Jeff Coombs Memorial Foundation 5K Race

The Jeff Coombs Memorial Foundation is hosting its 10th Annual Memorial Road Race, Walk and Family Day on Sunday, Sept. 18, in Abington.  Held this year on what would have been Jeff’s 53rd birthday, the event is in memory of the Abington husband and father of three - and Dedham native - who was killed in the Sept. 11, 2011 terrorist attacks.

Much more than just a 5K road race, the event has become one of the largest and most highly-anticipated community events in Abington, attracting more than 1,000 people annually from all over Massachusetts and beyond.   Occuring just one week after the 10th anniversary of 9/11, this year’s event will honor the nearly 3,000 victims killed in the attacks, and more specifically the 206 with ties to Massachusetts. 

The event will feature a variety of children’s activities, including face painting, balloons, clowns, caricature artists, and a children’s run at 8:30 a.m. 

There will also be an assortment of complimentary food ranging from hotdogs, to chile, pizza, icecream and snacks. It will also feature a DJ, demonstrations, Crazzy Critters (reptiles) over 100 raffle prizes, and more. 

The top three runners will receive medals in a number of categories, including a stroller division.

Registration is $17 for adults, $12 for students 12-18, and $5 for children.  After August 31, the registration fee increases to $20 for adults, $15 for students and $8 for children. Those received by August 31 will be guaranteed a T-shirt. 

Registration can be done by mail or online at www.coolrunning.com or www.active.com. Download an application at www.jeffcoombsfund.org

Acknowledging 9/11 as a newly-designated National Day of Service and Remembrance, attendees to the event are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for the Abington/St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry.  Anyone who does will receive a raffle ticket for a special prize.

The event at the Woodsdale School on Chestnut Street in Abington begins at 8:30 a.m. with the children's race followed by opening ceremony.

Same day registration begins at 7:30 a.m. For more information, call Christie at 781/982-1608 or go to www.jeffcoombsfund.org.