Tenth annual 5K benefits veterans and their families

By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer

Shrewsbury – Over 200 runners and walkers participated in the 10^th annual Veterans Memorial 5K Road Race/Walk held Nov. 9, beginning and ending at Veterans Inc. Independence Hall. Fausto Benavides of Shrewsbury finished first overall in 18:05. Haley Collins of Shrewsbury was the first-place female in 20:58. Recognized as the oldest veteran finisher was Jim Brehio of Templeton, 65, in 21:45.

Prior to the race, a Salute to Veterans was observed with the colors presented by the Junior Reserve Officer Corps Color Guard of Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School in Marlborough. Speakers included Vincent Perrone, president and CEO of Veterans Inc.; Denis Leary, vice president and executive director; state Sen. Michael Moore, D-Millbury; and state Rep. Matt Beaton, R-Shrewsbury.

Children up to age 6 were invited to run a 200-yard race. The entry fee was nonperishable goods for the upcoming Veterans Inc. Holiday Harvest Food Pantry.

Proceeds from the race go to Veterans Inc., the largest provider of services to veterans and their families in New England. For information about the nonprofit organization, visit veteransinc.org.

(Photos/Ed Karvoski Jr. except where noted)