Dearborn Cross Country Meet Encourages Young Runners

DEARBORN, MI — Calling all young runners, this race is for you.

The eighth annual Robert Cipriano Cross-Country Run will get underway at 1:20 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11 at Dearborn’s Ford Field Park, 500 Monroe St. The event features runners in fourth through eighth grade from across the Dearborn Public Schools District and from Divine Child. Oct. 11 is a half day of school in the district.

“It's exciting to see this event continue to reach so many students and to encourage a habit of physical activity,” said Director of Student Services Abe Mashhour. He also oversees the District’s physical education and athletic programs. “For many this may be their first experience in an organized run, but for others it is becoming a family tradition. Since this is our eighth year, many younger students are following in the footsteps of their older siblings who have also participated in this great event.”

Cipriano was the District’s Director of Business Services for more than 10 years. He also oversaw athletics in the Dearborn Schools. In April 2012, Cipriano was killed when two young men broke into his home and attacked him, his wife, and a son. Cipriano, an avid runner, was working with the athletic directors to create a running program for middle and elementary students that would encourage competition, lifelong fitness, and fun. The Cipriano Memorial Cross Country Run is a fitting tribute to his work in Dearborn, his commitment to the children, and his love of running.

The run allows elementary and middle school teams from across the district to engage in friendly competition while also growing an interest in cross country and track. The entire community is invited to come to Ford Field Park to support the student runners and cheer for their favorite school! Following each race will be a brief awards ceremony to recognize the top 10 finishers in each category.

“This event is another example of how the District is working to promote habits that create healthy lifestyles for our students and support the community wide Healthy Dearborn program,” said Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko.

Once again, the district has teamed up with the Dearborn Track Club and the City of Dearborn to coordinate the event. Last year, more than 800 students registered for the event. The run takes place rain or shine. However, for safety reasons it could be canceled in case of severe weather such as lightning, thunder, heavy rains and/or winds. In the case of bad weather, students and parents are asked to visit the Dearborn Athletics Blog at http://athletics.dearbornschools.org to check the status of the race.

Running the race

Sixth through eighth grade students will run two-mile races starting this year with the boys at 1:20 p.m. and the girls at 1:40 p.m.. Fourth and fifth grade boys and girls will participate in races against others of their grade and gender. Those one-mile races start at 2 p.m.

Cipriano Cross Country Run

2 MILE RUN

• Grade 6 – 8, Boys
  • 1:20 p.m.
• Grade 6 – 8, Girls
  • 1:40 p.m.

1 MILE RUN

• Grade 4, Boys
  • 2:00 p.m.
• Grade 4, Girls
  • 2:20 p.m.
• Grade 5, Boys
  • 2:40 p.m.

• Grade 5, Girls
  • 3:00 p.m.