PLYMOUTH, MA…
During her life, Faith “Marcy” Romboldi was known for her indomitable spirit, particularly when it came to those she loved and causes she cared about. That spirit was evident in the 100-plus participants—runners, walkers and volunteers alike- who endured Tropical Storm Irene to participate in the first annual Run for Faith, a four-mile run held in memory of Mrs. Romboldi on Sunday, August 28.
“Sure, we would have loved to have had a perfect day with ideal weather conditions for the first year,” said Matthew Romboldi, Faith’s son and one of the run’s organizers. “In many ways, having it on a day like this makes it even more memorable. Mom certainly would have been one of the first ones to volunteer, even knowing what the weather forecast was going to be.”
Faith, or “Marcy” as she was known by her friends and family, was a teacher, member of the Red Hat’s Society, Sweet Adeline’s, and Daughters of the American Revolution. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2008 and passed away 2010. The Run for Faith was set up to commemorate Faith Romboldi’s life and to raise money for causes near and dear to her heart: Plymouth Public Library, Children’s Department, Plymouth Elementary Schools, music scholarship programs and prevention programs for ovarian cancer. Between sponsorships and entry fees, the Run for Faith raised $22,000 in its first year.
The four-mile race loop started at Plimouth Plantation and followed a challenging course with scenic views, ending back at the Plantation. Plymouth resident Drew Sorenson was the first runner to cross the finish line, completing the run in 27 minutes, 55 seconds. Heidi Sanders, also of Plymouth, was the first female finisher. Her time was 31 minutes, 28 seconds.
“The runners and walkers are absolutely to be commended for the effort they put forth under some adverse weather conditions to help make this first year race a success and to raise funds for causes that will benefit the Plymouth community,” said Craig Valentine Brenner, who served as a volunteer consultant for the first year run. Brenner is the race director of another fairly new Plymouth road race, the Old Sandwich Road Race.
Added volunteer Steve Dubin, “There was a real spirit of camaraderie among the volunteers and runners that we weren’t going to let the storm get in the way of the run no matter what. And the show went on and it’s something that those who took part in it will never forget.”
“There are so many people to thank for helping make this race a success. We’re especially grateful to all the volunteers and the folks at Plimouth Plantation. It would have been very easy for them to look at the weather forecast and postpone, but they stood by us and we appreciate that,” said Romboldi. “We’re especially thankful to folks like Craig Brenner, Adam Stuhlfaut of Bayside Runner, Ann Marie Winchester of the Run for the Rock, Erin Brenton Woods from Girls on the Go and all the sponsors who wanted to be a part of this first year run.”
Corporate sponsors include Marty’s GMC, Delaney & Muncey, P.C.; Plimoth Plantation; Newfield House, Unity Club, Mama Mia’s, Nolan Schelle Insurance; Mayflower Bank; Left Shore Designs; Dunlap Propane; Pilgrim Belle; Cape Cod Media Center; Pilgrim Custom Countertops; Baker’s Music and Video; and 99.1 WPLM-FM.
For more information on the race, please visit www.runforfaithplymouth.org, or e-mail info@runforfaithplymouth.org.
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