Race to benefit fund in memory of Minnechaug track coach's brother |
|
|
| |
|
Jonathan Jonno Gray Reminder Publications submitted photo
|
July 4, 2012
By Chris Maza
chrism@thereminder.com
HOLYOKE — It has been approximately six months since Jonathan "Jonno" Gray unexpectedly passed away, yet the man who so many said was always willing to lend a helping hand is still doing so.
The memory of Gray has been the inspiration for a fund in his honor, which has done its part to support programs in the community he called home. In support of this fund, the Jonno Gray 5k run-walk will take place on July 7 at 4 p.m.
Gray, who played football, ran track and was a talented musician at Holyoke High School, from which he graduated in 2011, and was a freshman member of the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass) crew team, died suddenly on Jan. 5 while working out in his family's home.
"The race supports the Jonathan 'Jonno' Gray Memorial Fund, which raises awareness about sudden cardiac death and supports local youth," race organizer Mackenzie Gray, who is also the Minnechaug Regional High School girls track and field and cross country coach, said.
Ashley Reservoir will serve as the locale for the event with the Elks acting as a base of operations and gathering spot for post-race festivities.
"It will start at the Ashley Reservoir's entrance near the Elks and runs a circle around the larger part of the reservoir," Gray said. "The Elks is in our backyard and makes running a race tremendously easy because you don't have to worry about streets and police and so forth, but on top of that, it's a fantastically beautiful place to host an event."
In addition to the race, there will be a barbeque, raffles, live music and a disc jockey.
The race also picks up the torch left by the John J. Philpott Summerfest Cross County Race, which was run for the final time in June 2011.
"That race was in honor of a former [Holyoke High School] student who died falling out of a tree while away at school and the race organizers said they wanted to do it for 10 years and last year was the last year," Gray said. "This race will serve as a celebration not only of Jonno's life, but of John Philpott's life as well."
He added that a race was the best way to honor Jonno, whom he described as "so dedicated" to the sports he participated in and the teammates he played with, and the money raised would go directly to helping area residents and programs.
Most recently, the fund issued $7,500 in scholarships to Holyoke youth.
"We also hope to help teams help get equipment like AEDs [automated external defibrillators]," Gray said. "We are also hoping to help out the UMass rowing team because they are not a fully funded program."
Support for the 5K has been strong, according to Gray.
"With 10 days left before the race, we have 230 people registered," he said. "We expect to get somewhere 350 to 400 runners."
Online registration will be available through July 3 with a cost of $20 at www.runreg.com/Net/3154. Registration the day of the race costs $25.
Those who cannot participate may send a donation on the aforementioned website or mail them to Mackenzie Gray at 35 Pynchon Road, Holyoke, MA 01040.
Anyone looking to volunteer at the race should email JonnoGray5K@gmail.com.
The Jonathan "Jonno" Gray Memorial Fund also has its own Facebook page, www.facebook.com/JonnoGray5k.
|
Comments From Our Readers:
|
|
|
