By Cody Shepard The Patriot Ledger
ABINGTON – Each year, a local foundation honors the troops and pays tribute to local veterans who have died. The 13th annual road race, walk and family day will be held mid-September this year.
The Jeff Coombs Memorial Foundation, in memory of an Abington victim of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, assists families across Massachusetts who are affected emotionally and/or financially by family death or illness.
The annual event, which typically attracts more than 1,000 participants, features a 5-kilometer race and walk, free food, children’s activities, music and raffles.
Awards are given for many age categories, as well as a stroller division.
The opening ceremonies for the race pay tribute to military personnel. This year, special tribute will be paid to Marine Sgt. Danny Vasselian, who was killed in combat getting out of a Humvee in Afghanistan two days before Christmas in 2013.
Being held on Sunday, September 14 this year, three days after the National Day of Service and Remembrance, organizers are asking participants to bring a non-perishable food item for the Abington food pantry and their old cell phones for Cell Phones for Soldiers, in exchange for a few free raffle tickets.
Any active duty service members who plan to attend the race and wish to be recognized during the opening ceremonies should contact Christie Coombs at 781-982-1608.
Registration forms are available at local merchants, the town hall, Abington Bank and the post office, or can be done online at www.racewire.com.
Registration costs $25 for adults, $20 for students and $10 for children under 12 if received by September 1. T-shirts are not guaranteed past the first of September, and fees for registrations received after September 1 increase to $30, $23 and $12, respectively.
