Kilted Mile kicks off 2018 homecoming parade

Since 1993, the annual Kilted Mile has been the unofficial start to Edinboro University’s homecoming parade. As per tradition, Edinboro community members gathered on Meadville Street to watch these runners compete and to catch the winning time. 

The Kilted Mile started at Edinboro about 25 years ago, as a way to tie the university to its Scottish heritage. The event, which was originally part of the first Highland Games and Scottish Festival, was adopted into the homecoming festivities. 

With nearly 100 people competing this year, Dave Niemira, a coordinator for the event, said that nearly 20 of the runners were children, and the rest were an even mix of men and women of various ages. This year, the race kicked off at 10:30 a.m. at the corner of Perry Lane and Darrow Road. The first place prize was $50. The “best dressed” — dawning tartan attire — also received a trophy. 

Zach Marazza, geology major and Edinboro freshman, took first place in the men’s division. He had a mile time of 5:03. This was his first time running the Kilted Mile, however, he didn’t wear a kilt. When asked why he decided to run in the race, his answer was a simple: “50 bucks.” 

This year, the winner of the women’s division was Desiree Terella, a 2010 Edinboro alumna who majored in mathematics. This was Terella’s fourth year competing in the Kilted Mile. “After college I really got into running,” she said “and this is just a fun thing to do!” She finished the race with a mile time of 5:43. 

Edinboro’s next homecoming is currently set for Oct. 12, 2019. 

Anisa Venner-Johnston can be reached at edinboro.spectator@gmail.com.

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