Brain Injury Association hosts annual road race

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Although a swift breeze created some chilling temperatures Sunday at Goddard Memorial State Park in Warwick, the Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island’s annual 5K Road Race and 2-Mile Run produced some heart-warming results.

“This was really exciting,” said Elizabeth Connallon, the non-profit’s program director. “It was our biggest turnout ever.”

A total of 98 runners and 205 walkers combined their efforts and raised a total of $1,336 that will be used at the Brain Association’s Resource Center.

Connallon said, “Our primary use [for the money raised Sunday] will help provide survivors of brain injuries, caretakers and even professionals with up-to-date materials.”

While Alex Delomg, 15, of Team Rainville Tae Kwon Do won the 3.1-mile road race with a time of 19 minutes, 32 seconds, Stephanie Sarvia, 34, a member of the Brain Injury Association, took top honors for women in 22 minutes, 2 seconds. Mark Doorley, 45, was the male runner-up with a time of 19 minutes, 47 seconds, and Lynne DelVecchio, 39, of Team Tori took second among women with a time of 24 minutes, 15 seconds.

Top individual fundraising honors went to Alicia Gannon, who raised $320. Team neuroRestor took second-place honors with $260, which Connallon said might increase once all donation pledges are received.

“Everything went well,” Connallon said. “Everybody was really pleased, and we’re already looking forward to next year when we hope to have a much bigger and better event.”

There were many success stories during Sunday’s wind-blown run and walk, including that of a group of 35 volunteers from the National Honor Society Chapter at Johnston High School.

“The Johnston High students were really a wonderful help,” Connallon said. “Even though it was early in the morning, the students were really cheerful and they did everything we asked them to do.”

Connallon then heaped words of praise upon Karen Shewcov, the office administrator at Johnston High, for her help in coordinating the girls and boys from the National Honor Society prior to and even during Sunday’s successful event.

“The students really made a big difference,” Connallon said, while also praising Renee Paquette, who was in charge of the run and walk. “We’re excited about today’s results and are already talking about next year.”

The Brain Association of Rhode Island is a non-profit organization whose mission is to prevent brain injury and to enhance the lives of those affected. For more information, call 228-3319 or visit www.biasusa.org/ri.

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