Robert Cipriano's dream becomes reality with memorial run for kids

Cipriano Memorial Run getting kids moving at Ford Field Park in Dearborn

DETROIT – What better way to honor a man who loved to run than a cross country meet in his memory.

They're keeping Robert Cipriano's mission going by getting kids moving at Ford Field Park in Dearborn.

This is more than a race. It's a representation of one man's dream.

Just before Robert Cipriano's life was taken, he was planning a race for kids.

Cipriano worked as the director of business services for Dearborn Public Schools.

Those who knew and loved him organized the cross-country race in his memory.

This is the second year for the run. Michael Cipriano is Robert's brother.

"My brother loved running. He enjoyed. He did every day of his life for a long time and one of the things he wanted to do what was best for kids as well," said Michael.

In April 2012, Tucker Cipriano, with the help of Mitchell Young brutally attacked Tucker's father Robert, his mother and brother with baseball bats

Tucker's mother and brother survived. But, more than a year later they're still recovering.

"They're doing well. They're obviously continuing to rehabilitate," said Mitchell.

He says the Cipriano family is thankful for all the prayers they've received from the community. Mitchell just wishes his brother could have seen his dream in action.

Students trained for weeks to compete in this one-mile race.

"It's fun. It's like swimming," said one 4th grader.

"My strategy was to run and increase my speed, " said Ali Zaghir a 5th grader who ran Saturday.

"I'm trying to come in the top 10," said 4th grader Seth Fisher.

Robert Cipriano is no longer here but his life's purpose is still very much alive.