5K race went on today in Albion despite Route 31 being off limits
About 75 participate in Wayne Burlison Colon Cancer Awareness 5K
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Runners gather at the start line in front of a new inflatable resembling a colon this morning in the parking lot at the Albion Elementary School.
There were 56 finishers in the race, and several others who walked part of the 3.3-mile distance.
Photos by Marsha Rivers: Alex Zirkelbach of Olney, Maryland is out in front in today’s
Wayne Burlison Colon Cancer Awareness 5K in Albion. Alex won the race in a time of 19:45.
Jody Lynn Musolino of North Tonawanda was the first female, crossing the finish line in a time of 23:36.
The course was changed from the usual route along Route 31, from the elementary school to Mount Albion Cemetery and back after heavy snowfall last night.
The state Department of Transportation deemed the shoulders of 31 off limits after the snowfall.
Race organizer Bert Gallmon of Wolfpack Multisports considered cancelling the race, but Albion school officials agreed to be out early and have the parking lots and walkways plowed.
The course ended up being three loops of 1.1-mile each in the elementary and high schools.
The Cayea brothers of Medina take off fast at the start of the race. Arian Cayea, second from left, was second overall in 19:46 and his brother Aeddon, left, was sixth overall in 22:35.
The course was longer than a typical 5K by about 0.2 mile.
Photos by Tom Rivers: A runner heads to the finish line, the inflatable of a colon. Wolfpack Multisports recently acquired the inflatable for the Burlison 5K, which is in memory of an Albion elementary music teacher who passed away at age 36 from colon cancer on March 26, 2014.
Wayne’s wife Lisa and son Adam attended the event today.
Race organizer Bert Gallmon of Wolfpack Multisport encourages people to get checked for colon cancer, starting at 45.
March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.
Colon cancer occurs when cells in the colon or rectum grow uncontrollably. Abnormal growths, known as polyps, can occasionally develop and certain polyps may eventually develop into cancer. Polyps can be found by screening tests and be removed before they become cancerous. Colon cancer is preventable, with the proper screening and education.
Some of the risk factors for colorectal cancer include:
- Inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
- A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps
- Lifestyle factors that include overweight and obesity; not being physically active; certain types of diets such as a diet low in fruit and vegetables, a low-fiber and high-fat diet, and a diet high in processed meats; tobacco use; and alcohol use
Colorectal cancer may not cause symptoms right away and some people have no symptoms. Some of the symptoms may include:
- A change in bowel habits
- Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement)
- Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way
- Discomfort in the stomach area such as cramps, gas, or pain that do not go away
- Unintended weight loss
- Weakness and fatigue
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 90% of people whose colorectal cancers are found early, diagnosed and treated appropriately are still alive five years later.
