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While it started small 16 years ago to honor two Walpole natives, the USATF-certified Camy 5K Run and David 5K Walk has grown to become much more - a celebration, a competitive race, a fundraiser for local charities, and a place for reunions and gatherings.
“It always amazes me not only how much this has grown, but also what it’s become,” said race director Paul Clerici, who founded the event to honor his grandfather, Camilio “Camy” Clerici, and brother, David Clerici, who both died in 2000. “We wanted to honor their lives; raise money for Dana-Farber, Brigham & Women’s, and Norwood Hospital; and have a good event where people of all ages can come out and enjoy the day and the camaraderie. And it’s great to see people get together and have fun and enjoy the day.”
Held annually at the Walpole Italian-American Club, 109 Stone St., this year’s race on Sat., November 12, will be dedicated to Frank Clerici Sr., the race director’s father who passed away this year from Parkinson’s disease.
“He loved this race,” said his son. “And he always said it was never too late to get in shape and be active or to run or walk. After he had a heart attack years ago, I got him into running to get stronger and healthier. At the time, I was running a lot of races and the Boston Marathon every year and he liked the running community where he’d cheer me on at races. He eventually ran the Falmouth Road Race twice, a few half-marathons, and other races. He won age-group awards and did pretty well. He was very proud of that.”
He ran the Camy 5K Run every year until he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and then walked the David 5K Walk as far as he could each year.
“He never gave up,” his son said. “The last few years, he walked with a cane with my brother Frankie and with friends and I-A Club members. He thought it was important to be part of something bigger than yourself, like doing something to raise money for others. And he cherished spending time with family and friends, no matter where it was or who he was with. It was the time that was important, not necessarily the place.”
Race day beings with registration from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. The Rosina Fun Run of 50 yards for kids is at 9:30 a.m. (which is free), and is followed by the David 5K Walk at 9:50 a.m. and the Camy 5K Run at 10 a.m. There are also raffles, food, and trophies and awards.
“It’s held at a great time of the year, too,” said the race director. “It’s after Halloween and before Thanksgiving and the holiday shopping season. And despite having over six inches of snow in 2004 and when we had over two inches of wind-swept rain from Hurricane Ida in 2009, the weather on race day’s usually pretty nice. Knock on wood!”
The current records for the 3.1-mile course are held by Robert Allen of Rhode Island, who set it last year in 15:23, and Walpole’s own Mimi Fallon, a three-time winner who ran 18:33 in 2006.
For more information, email [email protected] or call (508-668-2249).
