Glenside to Hold Second Annual ‘Keep the Parade Running’ 5K

The second annual “Keep the Parade Running” 5K run and 1-mile walk will be held April 13 at 8 a.m.

The race starts at the North Penn VFW, 2519 Jenkintown Road. Number pickup starts at 7 a.m.

The course takes two loops through Glenside and the roads will be closed for the race.

"Originally when Mike died, I really wanted to think of something that he loved,” Carol Gillespie, Mike Gillespie’s wife and Abington Commissioner said in an interview last year. “This parade — he took it over about 23 years ago now — when he retired from the police force. He was always just … active. Anyway, I still can’t talk about it.”

Carol Gillespie said the 5K is an important fundraiser, as the parade and its subsequent events will likely cost about $45,000.

The cost by registering online is $30.

A printable mail-in application is available at www.glensidejuly4thevent.com; checks may be made payable to:

GGPA

Attn: Keep the Parade Running

P.O. box 72

Glenside, 19038

The first 500 registrants will receive a “Keep the Parade Running” Dri Fit running shirt; there will be awards for the top three men and women runners, and awards for age groups.

Newer Abington Commissioner and Glenside resident Thomas Farren said on Thursday that he will be participating in the 5K and challenged other commissioners to a race. There didn't appear to be any takers.

For more information, contact run coordinators Moira McDonald at Mcnualty.moira12@gmail.com; or Joy Gillespie at Gillespie.joy12@gmail.com