Steve Marra 5K Brings Out Runners, Lots of Love

After a very tough year for the many people who loved Steve Marra, the 5K run/walk Sunday, Oct. 21, was an opportunity to smile again.

Marra, who died unexpectedly in August 2011, owned the Grille on Main, the now-closed Post Office Cafe, and several other restaurants around the state. His presence was particularly felt here in East Greenwich, where the Grille was an early anchor of the now-burgeoning dining scene on Main Street.

Good friend Mike Ferruccio, an R.I. State Trooper, decided to organize a 5K race as a tribute to Steve and to fund a charitable foundation in Steve's name.

On Sunday morning, Ferruccio was all smiles.

"We're so thankful for this dedication to Steve," he said. "We could not have done this without our volunteers and sponsors."

More than 230 runners and walkers participated in the run. 

The top male finisher was Kevin Peloquin in a time of 17:47. The top female finisher was Sharon Siedliski in a time of 20:18. A notable mention goes to Mike Beaudoin who finished in third place overall with a time of 18:10. Mike is a bartender at The Grille on Main, which played host to the race, complete with a fabulous after-race brunch.