Cranston runner tops KDMF 5K road race

“If Katie is looking down on us as we embark on this year’s KDMF (Katie DeCubellis Memorial Foundation) 5K road race, I am sure she would truly feel blessed and overwhelmed by the way her legacy continues in this way and by the love and support that she continues to receive after all these years,” said Katie’s father and KDMF Executive Director John DeCubellis.

For the past 18 years, thousands have weaved their way through picturesque Narragansett helping to keep Katie’s life shining through and Sunday June 11 reinforced how Katie’s life continues to shine.

At just 13, a drunk driver killed Katie and her best friend’s mother, Marsha Bowman, in October 1999. This annual family day helps the foundation spread their mission to race awareness about the dangers of drinking and distracted driving.

“Katie always exhibited a passion for community service and helping others, and would be very grateful in knowing that this event brings the community together to further those pursuits,” said DeCubellis. “No doubt, Katie would be very honored and humbled by all the runners, walkers and their families who participate in the race year after year, rain or shine, as we combine our efforts to try to make a positive difference throughout our community.”

KDMF provided schools and youth organizations the opportunity to participate in the road race as a team event, to encourage children and young adults to help raise awareness about drinking and distracted driving and honor the life of Katie DeCubellis.

This year’s top male runner for a third straight year is Adam Thies of Cranston coming in at 17:26. The top female runner for the second year in a row is Paige Ethier of South Kingstown with a time of 19:11.

In the past years, thousands of runners and walkers have weaved their way through picturesque Narragansett helping to keep Katie’s life shining through. This annual family day helps the Foundation spread its mission to promote awareness about the dangers of drinking and distracted driving.

To date, The KDMF has awarded more than $350,000 in scholarships, prizes and donations. John and Meg have given presentations in schools and conferences throughout the country, reaching more than 130,000 students and adults.

Awards and prizes were given to the first three male and female runners in several age divisions from 10 to 70-plus years, as well as a wheelchair division. T-shirts were provided to the first 500 registered participants.

The relatively flat, certified course went through beautiful Narragansett, welcomed runners and walkers of all skill levels. In addition to a competitive race and walk, the event also provided family friendly attractions.