The Jamie Fund 5K

On August 24, 2013 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

This morning it was up to Mansfield, Massachusetts for The Jamie Fund 5K. The Jamie Fund Organization believes it is important to educate typically developing children about acceptance of the special needs children in their communities. The star of the day was Jamie, for whom the fund is named, who performed a flawless rendition of the Star Spangled Banner!

The race time temperature at 10AM was absolutely perfect with the sun shining bright and temperatures in the 70s. The race started and finished at a school so there was plenty of parking available and good room for a pre-run warmup. Special thanks to Marathon Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine for a pre-run stretching that certainly was beyond needed.

The course was a great 5K loop that was well staffed by both the Mansfield Police Department and race volunteers. There was a water stop at both Mile 1 and Mile 2 which was a nice bonus as several 5K races only opt for one water stop. The course took runners through residential side streets away from significant amounts of traffic for the most part and the trees along these residential roads provided a nice shade cover to the morning sun.

The final mile of the race was a rather noticeable uphill climb before it flattened out heading back into the finish line.

I finished The Jamie Fund 5K with a great time of 22:51 or 7:21/miles.

If you are looking for a great organization to support, please visit The Jamie Fund’s website by clicking here.

Run for Patrick and Jess

On June 5, 2013 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

On Sunday it was a quick trip to Taunton, Massachusetts to take part in the Run for Patrick and Jess. A 3.1 mile fun run where runners raced along a timed course, the race was a fundraiser for Patrick and Jessica Downes, newlyweds who were both injured in the terrorist bombings at the Boston Marathon which resulted in both of them requiring amputations. Since the bombings, Patrick and Jessica have been in separate hospitals but are now together at Spaulding Rehabilitation together.

The race took place in the Myles Standish Industrial Park and was a relatively flat 3.1 mile course with the largest inclined mixed in about half way into the run. The temperatures were quite warm hovering around 90 degrees and the sun baked down upon the runners as we made our way out onto the course. A water station was a little past the 2 mile mark along the route and volunteers directed runners at the turns. I finished the 5K with a time of 22:59 which was good for 7:25/miles.

With all of the bad that came with the Boston Marathon bombings it is comforting to see the good that can come out of such a horrific event. It was touching to see the people who flocked to a fun run to help raise money for those injured in the attack. For all that a few, rogue terrorists tried to take from us on that fateful morning the one thing that they could never take is the amazing American spirit that when knocked down shows we can pick ourselves back up again and persevere even in the worst of times. Through running, the runners on Sunday were able to raise some good funds to support Patrick and Jess and also showed how strong the running community is.

If you are interested in supporting Patrick and Jess, a donation page has been established and you can donate online by clicking here.

The Jamie Fund 5K Road Race and Walk

On May 24, 2013 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

Registration is now open for The Jamie Fund 5K Road Race & Walk. Please join The Running Griffin at this race to be held in Mansfield, Massachusetts on August 24, 2013. You can click here to register online.

The Jamie Fund Organization believes it is important to educate typically developing children about acceptance of the special needs children in their communities. They endeavor to create and maintain an infrastructure which would provide the opportunity for others to participate in our existing programs and/or develop similar initiatives meeting the criteria of our charter. Additionally, they endeavor to provide programs, tools, funds and training for effective development of these programs wherever likeminded individuals and communities need them.

The Jamie Fund was created to help make a difference, first in Mansfield and then throughout other cities and towns that face similar issues and do not know where to turn for help.

So be sure to register for The Jamie Fund 5K Road Race and Walk today and I look forward to running with you there to support this great cause!