10th annual Brian Nasi Memorial run raises heart awareness

HURLEY - The 10th annual Brian Nasi Memorial Heart Run/Walk was held Saturday starting and finishing at the Hurley K-12 School.

It was a popular spot for families as young and old participated in the either a 1-mile or 5-kilometer run/walk.

All the children under 12 were given a ribbon and other prizes. To add to the fun, Junior the Clown and Twinklz were available to provide balloon animals and paint faces.

The race was started in honor of Brian Nasi, who passed away from a heart attack at 54 years old. Brian's wife, Ginger, has helped organize the event each year with the goal of spreading knowledge about heart disease and raising funds for healthy causes around the local community.

Gerry Traczyk said the Lioness club has volunteered each year, and the run is also part of the "Run the Range" series, featuring races across the area. In the past, the run has provided funds for the Carey Road walking track, purchasing defibrillators at the Hurley school, cross county skiing programs, equipment for Aspirus Grand View, and treadmill and elliptical equipment for Highline.

"This is a family race, with a lot of people participating," Traczyk said. "It's one of the first races of the season, so it's a time when people come and see each other. Everyone has a lot of fun."

The weather was overcast and about 75 people participated.

Finishing overall results are as follows:

5K Run Male: Brad Vaara 18:25

5K Run Female: Gena Abrahmson 23:51

5K Walk Male: Jeremy Borlek 45:43

5K Walk Female: Bonnie Sokolowski 43:15

1M Run Male: Ross Corullo 11:42

1M Run Female: Vanessa Nasi 8:29

1M Walk Male: Andy Boehmer 14:05

1M Walk Female: Kelly Traczyk 15:38

Children under 12:

1M Run Male: Eli Talsma 8:27

1M Run Female: Olivia Sanborn 8:29

For more information, call the Hurley Area Chamber of Commerce at 866-340-4334.