Leaders Unveil 3.2-Mile Running, Cycling Loop Around Malden River

MALDEN, MA – Mayor Gary Christenson and City Councillor-At-Large Stephen Winslow participated in a social distancing announcement of a 3.2-mile walking, running and cycling Loop connecting trails that encircle the Malden River. The Loop starts on the Northern Strand Trail (Bike Path) just south of the Bell Rock Cemetery on Medford Street.

The Loop was dedicated to former Malden Clerk Magistrate and U.S. Marine Joseph Croken and Malden High School track star and U.S. Olympian Louise Stokes.

"Joe loved to bicycle the Charles River Trail so it's nice to be able to remember him in this way," Winslow said in a statement.

The efforts were assisted by the Friends of the Malden River and the Run Club of Malden. Friends of the Malden River thought it fitting to dedicate the Loop to Louise Stokes, who ran pick-up foot races along the railroad that became the Trail. In 1932, Louise was one of two African-American women to qualify to complete in the U.S. Olympics; however, the coach left them out of the final lineup.

Stokes qualified once more in the 1936 Olympics but was again replaced by a white runner. She came home to a hero's welcome in Malden.

Also in attendance were Malden residents Joseph Croken Jr., who was presented a copy of the sign, Elena Martinez, who designed the logo for the Loop, and Naomi Kahn of Cambridge Reprographics, which printed the signs.