The History of the Mifflinburg 5K

The Mifflinburg 5K 4th of July Race was the brainchild of our founder, Tom Muchler, who with a small group of supporters and sponsors organized the initial race twenty-five years ago. Tom, a dedicated runner, community servant, organizer, and networker was the race director until his death in May of 2002. By then a cohesive committee of volunteers was able to continue to carry on the race tradition.

The Mifflinburg 5K 4th of July Race is an outgrowth of the Mifflinburg 4th of July Committee which serves as the race's umbrella group. The 4th of July Committee is the organizing entity for all activities that go on in Mifflnburg on July 4th from the morning race, to the tennis tournament, to events in the park including the pet parade, children's games, food stands, afternoon chicken barbecue, bingo, and an evening concert which concludes with a large fireworks display. The money that is raised from the race supports the above activities that take place throughout Independence Day each year.

Initial race sponsors, to the best of our collective memories, included: Mifflinburg Bank and Trust, The Daily Item, McDonald's, what is now D & E Communications (formerly Buffalo Valley Telephone), and two businesses that no longer exist, Stuckey's IGA and JPM. We are fortunate that the initial sponsors have maintained their support throughout the 25 years of the race and we are proud to have added Evangelical Community Hospital's Fitness Center, Green Ridge Graphics, Farm and Home Oil Company and Kuhns Brothers Log Homes. Our most recent sponsor additions are Mid-Penn Engineering, SUN Orthopaedic Group and Sholley Insurance Group.

While the race had humble beginnings its growth has been the result of tireless organization by the committee and a dedication to insuring that runners receive quality premiums and treatment. As a result of this cornerstone the race has grown over our twenty-five years from a relatively unknown local run of around 125 participants to a popular area run with well over 400 runners. We are told that we are the largest race in our four county area of Central Pennsylvania. We feel that this is partially due to a combination of the treatment runners receive at the race as well as the fact that it occurs on a day when families enjoy being together. It is common to see fathers and mothers run with one or more of their children, some just running the race for the first time and others who now reminisce as adults about their first 4th of July run with a parent. We are proud to be a part of their traditions and memories!

The present organization committee, of which some have been members since its inception, consists of Wayne Bromfield, Freddi Carlip, Dave Holman, Jeff Mensch, Vickie Streett, John Uehling and Don Bowman (Committee Chair and nominal Race Director).