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Sports

Foxborough Races To End Diabetes

Foxborough's Brendan Sullivan took first place in the annual 5K to help find a cure for diabetes.

While bad weather may be dreaded by other sports, the nearly 750 participants in the 12th annual Foxborough Against Diabetes 5K welcomed Saturday’s cool temperatures and rain that made fast times more possible than the hot weather of the past.

A Foxborough staple since 2001, the race has become a success at a resource for raising money towards diabetes research. To date, the 5K has raised $238,300. Prior to race day, organizer John Hurley anticipated this year’s 5K would raise up to $20,000.

High school cross country and track standouts Brendan Sullivan of Foxborough High School and Michael Wood of Bishop Feehan broke away from the pack early on going through the first mile in 5:12, but it was Sullivan that would get the separation needed to win.

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“I knew Mike was going to be tough when I saw him enter, so I just knew I had to put a hurtin’ on him in the middle that way it wouldn’t be close at the end,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan continued to push the pace crossing the two-mile marker at 10 minutes flat. By the time Sullivan reached the finish line, he was all alone with a winning time of 16:17. Wood would come in second with a time of 16:49.

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Fourth pace finisher Tommy Kelley raced not only to compete but also to help find the cure for himself. A diabetic for two years, the 16-year-old Needham high schooler has used running as a way to keep his blood sugar at safe levels and to stay healthy. For Kelley, the large turnout was more meaningful if only because of his personal battle with the disease.

“It definitely means a lot,” Kelley said on the popularity of the race. “It’s a tough disease to live with and it’s good that so many people are supportive even if they don’t have family members that are diabetic they still come out here and run for it.”

Kelley ran the race with his older brother Patrick Kelley, who took first in the male 20-29 division with a time of 18:03.

For many in this race, the cause is personal, even if they don’t have the disease. With friends affected by diabetes, Foxborough High School student Kevin Aldrich sees the race as a chance to do some good while taking part in an activity he loves.

“I have three or four close friends that have diabetes so it’s great I’m out here supporting them and it’s a wicked fun event,” Aldrich said. “It’s a fun event and you’re helping cure a terrible disease.”

A member of the Warriors’ track team also took first place among all women as Haley Sykes crossed the finish line at 19:55. The time was good enough for 16th overall.

Laura Urko of Attleboro’s time of 20:24 took first place in the female 20-29 division, third among all women and 29th overall.

Top finishers

1- Brendan Sullivan (Foxborough) – 16:17

2- Michael Wood (Foxborough) - 16:49

3- Greg Ward (West Boylston) – 17:41

Top Men:

1- Brendan Sullivan (Foxborough) – 16:17

2- Michael Wood (Foxboro) - 16:49

3- Greg Ward (West Boylston) – 17:41

Top Women:

16 - Haley Sykes (Foxborough) – 19:55

18 - Kate Connolly (Needham) – 20:05

29 - Laura Urko (Attleboro) – 20:24

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