DEARBORN, Mich. – More than 1,000 Dearborn students took part in the fifth annual Robert Cipriano cross-country meet.
The Robert Cipriano meet is a way to get kids interested in cross country and track. It's fitting because Cipriano was an avid runner, and some friendly competition never hurt.
Seconds before the race, some kids were pumped and others had the jitters. But before they knew it, they were off at full speed on their quest to win.
The event was named after Cipriano, who worked for the district. He oversaw student athletics and loved to run.
"He loved the fact that it involved and engaged kids," said Abe Mashhour, director student services and athletics. "It gives everyone a chance to run at their pace try to accomplish goals."
The 52-year-old man was killed in 2012. Cipriano was beaten to death by his adopted son and the boy's friend during a botched home robbery.
Years later, his memory is honored every year at Dearborn's Ford Field Park.
Twenty-seven elementary and middle schools across the district competed for traveling trophies.