The YMCA of Northwest Florida is very grateful and proud to be one of the benefactor of the 2022 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.
As a benefactor of the The Last Mile, the YMCA of Northwest Florida will direct funds to:
Children's swim program:
- Will replace lifejackets and swim lesson teachingand adaptive equipment. With this investment, wecan continue offering a safe aquatics experience toall ages and effectively deliver water safety andswim lessons.
Teen leadership program:
- Purchase picnic tables and equipment tooutfit a pavilion we are building at the Northeast program site. This pavilion will serve this programafterschool and in the summer and be available forcommunity use. Our goal is to create a space just forour teens, where they can have positive, active time ina safe space.
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-Pursell 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 invite our Y members and friends will to join with us on Nov. 20to have some fun downtown running and walking (in-person or virtually) this 5K route. The race will begin at4:30pm at Seville Quarter. To volunteer to help, email Trixy.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7
Registration is open!
Regular (Now - 11/4):$40
Late(11/5 - 11/20):$45
*Register by November 4 toguaranteea race shirt and medal. *Late registration closes at 4pm (30 minutes before the race begins). ***You will be able to pick up race swag at Packet Pickup on November 18 at the Bear, Levin, Studer Family YMCA.