Participants brave cold in first ‘Run for Wayne’

Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Lisa Burlsion, wife of the late Wayne Burlison, welcomes runners and walkers to the first “Run for Wayne,” which started at 12:01 p.m. today on Clarendon Road by the elementary school, where Mr. Burlison was a music teacher for 12 years.

Lisa’s and Wayne’s son Adam holds balloons, which he released to start the race.

Mrs. Burlison thanked the community for their support, and for attending the event today.

“I am so grateful for your help in carrying on Wayne’s legacy,” she said.

Brian Krieger, executive director of the Albion Running Club, helped organize the first “Run for Wayne” today in memory of Burlison, one of the founders of the Running Club. Burlison was 36 when he died from colon cancer on March 26, 2014.

Krieger and Burlison were close friends and running partners.

There were about 125 people who ran a 3.17-mile course or walked a mile. These runners are along Route 31, headed east to Mount Albion Cemetery.

These volunteers, members of the youth group at Albion Free Methodist Church, hand out water and Gatorade at the 1-mile mark. The group includes Tess Pettit, Trinity Allen, Zachary Moore and Caleb Pettit.

Alyce Miller, left, and Sarah Graham, cheer the runners on in Mount Albion. The two were in the elementary band with Burlison as their teacher.

Runners passed by Wayne Burlison’s gravesite at Mount Albion Cemetery.

Burlison lived 3 months and 17 days after his diagnosis of Stage 4 colon cancer. That’s why the course was 3.17 miles.

Burlison played in many community bands, including the Mark Time Marchers.

“Run for Wayne” started at 12:01 in recognition of Hebrews 12:1 as one of Burlison’s favorite Bible verses.

Randy LeBaron, pastor of the Albion Free Methodist Church where Burlison was a member and participant in the praise band, completed the 3.17 miles today. LeBaron ran a half marathon in September 2011 with Burlison.

Mike Thaine, the high school band director in Albion, hands a medal to Pat Crowley after she crossed the finish line. Burlison was assistant director for the marching band.

Stephany Austin of Albion finishes the “Run for Wayne” with sisters, Michkayla and Riley Eaton.

Proceeds from the race will be directed to a scholarship to be given out in Burlison’s memory to a graduating Albion senior.

The Running Club plans to make the “Run for Wayne” an annual event in late March.