14th annual memorial run Saturday in Dalton

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Proceeds from the annual Rich Dalessandro Memorial Fall race are split between the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and local recipients. The 2021 race recipient is Daniel Weese, of Smithville, who has been diagnosed with Nodular Lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

DGKN staff report

DALTON  Participants can run or walk, or even race at home if they’d like, but they had better sign up quickly because space to participate in this popular annual event is selling out.

The 14th annual Rich Dalessandro Memorial Fall Turkey 5K, 10K, 2-mile run/walk and kids’ fun run is Saturday at Dalton Elementary and Middle School. Information and registration can be found at: https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Dalton/RichDalessandroMemorial.

The race is in-person this year but includes some modifications, including a virtual race option. Packet pickup for registered participants is touchless and on the lawn in front of the gym 4:30-6 p.m. Friday and 7:30-8:45 a.m. Saturday. Staggered start times Saturday are at 9 a.m. for the 2-mile, 9:15 a.m. for the 5K and 9:30 a.m. for the 10K. There’s a cap on participants and the race is almost sold out, according to updates on Facebook.

Like previous years, the event includes finisher medals, shirts, refreshments, and prizes. Individuals and teams return every year.

Roads will be closed Saturday at parts of state Route 94, Wenger Road, Main Street, and Mill Street, according to race director Chrissy Fratena, who organizes the race with her family in honor of her brother who died from leukemia in 2007.

Proceeds are split between the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and local recipients. The 2021 race recipient is Daniel Weese, of Smithville, who has been diagnosed with Nodular Lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin’s lymphoma.