Runners Sprinted to 10th Annual "Frank's Run"

Spring-Ford High School swarmed Saturday morning with hundreds of smiling athletes of all ages who were there to participate in the tenth annual "Frank's Run," which benefitted the American Brain Tumor Association in memory of former Spring-Ford track standout Francis X. Colden III, who died of a brain tumor in 2001 at the age of 19.

About 300 volunteers worked to help ensure that more than 250 runners could race to the finish line. Participants ranged in age from 9 to 60, all with the goal of raising awareness and an estimated $10,000 for cancer research.

Seventeen year old Royersford native Jesse Magolon finished in first place with a time of 16:36, Jesse, a junior at Spring-Ford High School, runs for the varsity track and field team. Colden said his time may be a record for the "Frank's Run" event.

A few minutes behind Jesse was the women's first place finisher. Heather Giovagnoli, 20, of Royersford, finished with a time of 20:01.

Frank's parents, Judy and Frank Colden, were both "overwhelmed" by the amount of support and the turnout at this year's event.  Awards were given out to the top racers in various age groups, but there was an overall sense of accomplishment among participants for making it to the finish and helping support the cause.  Judy Colden expressed her gratitude for local sponsorships and pleasure with the growing turnout at the race each year.

A fellowship that is dedicated to the research of brain tumors has been created in Frank's memory at Weill Cornell Medical College, the medical school of Cornell University. Additionally, the Francis X. Colden III Memorial Scholarship Fund is awarded each year to a member of the Spring-Ford track and field team.

Complete race results are available here. More information about "Frank's Fund" can be found by going to www.FranksFund.com.

Enjoy Patch's photo gallery of the tenth annual "Frank's Run."