Race Participants Inspire Others to Overcome Challenges

KITTERY, ME - Since the Kittery Fire Association 5k began 10 years ago, thousands of individuals have triumphantly crossed the finish line. In that time, the race has widely become a fan-favorite - but among this year's nearly 400 participants, it holds a special spot in the hearts of two athletes.

For Woburn, MA, resident Nick Michienzi, the Kittery Fire 5K isn’t about the fastest time - but a journey hard-fought. As a competitive runner in high school and college, he looked forward to the Kittery 5K each year in his family’s adopted state where they spend their summers. In 2006, Nick ran the very first Kittery Road Race, placing 2nd overall.

“It’s a competitive race that’s fun to do,” said Michienzi in a press statement. “The people are friendly. It’s family-like and fun. The people - they keep me coming back every year.”

But a broken leg in 2011 almost ended any hope that Michienzi would return to the Kittery 5K. A startling diagnosis of giant cell tumor of the leg put his favorite pastime in jeopardy. The first surgery left him positive he’d run again, but after a third surgery, it became clear running would no longer be possible. Still, he insisted on attending the race in 2013, cheering on other athletes as he leaned on crutches along the race course.

That day, Michiezni most likely cheered on Peter Bresciano of Portsmouth, who first became interested in running while stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in the 1960s. While enlisted, he was tasked with organizing an exercise program and quickly became hooked. After being transferred to Germany his interest continued to grow, traveling to various local towns that held a “People’s Walk” every weekend. For the three years he was stationed in Germany, he and a friend chose to run the festival-like events each weekend.

Bresciano continued to run five to six times a week at Pease Air Force Base when he was transferred back to the U.S., but his running career soon took a toll on his knees. Eventually, Bresciano gave up the sport and moved on to baseball. He participated in men’s leagues for ten years, moving up through the ranks, eventually becoming the player/coach/commissioner of the Seacoast Adult Baseball League.

At the age of 65, having retired from baseball, Bresciano faced a new and difficult challenge - becoming his wife’s full time caregiver after she suffered a stroke. He has remained committed to her care, providing round-the-clock comfort in the years since, even after years of sports required him to undergo a double hip replacement in 2009.

“In 2011, I decided I was going to start walking,” said Bresciano. “Being a runner and into athletics all my life I needed to do something and walking seemed to fit the bill, starting out slowly and then building up the distance. You get to my age and you look at what you can do to stay in shape and not hurt yourself,” he says laughing.

His first race was the Kittery Fire Association 5K, completing it as a walker in 41 minutes.

“It’s an enjoyable race,” he said. “The food is phenomenal. And the people are really friendly. I can be back home in an hour and a half, which is good where my wife is concerned.”

Bresciano enjoys competing with local race walkers at different events throughout the year and is always trying to beat his own best time at each race. But, he also finds walking to be therapeutic.

“Being a caregiver is very stressful,” he said. “If it gets to be too much, I’ll take a walk and after three miles, feel refreshed. It clears my mind as it did when I was running. Once you get into your ‘zone,’ your mind seems to clear itself out.”

Michienzi felt the same way about running before his diagnosis.

“Running is relaxing,” he said. “It helped me to be calm. It was my outlet. It was the thing I did if I had a bad day. It’s what I did if I had a good day.”

Physical therapy has allowed Michienzi to return to the race he loves as a walker, something that means a lot to his mother, Judy.

“Running was everything to him,” she said. “Seeing him walk the race each year is like seeing him take his first steps again.”

Michienzi’s commitment and challenging road to recovery didn’t go unnoticed. In 2011, the race organizers recognized him with a Heroes Award.

“It was a humbling, cool experience. Here are these people that risk their lives every day and my story inspired them.”

Each year, proceeds from the road race help support the Kittery Fire Association and the community. It provides an annual scholarship to a Traip Academy student and allows the fire department to purchase needed equipment such as a thermal imager, uniforms, and training gear. Race funds are even helping to support a future firefighter memorial for the town. But race director Dan Hale admits the annual event has had an impact he never expected.

“It’s brought our extended community together in so many ways,” he says. “The stories of participants like Nick and Peter have really had an impact on our firefighters. We are honored to serve our community, whether it’s keeping residents safe or supporting them through challenges.”

The community is invited to cheer on the participants in 10th Annual Kittery Fire Association 5K this Sunday, May 22, 2016.

For more information, visit kittery5k.com.

Submitted by Tiffany Nelson.