12th annual Brian Nasi Memorial to be held

By LARRY HOLCOMBE

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Hurley - The Hurley Lioness will host the 12th annual Brian Nasi Memorial Heart Walk-Run Saturday morning.

From the beginning, organizers have claimed the event is a great opportunity for everyone to get out and enjoy the outdoors, but most importantly, to exercise their heart and stay healthy and strong.

"It's all about healthy living," said co-race director and Lioness member Ricky Kelly. "We're trying to promote running in youth, so they start young and carry it into their teens and adult years."

Brian Nasi died of a heart attack on April 4, 2004, and his widow, Ginger Nasi, wanted to get people up and moving. "We wanted to remind people how important is it to keep up with their health," she said.

With the help of family and friends she organized a fun run in May of 2006. It's been a staple of Mother's Day weekend ever since.

In 2015, the Hurley Lioness took over organizing the event. As a Lioness, Ginger Nasi is still very involved.

The event offers two courses - 5-kilometer and 1-mile - starting and ending at the Hurley K-12 School.

"We have a 12-and-under category for the 1-mile," said Kelly. "Again, we want to get kids and families involved and moving."

Race day registration begins 8 a.m. The race starts at 9, but not until after the annual balloon launch.

Each year, participants can buy a red balloon in honor or memory of someone. Some will write the name of this person on their balloon. Just before the race the bright red balloons are let go.

Volunteers are a big part of the event, according to Kelly. Besides the 30-some Lioness members, the Hurley High School National Honor Society will be on hand. "We certainly couldn't do it without them."

Besides raising general heart-health awareness, the race has raised money over the years that has been put back into the community to help people stay healthy, said co-race director and Lioness Gerry Traczyk.

"We want to make people aware of healthy living options," said Traczyk. "Early on, Ginger gave money to the Cary Road Park trail, defibrillators for the Hurley School and gave money for exercise equipment for Highline's clients."

Now, the proceeds help the Lioness in its efforts to help meet the club's goals of helping improve women's and children's health, said Kelly.

The Lioness also organize the annual Paavo Nurmi Marathon each August.

"We give back to the community through the funds we raise through these two races," said Traczyk, adding they spent approximately $7,000 last year to help the community. "We use the proceeds to fund community efforts to improve children and adults to live healthier lives."