Burlison memorial race will include half marathon in Albion on March 25 for first time

File photo: The late Wayne Burlison competes in a long distance race. He completed a marathon and also several half marathons.

ALBION – The organizers of the Wayne Burlison Colon Cancer Awareness 5K announced that next year’s event will also include an option for a half marathon on March 25.

Bert Galloman of Wolfpack Multisport sent an email previous participants on Sunday, informing them that there will be a 13.1-mile option on March 25. Galloman said he wanted to include the half marathon, a distance conquered several times by Burlison, a former Albion elementary school band teacher who passed away at age 36 from colon cancer on March 26, 2014.

Burlison promoted fitness in the community through a Run for God program that took people from the couch to a 5K in less than three months. He lost more than 150 pounds through exercise and better nutrition.

“This was one of Wayne’s favorite race distances and we have been trying to find a way to make this happen and 2023 was finally the right time!” Galloman said in his email. “There will be a limited number of spots for the half marathon for the first year, so don’t miss out on this inaugural event.”

The course map will be released in early December, Galloman said. The 5k course starts on Clarendon Road near the elementary school and goes east on Route 31 to Mount Albion Cemetery. After running in the cemetery, participants come back out on 31 and head back to the elementary school parking lot.

About 75 to 125 runners (and some walkers) typically participate in the Burlison 5K.

Some of the proceeds from the event on March 25 will support a scholarship in Burlison’s name. Some of the money raised from previous races supported a new walking trail at Bullard Park.

“Come join us and break up the cabin fever we all get during the long winter months and let’s have some fun!” Galloman said in a message to runners.

Click here for more on the Burlison run.