1,300 dash into local history at 50th Peace Race
YOUNGSTOWN — Fifty years ago, Jack Cessna had a dream.
In the early 1970s, the Vietnam War was ending, followed by the Watergate scandal. Cessna wanted to promote peace in a world that was turbulent. It was also during that time that running blossomed into popularity. So in 1975, Cessna conducted a race that would soon be called the Youngstown Peace Race, a tradition that marked a half century on Sunday.
The race, portions of which went through Mill Creek Park, began and ended at Central Square in downtown Youngstown.
“Mill Creek Park is such a beautiful crown jewel in our county,” Cessna said. “It made sense to promote peace in our own town by starting to run races here in the name of world peace.”
This year, Cessna traveled from his New York home to be the grand marshal of this 50th milestone race.
The race featured 1,300 participants. They came from California, Florida, New Hampshire and 13 more states, plus the District of Columbia. There were 2-year olds, a 90-year old — Tom Frederick, who’s run in 43 of the 50 races — and every age in between.
Tony Ball, 70, of Hubbard, ran in his last peace race Sunday, and has many fond memories of years gone by.
“In 2008, I wrote a letter to John Lennon’s widow, Yoko Ono, and told her about this race,” Ball said. “Lennon wrote a famous song called, ‘Give Peace a Chance,’ so I thought she would appreciate our Youngstown Peace Race, which began after the song was written and before Lennon died. She sent me an autographed photo that I still have today.”
Through the years, 40 different countries have been represented at the peace race. The race has been conducted every year since 1975, even during the COVID-19 year in 2020.
“We couldn’t run the race collectively that year,so we did it virtually,” said Al George, a 30-year member of the Youngstown Peace Race board. People signed up online and ran individually. We used the honor system to record the times and issued prizes just as always.”
Jeff Hoover, 42, of Mineral Ridge, has been running in the peace race since 2000. He believes it is a premier race because of its meaning.
“Sports can promote world peace by bringing people together in a common effort,” Hoover said. “Much like the Olympic ethos, the Youngstown Peace Race promotes unity. Everyone greets and congratulates each other. I love this race for what it signifies.”
Callum Sferra, 3, of New Middletown, ran with his grandmother, Melissa, and crossed the finish line with a big smile on his face.
“I ran over a bridge and saw train tracks,” said the observant Callum.
Sheila Lawson, 59, of Youngstown, also crossed the finish line with a smile, where her 88-year old mother, Corrine, was waiting to greet her.
“I really like the great causes this race benefits,” Sheila said. “I’m honored to be a part of this community effort and I’m thrilled my mom can still make it down here to take it all in.”
Proceeds from the Youngstown Peace Race have benefited the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley, Warren Family Mission, Fairhaven School Special Olympics, Akron Children’s and the Beatitude House, among others. More than $200,000 has been disbursed to charitable causes throughout the race’s existence.
What moments stand out over all those years? Cessna recalls the time in 1977 when the race was in its early stages.
“A 6-year old boy knocked on my door with a jar full of coins,” Cessna said. “He asked if he could run. That very spirit has been at the core of the race for five decades.”
George remembers the funny and heartwarming story of a couple from Pittsburgh who drove into town to run the race.
“Somewhere in the middle of the race a stray dog started following the couple all the way to the finish line,” George said. “They actually adopted the dog and lived with it for the next 13 years.”