Ad

The BHS "Italian Mile" Tradition Offers Unique Challenge

By Trina Runner on June 06, 2019 via Connect-Bridgeport.com

In recent years, members of the Bridgeport High School Track Team and Cross-Country Team has ended their season with an unusual tradition.  After being told to load up on carbs for energy throughout the season, they take it rather literally for their last race, known as “The Italian Mile.” 
 
The event was originally organized in 2017 by Caroline Ferrell and Jenna Soltesz as a fun way to celebrate the end of the year.  When Emma Campbell took the reins this year, she added another facet to the race by pledging all proceeds to the Special Olympics.  The organization is dedicated to providing year-round sports training and competitions for people with intellectual disabilities.
 
Those willing to take the challenge alternated between quickly eating a bowl of pasta and immediately running a lap, often gagging and getting paler with each step.  Runners did four laps with four bowls of pasta, with the fastest tine being 6:12. There have been racers in the past who have, shall we say, lost their lunch, but this year everyone kept the pasta down. 
 
Nearly twenty runners participated in this year’s event, held at 5:00p.m. on Wednesday, May 22 at the Wayne Jamison Field.  Well over $100 was raised for Special Olympics and all leftover spaghetti was donated to The Change Initiative, a local non-profit who feeds the homeless. 
 
The overall race winner, as well as first place male, was Nathaniel Lutyens, the BHS Assistant Cross Country and Track Coach.  First place female in the Italian Mile was Juliet Hart.  Besides bragging rights, each was awarded with a pack of mint gum and a one-of-a-kind hat made of spaghetti.
 
Editor's Note: Photos by Lilah Kimble.


Connect Bridgeport
© 2024 Connect-Bridgeport.com