Page 6 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, August 29, 2025 ~ Malden Musings ~ Irish American Labor Day Road Race 2025 By Peter Levine “G ood evening, Mr. and Mrs. Maldonian from border to border, coast to coast and all ships at sea. Let’s go to press.” I ran into old pallies Mike “Boss Dawg of the Boneyard” McCarthy and Brian “Little Brother of Kevin” Killion at the Saint Rock Festa just last weekend, and both reminded me that they and the rest of the boyos at the Irish American will once again be sponsoring their annual 5K/10K Road Race — Monday, September 1st at 10. And once again, praise the (deity of your choice) for Mike (McCarthy)! Although in IA Road Race semi-retirement — he continues to stick his beak into this much beloved tradition — ensuring success for Maldonia and the venerated Irish American Club. Praise be and thank you also to retired MPD Sgt. Joey Connelly and wife Diane for their invaluable help in organizing this event (Joe’s late mom Chrisine was a big fan of this column, and I was a big fan of hers in return!). When heaping praise, we cannot forget J.P. Kelley and the rest of the MPD men and women in blue who assist on race day. They do a great job and don’t just mail it in either. The countdown is over, Malden — and the tradition that makes our Labor Day weekend sparkle brighter than WildFire on Saturday night of the San Rock Festa is charging back down the streets! That’s right, Maldonia’s own legendary Irish American Labor Day Road Race is lacing up once again, ready to turn our city into one giant block party on the move. Summer may have folded up its beach towels and drifted into the sunset, but in its wake comes something even sweeter: decades of Maldonia pride pounding the pavement, neighbors-turned-rivals pushing each other past the finish line, and the kind of post-race “hydration” that could make even the driest Labor Day weekend feel like Mardi Gras (or at least, San Rock on a Saturday night!). So, dust off your Chuck Taylor’s, stretch out those hammies and cue the cheers — because the race is back, the streets are alive and Maldonia is ready to run wild (well, some of us, anyway)! This event is pure Maldonia Mid-grade Regular 2.87 3.35 3.45 $3.47 Over 47 Years of Excellence! 1978 - 2025 ULS Full Service $2.99 Order online at angelosoil.com magic. Whether you run, walk, cheer or spectate with a “refreshment” in hand, it’s one of those traditions that stitches our community together. Brian assured me that registration is easy as apple pie: sign up the morning of (8:30 a.m. check-in) for $40 or beat the rush online at Irish American 5 & 10K Road Race (runsignup.com) for $35. Bonus: Your entry comes with a nifty T-shirt. And don’t forget, prizes are awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place across multiple categories: male and female, seasoned pros and weekend warriors alike. Best of all, every penny raised goes to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Every. Single. Cent. Running, walking or just hanging out — you’ll feel boss knowing your day of fun is fueling an even greater cause. And as tradition dictates, don’t be surprised to Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net see road race legends like Mike “Mr. 02148” Cherone, Rick Gately, David Ritchie, Donny “Spider” Lockhart, Al Macy Jr., Marty Gately, Carolann Gabriella, Danny Siraco (just kidding about Danny) and Mayor Gary “The Beast That Ate Pleasant Street Slayer” Christenson pounding the pavement like the champions they are — while the rest of us embrace our well-earned mastery of sideline cheerleading. Friends, Romans and Malden newbies, lend me your ears; come by and have a great time right here in your very own backyard. Mark this on your social calendar for a fun-filled day of raffles, music, pizza, hot dogs and (of course) “refreshments” (at the always affordable I.A. prices). Once again, this year there will be a really choice disc jockey (Gus Diaz aka DJ Gus) playing a wide variety of music, including, of course, some good old-fashioned traditional Irish Highland Ave.’s Mike Cherone channeling his inner David McGillivray at the 2024 Irish American Labor Day Road Race bangers (and possibly some karaoke snuck in). Brian also wanted to stress, once again, that all proceeds will go to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Every. Single. Penny. No better way to spend your hardearned cash, knowing that all earnings go to fighting this hated disease. I gave the Irish American Labor Day Road Race a whirl once upon a time — back when dinosaurs still roamed Main Street, the Highland was serving 500 pies on a Friday night and sneakers weighed about 10 pounds each. Wicked good time, let me tell you! The friendly faces along the route (yes, even George MacKay & Dom Fermano hollering encouragement) kept me moving when my legs begged me to quit. The pain during (and long after) was epic — but so was the fun and the “liquid therapy” that followed. This year I’ll be back on the sidelines — don’t worry, I’ve officially retired my running shoes — but I’ll absolutely be partaking in the post-race “hydration station.” The very first one (once again) will be raised high in memory of Mike’s late brother, my pal and yours, the one and only Stevie McCarthy. Second round for Mikes late cousin Joe, who would have been 77 last week. Special thanks to Brandano Plumbing and O’Brien Construction for always stepping up with much needed sponsorship. Also, FLEET CARD Check Out Our LOW PRICES!
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