Newtown’s Missy Flynn – is truly remarkable.
      Flynn, who survived a life-threatening brain aneurysm incident on Dec. 23, 2005, is still with us and some small part of that should be credited to all those who have competed in the Bucks County Duathlon.
      Proceeds from the BCD and prior fund-raising events have exceeded the $100,000 mark to help with Ms. Flynn’s uninsured medical expenses.
      The 10th anniversary Bucks County Duathlon will be held on Sunday, Sept. 1 at Washington Crossing Historic Park.
      It promises to be a special day, a celebration if you will, of the ongoing life of Flynn, and that of her amazing partner, Brian Wong.
      One of the things which will make this year’s milestone race noteworthy is the creation of a unique finisher’s medal for all those who complete the two-mile run, 10-mile bike, two-mile run course in and around WCHP.
      The medal, designed by Chris Seiler and his outstanding team at Always Advancing Sports in Newtown, features the famous Washington Crossing logo and will commemorate this very positive occasion.
      In addition to the duathlon, there is an 8K Challenge race which will be held in conjunction with the BCD on the Delaware Canal towpath.
      Those who have competed in or volunteered for the duathlon look forward to getting together with friends once again.
      Wong, for one, is quite appreciative for the ongoing show of support.
      “Imagine if you asked friends to make dinner for you once a week . . . for 10 years,’’ Wong says.  “That’s what our friends have done for us.  This medal makes me think of all of our friends who have supported us in many different ways on our long, slow but still going journey.’’
      Pat Duncan is one who has both participated in the race and helped with event operations.
      “The depiction of Washington crossing the Delaware reminds me what this is all about,’’ Duncan says. “Everybody working hard to support a common goal. Symbolically, Missy is George Washington. We may be helping her out but there’s no doubt she’s the leader.’’
      Accomplished triathlete Bob Burke operates Guy’s Bicycles in Feasterville. He’s gratified to see the duathlon still in place and working toward a great cause. He remembers the days of Flynn as a world-class competitor and appreciates what the sports community has done to assist her in a time of need.
      “After seeing the commemorative 10th anniversary finisher’s medal for the Bucks County Duathlon, I catch myself in amazement of how fast time has gone by since the first events were put on to support Missy’s recovery,’’ Burke says.
      “I am sure that many of the athletes who race in the upcoming BCD are not familiar with Missy and how great an athlete she was. But I am certain that there is, and always will be, a large amount of us from Bucks County who will remember Missy’s elite level of racing. This year’s race looks to be building up to another promising event, and with it being the 10th annual, we can all reflect on the years that have passed and be so grateful that we can still enjoy the amazing sport of duathlon/triathlon.’’
      Adds elite runner and volunteer Mike Clarke: “To me, the medal represents the courage of Missy in fighting her health condition and the sacrifice of Brian in helping Missy with the battle.”
      Former Doylestown police chief and dedicated multi-sport athlete Steve White expresses similar feelings.
      “In the spirit of common men and women doing what is right,’’ White says, “Missy Flynn’s ‘family’ of friends stand by her in raising funds and awareness with this great Bucks County Duathlon.”
      Registration for the BCD and 8K Challenge are available at www.buckscountyduathlon.org or www.lin-marksports.com.
      >Run Now, Wine Later filling up
      If you like to combine running and wine tasting in the same deal, then we have the race for you – namely the seventh annual Run Now, Wine Later 5K and Festival in New Hope on Sunday, Sept. 8.
      The race is conducted by BOSS Events of Newtown. More than 1,000 runners are expected to compete.
      The course, which will begin near New Hope-Solebury High School, will take runners through the downtown area and finish at the center of town near the Bucks County Playhouse.
      Following the race, the food and wine-tasting festival will include as many as 15 local restaurants and wineries in the New Hope area.
      Registration is available at www.runnowwinelater5k.com.
      Race calendar
      Wednesday, Aug. 7
      Flying Pig 5K, 7 p.m. Rosedale Park, Pennington, N.J. Contact www.raceforum.com/flying pig
      Sunday, Sept. 1
      10th annual Bucks County Duathlon and 8K Challenge, 7 a.m., Washington Crossing. Contact www.lin-marksports.com
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About Wayne Fish 2374 Articles
Wayne Fish has been covering the Flyers since 1976, a stint which includes 18 Stanley Cup Finals, four Winter Olympics and numerous other international events.

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