By Julia Beauregard
Hometown Weekly Editor
On Sunday, September 10th, the annual Jog Your Memory 5K occurred in Needham. This yearly event, established in 2014 by Jess Rice and her husband Bob, has since expanded its board to include eight dedicated members, all committed to the fight against Alzheimer's disease. This non-profit organization conducts an annual 5K race and walk in Needham, aiming to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer's research and provide support for caregivers. To date, they have raised more than $1.27 million. Over the past eight years, 80% of the funds have been allocated to research, while the remaining 20% has been designated for the Caregiver Grant, a reserve to assist those caring for loved ones in need of additional support.
The 2023 Jog Your Memory 5K run and 1.5-mile walk for Alzheimer's offered participants flexible options, including both in-person and virtual participation. The 10th Annual race was held in person at the Mitchell School in Needham. The participants arrived early, eager to begin this awaited community tradition.
Participants encompassed a wide range of ages and abilities, from those new to 5K runs to elite athletes. The event not only encouraged physical activity but also contributed to a highly deserving cause.
Medals were presented to participants who completed the in-person 5K, with top finishers recognized in the following categories:
- Top Female Overall: Claire Palmer of Ellington, Connecticut.
- Top Male Overall: Edward Harvey of Roslindale, Massachusetts.
Top Female and Male by Age Group:
-Ages 5-7: L. Majors of Needham, Massachusetts, and O. Mackoff of Needham.
- Ages 8-10: I. Owen of Dover, Massachusetts, and M. McGann of Upton, Massachusetts.
- Ages 11-14: Ellie Bookston of Needham Heights, Massachusetts, and Jack McDonnell of Needham, Massachusetts.
- Ages 15-19: Delia Rauch of Needham, Massachusetts, and Oaskar Ruser of Middletown, Connecticut.
- Ages 20-29: Parker Kirstein of Needham, Massachusetts, and Christina Cange of Norwood, Massachusetts.
- Ages 30-39: Jeff Okerman of Needham, Massachusetts, and Maggie Taverna of Woburn, Massachusetts.
- Ages 40-49: Christopher Larson of Needham, Massachusetts, and Sara Steinberg of Needham, Massachusetts.
- Ages 50-59: Josh Stewart of Orleans, Massachusetts, and Jennifer Rutley of Needham, Massachusetts.
- Ages 60-69: Ed Anderson of Needham, Massachusetts, and Gayle Lutchen of Newton Center, Massachusetts.
- Ages 70-79: Jeff Winokur of Needham, Massachusetts, and Nancy Kendrick of Andover, Massachusetts.
- Ages 80+: Irma Walat of Brockton, Massachusetts, and Anthony Cellucci of Needham Heights, Massachusetts.
In attendance was a team of Hebrew SeniorLife’s NewBridge on the Charles residents, employees, and family members ran and walked in the 10th annual race.
Hebrew SeniorLife is proud to sponsor the 5K road race and 1.5 mile walk, which raises money for the Cure Alzheimer's Fund and the Dick Caley Caregiver Fund for local families facing this disease.
Congratulations to all the participants in this charitable event!
