The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Race honors President Garfield’s birthday
Runners of all ages laced up their sneakers for a 5K race and walk to honor President James A. Garfield’s birthday on Nov. 19.
Since cross country recently ended for 17- yearold Michael Ferro who attends Mentor High School, the Garfield Gallop was a great opportunity for him to compete again.
Ferro said the race was a lot of fun.
He finished with the best time of 17 minutes and 49 seconds, said Brian McCloskey of Greater Cleveland XC, a company that handled the registration and timing results.
Mentor Community Relations Administrator Ante Logarusic said the event was intended to mix fun with history while encouraging people to visit the James A. Garfield National Historic Site in Mentor.
It was the second annual Garfield Gallop. The inaugural race was held in July 2016 and attracted nearly 400 runners.
Although this year there were only 170 participants, Logarusic was pleased with the attendance considering the precipitation and cool temperatures.
It was co-sponsored by Second Sole running shop in Mentor and held at the James A. Garfield National Historic Site.
Todd Arrington, site manager for the National Historic Site, said it was a collaborative effort.
“It is a great partnership,”
Mentor Community Relations Administrator Ante Logarusic said the event was intended to mix fun with history while encouraging people to visit the James A. Garfield National Historic Site in Mentor.
he said. “We have a great relationship with the City and do may events together.”
In addition to educating the public about Garfield, the 5K aligns with the National Park Service mission to get people outdoors, Arrington said.
Participants of the Garfield Gallop received a bag with a commemorative T-shirt, racing bib and a beard to wear. Following
the race, they also received a slice of birthday cake and had the opportunity to tour the Garfield home.
Garfield’s birthday was commemorated in many ways over the weekend. On Nov. 18, a ceremony which celebrated Garfield’s legacy was held at the Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland.
Garfield will be remembered as a scholarly, compassionate and hard-working man.