Born to Run 5K

Bruce Eckrote enjoyed running around Packanack Lake and going to Wayne Valley High School football games. He was a longtime coach at the Wayne Police Athletic League.

Eckrote died from esophageal cancer in December 2009. He was 55. Eckrote was diagnosed with the disease just five weeks before he died.

His family held the first annual Born to Run 5-kilometer run/walk to honor his memory in 2010. This year’s event is Aug. 20. The event raises money for cancer research. 

“My dad left the world too early,” Eckrote’s son Dan said. “Esophageal cancer can be difficult to find. It can be difficult to pinpoint where the exact source of the cancer is.”

Last year’s event raised more than $10,000. Some of the money went to help a resident who was battling cancer and some was donated to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, a gastrointestinal cancer research center.

Some of the money raised this year will be donated to assist Steven Domalewski’s family of during his ongoing recovery. Domalewski was hit in the chest in-between heartbeats by a baseball during a little league game. The sudden impact caused a disruption of the heart’s rhythm to occur. His heart stopped for four-and-a-half minutes. He suffered severe brain damage.

The event also funds two scholarships in Eckrote’s memory. They are awarded to seniors at Wayne Hills and Wayne Valley High Schools. Aileen Saulenas and Evan Baum received last year’s scholarships.

The cost to participate is $20 if registered by Aug. 13 and $25 thereafter. Registrations will be taken the day of the event.

The event will begin at Packanack Elementary School. Participants will make their way around scenic Packanack Lake.

“It is so nice to know that every year we’re able to do this and have my dad’s name come up in people’s minds,” Eckrote said. “We want to keep his memory alive.”

To register or donate click here http://borntorun5k.wordpress.com/