The YMCA of Northwest Florida is very grateful and proud to be one of the beneficiaries of the 2021 The Last Mile 5K run/walk. We are honored to gather with others to celebrate and bring awareness to the value of health and wellness and remember the life and legacy of Brien Pursell.
Brien was tragically hit by a car and killed on November 21, 2016, while out on a training run with his son-in-law, Frankie, on Highway 98. A few days following the accident, a group of 50+ friends and family gathered with Frankie to help finish what was Brien’s “last mile." On race days, Brien was known to finish his race in the top of his age group, then turn around and help others finish their race.
Then in 2017, a group of about 90 people showed up to honor the family by running a favorite route of Brien’s in downtown Pensacola. With growing support in 2018, a run was organized by the Brown-Pesce-Pursee families in downtown Pensacola again.
The Last Mile website says it best regarding Brien:
If you had the privilege of knowing Brien, you were changed by him for the better. His moments on earth gave those around him more than we could ever lose. Brien was a Christ follower, an incredible husband, and the very best dad to his daughters. Brien lived life to the fullest, spreading God's love, joy and hope to those around him. Brien also was dedicated to challenging people to be the very best they could be. We believe he lived his life as he was always running his "Last Mile.”
We hope all of our Y members and friends will join with us and the community on November 21to have some fun downtown running and walking (in-person or virtually) this 5K route. The race will begin at 4:30pm at Seville Quarter.