Every Labor Day, over 5,000 runners and 10,000 spectators fill the streets of New Haven for one of Connecticut’s most beloved events. At the heart of it all is John Bysiewicz, race director of the Faxon Law New Haven Road Races since 1989 and founder of JB Sports, the company behind over 20 more races and 30,000 participants annually.

In this heartfelt episode of the Project Purple Podcast, host Dino Verrelli sits down with John to talk about how the New Haven Road Race has grown from a local favorite to a nationally recognized event. From neighborhood routes and live music to Olympic-caliber athletes and college scholarships, the race has always been about more than just running; it’s about giving back.

John also opens up about his dear friend Mark Gilhuly, the longtime race announcer for the event. Known as “Mr. Happy,” John goes into detail about the type of person Mark was and how he brought joy and connection to every runner who crossed the finish line. Memories are shared of Mark’s optimism during his Stage 4 diagnosis, and how the race continues to honor his legacy.

In a full-circle moment, Project Purple has been named a signature charity of the race, and John shares how proud he is that his daughter, Sophie, is running the New York City Marathon with Project Purple in Mark’s honor.

This episode is about more than talking about the race where Project Purple got its start 15 years ago; it’s about honoring a legacy, building community, and making each step count.

Want to run for a reason or cheer on an unforgettable day in New Haven? Learn more and register here: https://www.projectpurple.org/events/new-haven-road-races/

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