3 Walpole Residents Run in Franklin 5K to Raise Money for Outreach Program

Three Walpole runners finished last Saturday’s Franklin 5K at Marsh & McLellan Companies to raise money for the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Reach Out for Youth and Families program.

“What a great day we had together at The Franklin 5K so no child sits on the sidelines,” the Hockomock Area YMCA said on its Facebook page.

The three Walpole residents were among 191 runners to participate in the 5K. Here’s a look at how the local runners fared in Saturday’s 5K:

• James McCarthy, 50; 70^th place; 26:44.4
• Art McCarthy, 49, 72nd place; 26:53.1
• Ellen McCarthy, 50, 131^st place; 32.15.6

David Constantino, 43, of Cumberland, R.I., finished first overall in the 5K with a time of 17:39.1. Alissa Nelson, 33, was the first woman to finish cross the finish line with a time of 19:36.8.

What began as a way to honor the life and spirit of Bob Biagiotti, a member of the Hockomock Area YMCA who passed away unexpectedly, has evolved into an event celebrating children of all abilities – through this amazing 5K race.

Since she started the event nine years ago, Kris Biagiotti has afforded local children with disabilities the opportunity to participate in programs and activities that would not have been offered otherwise.

In a fashion similar to Dick and Rick Hoyt, who were honored at the 2012 Hockomock Area YMCA Legends Ball, Kris has participated in road races pushing her daughter Kayla in a stroller modified for her disabilities. Kayla enjoys it, and Kris can give back to local charities whose events they attend, including The Franklin 5K.

Since 2005, this 5K event has raised $75,000 for the Hockomock Area YMCA Reach Out for Youth and Families financial assistance program and the YMCA’s Integration Initiative.

This Initiative at the Y began in 2004 to allow children with special needs to participate alongside their typically developing peers in social and recreational programs and activities. 

“Since its inception, the integration program has become a fabric of the Y culture,” said Ed Hurley, president of the Hockomock Area YMCA. “Anyone who walks through our doors is welcomed, no matter their ability or financial circumstance, in all of our programs and activities.”

Over 500 families have been positively impacted.  In 2012, the Y hired its first full time Association Director of Integration. As summer approaches, more children than ever will enroll in New Horizons, the Y’s fully inclusive camp setting offered in Franklin, Foxborough and North Attleboro.