Runners brave downpour for annual Burlison Colon Cancer Awareness 5K in Albion

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – These runners make a final push towards the finish line in today’s Wayne A. Burlison Colon Cancer Awareness Run in Albion. From left include Micah Martin of Albion, Mark Basile of Williamsville, Mickalene Cross of Forestville and her nephew Nathan Cross of Silver Creek.

The race started on Clarendon Road near the elementary school, went down Route 31 to Mount Albion Cemetery for a loop and then came back on 31 with the participants finishing in the parking lot of the elementary school.

About 50 people completed the 3.17 mile course in heavy rain. The top three finishers in age groups received one of these coasters with a saxophone player. There were also medals and mugs with a similar likeness.

The event is in memory of an Albion elementary music teacher who passed away at age 36 from colon cancer on March 26, 2014.

Burlison’s wife Lisa and son Adam attended today’s event in Albion.

Lindon Morici of Albion was the first female with a time of 22:02 and Rodney Egli of Newark was the fastest male at 20:38. The course is slightly longer than a 5K at 3.17 miles.

The race is organized by Bert Gallmon of Wolfpack Multisport, which also manages the Albion Strawberry Festival 5K and 8K on June 10.

Gallmon wanted to add a half marathon to today’s Burlison event. He is hoping the half marathon will debut for the race next March.