Over 800 runners competed in the 21st Annual Officer Thomas J. Giunta Memorial 5K Road Race on a cold March 29, 2015 morning following a dusting of snow. Officer Bruce Tavares presented retired Officer William Nasser with a plaque recognizing him as one of the early organizers of the long--standing event. A few of the Fall River Fitness Challenge participants took part along with Partners Worksite Wellness Coordinator Angie Bras and Graphic Artist Suzanne Ramos. Runners took off from the corner of Bank and High Streets and headed up High Street on the course that ran down New Boston Road, Oak Grove Avenue and ended in front of the Salvation Army on Bedford Street. Twenty-year-old Matthew Moussamih, who won the last two year's races, came in first this year while Erica Morency took the lead among the women. Click here for the Herald News article.  Click here to see race results. Click here to see a 12-minute video of the race. To see photos from last year's race, Click here. For further information about the Fitness Challenge, contact CD-REC Program Director Annemarie Sharkey at 508-679-0522.

(Top row) Racers gather at ReCreation headquarters on Bank Street before walking up to High Street where Fall River Police Department supporters display signs and Alexis Code of Westport watches while Holly Conception of Fall River checks her timer. (Row two) Over 1,000 participants gather at the starting line and head up High Street after the starting gun. (Row three) Runners crest the hill, including Partners Worksite Wellness Coordinator Angela Bras and Diman Regional High School graphic arts teacher Suzanne Ramos run together in their first race after having a child. (Row four) Kevin Otto of Mansfield and Adam Abrahams of Waltham run through some melting snow while Steven Xiarhos of West Yarmouth carries a flag and Dorothy Barros and Holly Alexandre follow close behind. (Row five) Children hold out cups of water along Oak Grove Avenue as Timothy Rudd is paced by John Benros of Providence before Angel Rosado of Fall River finishes in seventh place. (Row six) Christopher Pulea of Warwick follows Carlos Pimentel of Fall River as they come down Bedford Street before Steven Xiarhos and Brendan Riley of Assonet. (Bottom row) Fall River Fitness Challenge fitness leaders Cheryl Narcizo and Tabitha Gendreau come in ahead of Angie Bras.