After a quarter-century of bringing runners, walkers, cyclists, volunteers, sponsors and spectators together, the Aliferis Memorial Race has officially ended with a legacy of $677,883.80 raised for local cancer care and health care education in Northeast Michigan.
The event was hosted by the Business Relations Committee of the MyMichigan Health Foundation serving Alpena. Over its 25-year history, contributions from the race enhanced services at the Alpena Cancer Center, expanded educational opportunities and helped cancer patients receive high-quality care close to home.
A final race honoring Dr. Peter Aliferis
The final event celebrated the life of Dr. Peter Aliferis and the community tradition that grew from his commitment to improving local health and well-being. Lisa, Scott, Paul and Carlene Aliferis served as race chairs for the closing race.
“Our family is deeply grateful for the incredible support this community has shown over the past 25 years,” the Aliferis family said. “What began as a way to honor Peter’s legacy grew into something far greater than we ever imagined. We have been humbled by the generosity, dedication and friendships that made this race possible, and we are proud of the lasting impact it will continue to have on local cancer care and future health care professionals.”
The family also participated in the 5K. Dr. Aliferis’ children Lisa, Scott and Paul walked the course together, while Nicholas Aliferis, Scott’s son, represented the next generation by completing the 5K in 26:29.
Race results included half-marathon, bike and 5K winners
Justin Karsten won the half-marathon in 1:30:32. Henry Forde finished second and Daniel Baker placed third. Angie Moughon led the women’s half-marathon field with a time of 1:52:48.
Kobi Weiland won the bike course in 52:18. Brad Medellin placed second in 54:56, just one second ahead of Clark Kent, who finished in 54:57. Angela Hallo earned the women’s overall bike title in 59:34.
Stigmorten Fakstad of Norway finished first overall in the 5K in 16:11. Hailey Schultz, 14, led the female finishers in 20:15. Karsten placed second overall in the 5K, followed by Vincent Lussier in third.
Scholarship fund will carry on the race’s impact
Ann Diamond, director of the MyMichigan Health Foundation, said the event’s reach extended beyond the competition to the people who registered, volunteered, sponsored, donated or supported participants from the sidelines.
“Communities grow stronger when people show up for one another,” Diamond said. “Every person who registered, volunteered, sponsored the event, cheered from the sidelines or made a donation played a role in its success. We are incredibly thankful for the support everyone has shown for the Aliferis Race over the last 25 years.”
Although the race has ended, its impact will continue through the Dr. Peter Aliferis Memorial Scholarship fund and improvements supported over the event’s history. The foundation also thanked long-time race directors Joe Gentry and Barb Fox, planning committee members, volunteers, sponsors, donors, participants and the Aliferis family.
“After 25 years, countless miles and more than $677,000 raised, there is only one thing left to say: Thank you, Alpena. What a remarkable run,” Diamond concluded.
Final race results are available at www.mymichigan.org/race by selecting “Race Results.” People interested in supporting the Alpena Cancer Center or the Dr. Peter Aliferis Scholarship Fund can contact Diamond at (989) 356-7738 or [email protected].