Natick Runs in Annual Framingham Police Chase

Sponsored by the Framingham Police Association, more than 250 official and unofficial runners and walkers participated Saturday morning in the 5th Annual FPA/PanCAN 5K road race.

The Police Association is a non-profit organization that provides high school scholarships and funds wellness programs for the Framingham Police.  PanCAN is a nationwide nonprofit organization for pancreatic cancer patients and their families. They also do research on pancreatic cancer.

Held at , yesterday's race was 5th Annual Police Chase race.

First held in June 2007, the event initially raised money for for the police department's wellness program. But when one of the police department's officers had a family member diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, the Framingham Police Association chose to donate a majority of the proceeds to PanCAN, said Framingham Police Lt. Blaise Tersoni.

Lt. Tersoni, Lt. Bob Downing and detective Stacey Macaudda are the organizers of the race.

There was a $100 cash prize for the top male and female finished. 

Andrew Gardiner of Wellesley won the race in 15 minutes and 51 seconds. The top female finisher Karolyn Welch of Framingham completed the race in 22 minutes and 42 seconds.

For a complete list of all official finishers with times see our photo slideshow. They are the last photos posted.

Trophies were awarded to the top male and female finisher in each categories: 10 and under, 11-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 65+. Trophies were also awarded to the top male and female law enforcement finishers.

Before the official race, a group of kids had a fun run led by two police officers on motorcycles. During the event a DJ played music, Framingham Patch passed out water bottles, and friends hung out and cheered on the racers and walkers.

Sponsors for the event included TJX Corp., Engineering, Planning and Management Inc., Adesa Boston, Framingham Co-operative bank, SSC Financial LLC and Poland Spring.