Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
RUNNERS TAKE off during the 2012 Brian Nasi Memorial Heart Run/Walk in Hurley. This year's event is Saturday, starting at 9 a.m. at the Hurley K-12 School.
HURLEY - Local residents will tie up their shoes for the ninth annual Brian Nasi Memorial Heart Run/Walk Saturday in Hurley.
The event starts at 9 a.m. at the Hurley K-12 School and features a 5-kilometer walk-run, one mile walk-run and a mile walk-run for children under 12.
According to Gerry Traczyk, a member of the Hurley Lioness, said the event is very popular.
"This is a family race, with a lot of people participating," Traczyk said. "It's one of the first races of the season, so it's a time when people come and see each other. Everyone has a lot of fun."
The race started in 2005 in honor of Brian Nasi who passed away from a heart attack at 54 years old. His wife, Ginger, has helped organize the event each year with the goal of spreading knowledge on heart disease and making the community a healthier place.
Traczyk said the Lioness club has volunteered each year.
Some years weather has not cooperated, but organizers said the event still attracts good numbers, averaging about 250 people.
"This is not your typical race," Traczyk said. "You have a lot kids and senior citizens participating. It's all ages and all athletic abilities. It's truly a community race."
Registration is 8 a.m. at the Hurley School, with a balloon release right before the start of the race. Participants can purchase balloons in honor or in memory of others.
After the event, many awards are handed out. Each child participant receives a ribbon and prizes.
The event is also part of the "Run the Range" series, featuring races across the area.
"About half of the people register Saturday morning," Traczyk said. "Many wait to see how the weather is going to be. It's such a great event, and in the past, the proceeds have been used to fund activities and projects to help people live better, healthier lives.
"Some of the funds have gone to the Carey Road walking track, purchasing defibrillators at the Hurley School, the cross county ski program at the Hurley School and to Aspirus Grand View for a variety of heart-related activities or equipment."
For more information, visit eronasi.com or the Hurley Area Chamber of Commerce office.
