DEARBORN, Mich. – Chilly temperatures didn't stop more than 1,500 students from participating in a race Saturday held to honor the legacy of Robert Cipriano.
The annual 5K event was held at Ford Field Park in Dearborn.
Elementary and middle school students from Dearborn Public Schools were up for the challenge.
Cipriano was killed in 2012. He was murdered by his son, who beat him to death with a baseball bat inside his Farmington Hills home. Cipriano's wife and other son were also attacked, but survived. He was 52.
Cipriano worked for the school district for 11 years and was trying to organize a run similar to Saturday's 5K.
"He was great for our community," said Glenn Maleyko, superintendent of Dearborn Public Schools.
The Robert Cipriano Memorial Cross-Country Run is organized by the physical education department. Teachers volunteer to put the race together.
"I think he would love it," said Frank Haliburda, gym teacher at Howard Elementary School. "I know he was really into running and physical fitness."
Dema Elder, a fourth-grader, took first place in her division.
"It was very hard to run," said Dema. "My toes were a little numb, but I didn't mind my toes, I just kept on running."
--Dema Elder, No. 373