People crossing the finish line during last year’s event.
Nothing can bring back Jannine Parisi. A well-respected Franklin Middle School teacher, she died in November 2013 at age 47 as a result of domestic violence.
But she left two teenage daughters and a school community who will always remember her. And each year, Franklin Middle holds a 5K race in her honor and to raise money for a worthy cause.
Last year’s proceeds went toward her children’s education. And the majority of the funds raised from the second annual Born to Run 5K Memorial Race and Fun Run, set for Saturday, June 6, will be donated to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAME) of Northern Virginia.
“Jannine’s past commitment to improving the physical and emotional wellbeing of the Chantilly community is the driving force behind this year’s memorial event,” said Franklin P.E. teacher Rob Gibbs. Parisi taught P.E. there for eight years and, according to Gibbs, was “a wonderful teacher, role model and friend to students, staff and our school community.”
Therefore, he said, “Born to Run participants will be honoring her spirit by coming together in a show of support for student quality of life and the need to create greater community awareness in the area of mental health. NAMI was chosen as this year’s charitable recipient for its commitment to those individuals coping with family-related, mental-health concerns.”
“Jannine was a devoted friend, colleague, teacher and member of our Franklin family that was admired and respected by all,” said Principal Sharon Eisenberg. “We miss her presence, smile and contributions on a daily basis.”
Parisi was also a big Bruce Springsteen fan, so the race was named after his iconic song. Sponsored by the Franklin Middle PTA, the event will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the school, 3300 Lees Corner Road in Chantilly. All participants will receive medals, and those registered by May 24 will receive commemorative T-shirts. For more information and to register, go to https://prracing.enmotive.com.
“We’re putting it on as a celebration of Jannine’s life,” added Gibbs. “We hope for a great turnout at this community event.”
Agreeing, seventh-grade health and P.E. teacher Emma Reese said, “Last year’s event was a great success. We hope people consider participating this year to continue to honor our dear friend and colleague.”
Last year, 400 people registered for Born to Run, and their registration fees plus donations yielded nearly $12,000. The 5K course is flat and goes through the Chantilly Highlands neighborhood, starting and ending at the school. The Family Fun Run is a 1K which will be run exclusively on the school grounds.
Registration for the 5K is $30 through May 10, $35 from May 11 until online registration closes on June 4, and $40 on race day. The 1K registration is $15 through May 10, and $20 from May 11 through June 6.
Awards for the 5K will be given to the fastest overall male and female and the fastest overall male and female from the Chantilly Pyramid, as well as to the top finishers in various age groups. Awards for the 1K will go to the top girl and boy in age groups 5-7, 8-10 and 11-14. Packet pickup is Friday, June 5, from 3-6 p.m., and Saturday, June 6, from 7-8 a.m., at the school.