What better way to work off today's big Thanksgiving dinner than running for a good cause tomorrow? Last year around 1,200 runners from across New England did just that.
The second annual Gabe's Run, held in memory of former Hamilton-Wenham track star Gabe Pacione, who died tragically in an automobile accident just days before heading off to Dartmouth College two years ago, takes place tomorrow at Patton Park in Hamilton beginning at 10 a.m.
We've made some changes in the race this year," said Gabe's father, Jeff Pacione, "and hope it will be bigger and better than last year's."
Pacione's family and friends organized this event to start a scholarship fund in his name; last year, they presented two $5,000 scholarships to outstanding high school seniors to help with college tuition costs.
The race will be run on the Generals cross country course, a full 5k trail (3.1 miles) that winds through trees and open fields. It's a new course, longer than last year's 2.8 miles. Jeff and Sharon Pacione along with their children Justin and Claire (a freshman runner for the Generals) are very involved in every aspect of the event.
"The whole community is definitely behind this race, and we have so many volunteers helping out because they want to be part of this event. Registrations have been coming in at a good rate," said veteran H-W cross country and track coach Steve Sawyer, who coached Gabe throughout his high school career.
"The team competition is a great addition, and the scholarships are terrific — $5,000 is a significant amount. This is such a great way to build up the money in the fund, and it's something we want to keep going every year. It's nice to see entire families making this a day after Thanksgiving tradition."
One of the biggest changes to this year's event is the addition of teams consisting of at least five runners competing for the Team XC Cup Challenge; more than 30 groups are expected to participate today. Awards will be given to the first three finishers and by age groups along with the team and community cups.
"This is something we would like to see grow in the coming years," said Jeff Pacione. "We have a wide range of teams, with some community groups of high school and middle school cross country teams along with neighborhood friends, businesses, and alumni. Beverly High, Hamilton-Wenham, Waring School and Dartmouth College have all registered teams."
Gloucester's Pete Asaro ran in the inaugural event. When he found out there would be team competition this year the William & Mary track standout got a bunch of friends together for the Monkey Jars entry.
"Whenever I went to the big high school meets, I ran into the same people," said Asaro. "I got to know Gabe, and he was a great kid. The thing I remember most is he always asked about your race first, and talked about himself last. He was really interested in finding out all about you.
"I really enjoyed the race last year, and asked a few kids if they wanted to make a team. We have three from Gloucester, and the rest are from other places in the state."
One of the sponsors of the race is Emerging Elites, a program Gabe was training with at the time of his death. Head coach Fred Treseler brought several assistant coaches and several of his talented athletes to honor Gabe's memory last year, and is coming with an Emerging Elites team.
"Gabe's passing deeply affected everybody in our program," said Treseler, who has coached for 35 years. "His spirit and enthusiasm for the sport and life itself was exceptional. He was one of our top athletes, a real star, but took an interest in everybody else. We had a little 14-year old girl new to the program, and he walked right up to her and made her feel welcome. Everybody was his friend because he was so genuine.
"We are honored be a sponsor, and this is a wonderful way to celebrate his life. Last year some of our athletes were running Foot Locker in New York the next day, but they didn't want to miss Gabe's Run so they wound up doing both. He was truly a special person."
The Gabriel Pacione Memorial Scholarship goes to a Hamilton-Wenham senior for academic, artistic, or athletic success complemented by energy and passion with which they encourage others was awarded Nick Petrou, who now attends the University of Maryland.
Also, the Gabriel Pacione Cape Ann League Scholarship is presented to a CAL senior cross country/track and field standout who leads by example. Gabe's former Generals' teammate Emily Lanois (now running for Columbia University) was the first recipient.
Both selections were unanimous.
"For the CAL scholarship each school selects one candidate, and we honored the 10 students nominated at the outdoor track and field championships (this past spring)," said Jeff Pacione. "We were blown away by their achievements, and it was a tough job for our committee of educators to select just one."
Gabe, a multi-time Salem News Runner Of The Year, touched so many people not only in his home town but throughout the state with his bright smile and gregarious personality as well as his tremendous talent as a three-season track champion. Doing Gabe's Run is the perfect way to honor his memory.
IF YOU GO
What: 2nd annual Gabe's Run
When: Tomorrow at 10 a.m.
Course: 5K cross country race and one-mile family fun run
Starts and ends: Patton Park in Hamilton
Benefits: Gabriel Pacione Memorial Scholarship Fund
