Memorial race ends after 15 years, more than $200,000
PHOTOS BY LISA McGINTY | LMc Photography
From left, Gary and Betty Dalessandro, Chrissy and Bob Fratena and their children Dominic and Luci Fratena have organized the Rich Dalessandro Memorial run every fall for the past 15 years in Dalton in honor of Dalessandro, who fought leukemia and passed away in 2007. This was the final year for the race.
Desmond Tshele leaps across the finish line to win the male 5K race.
DGKN staff report
DALTON After 15 years, a popular memorial race and event that drew the community together each fall and raised money for a good cause has reached the finish line.
An unusually warm and pleasant November morning greeted participants and volunteers at this year’s Rich Dalessandro Fall Turkey 5K, 2-mile run/walk and kids’ fun run, which included a health expo.
Some followers on the event’s Facebook page noted the appropriateness of “sun dogs” that appeared in the sky Nov. 5 at the start of the race. The small bright rainbows on either side of the sun between the clouds symbolize “a shift in life” and “news of unification and harmony” the event’s Facebook page noted.
