Stars shine at 5th annual Run for Faith

 PLYMOUTH, MA…

In its five-year history, the Run for Faith has had some pretty memorable moments—including the inaugural run taking place during Hurricane Irene. The 2015 Run for Faith may have been the most memorable of all as four-time Boston Marathon winner and Olympian Bill Rodgers and two-time Boston Marathon winner and Olympian Geoff Smith. The icing on the cake was an appearance by New Kids on the Block Star Joey McIntyre.

“Raising money to help fight ovarian cancer is a cause that’s near and dear to many people’s hearts. And that’s what brought Bill, who is a cancer survivor himself, Geoff and Joey out to support this very worthy cause,” said Matt Romboldi, one of the founders of the race run in memory of his mother, Faith “Marcy” Romboldi, who succumbed to ovarian cancer in 2010.

Adds Romboldi, “These three men could not have been more gracious. Bill and Geoff signed autographs and spoke at length to runners and spectators alike. Joey took pictures with everybody who asked and even posted the ones he took on his own Instagram account. Their giving spirit transcended throughout the entire day and giving really is what this race is all about.”

During its five year history, the Run for Faith has raised more than $20,000 for Dana Farber’s Yawkey Center for Cancer Care. The run has funded two annual scholarships for graduating high school seniors from Plymouth North High School and Plymouth South High School. The Plymouth Public Library and other local non-profits are also the beneficiary of funds raised by the Run for Faith.

In terms of this year’s Run for Faith, Eric Karstunen finished first for the men’s division with a time of 25:07 for the 4.58-mile course. He was followed by Michael Madden and Francis O’Brien. Michele Palmer took home first for the women’s division with a time of 27:53. She was followed by Biliana Mihaylova and Ariana Rozen.  First-place finishers won $150; second-place received $100; and third-prize was $50. All winners from every division received trophies. For complete race results, visit http://www.coolrunning.com/results/15/ma/Aug23_5thAnn_set1.shtml.

“We are very pleased with the turnout for this year’s race, both from the number of runner and the number of families who came out to enjoy the day,” said Romboldi. “We’re so grateful to Bill, Geoff, Joey and everybody who came out to show their support. I know my mother was looking down on the race and smiling.”

The Run for Faith is organized by Run for Faith, Inc., which is 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created to commemorate the special life of Faith “Marcy” Romboldi who gave so much of herself to both individuals and the community. Those would like to contribute to this year’s donation can still do so by visiting http://www.runforfaithplymouth.org.