More Than 1,600 Expected in Farmington Hills for Cipriano Benefit 5K Walk/Run

The Cipriano Classic 5k fun run and walk has exceeded organizers' expectations, with more than 1,600 participants coming to the in Farmington Hills today from as far away as Colorado and Texas.

Benefiting the Cipriano Children’s Trust Fund, the race starts with a kick-off/warm up at 6:30 p.m. Anyone who hasn't yet registered but wants to participate can sign up at the race site, from 4:30 p.m-6:30 p.m. today. Cost is $30.

The planning committee began working on the benefit not long after the April 16 attack that left dead and his wife, Rose, and 17-year-old son, Salvatore, severely injured. Two other children, Tanner, 17, and Isabella, 8, were unharmed. The trust was established just days after the attack in the Ciprianos' Farmington Hills home. 

“When we approached the Farmington Family Y five short weeks ago with the idea of hosting a benefit for the Cipriano children, the idea of having more than 1,600 participants was not even imagined," co-race director Jenny Birmelin said. "The planning committee thought it would be great if there were a 1,000. The registrations have far exceeded our expectations, and we couldn’t be happier."

Birmelin was Rose Cipriano’s masters swim coach.  

Rose Cipriano’s sister, Beth Trahan, shared a message on behalf of the family:

"Thank you to the planning committee, many of whom are Rose's friends and neighbors, for giving of their time to organize this event, and to the Farmington Family Y, the business community and to all the runners and walkers for supporting our family. The community unity and outpouring of generosity are uplifting and will sustain us in the months to come.” 

With so many expected, event organizers are encouraging participants to carpool and arrive as early as possible, ideally between 5 p.m. and 5:30 pm.

Parking will be restricted at the Y’s parking lot and discouraged in the Kendallwood subdivision, which is part of the race route. The following parking lots have been made available:

• C Beyond Office Building - 27555 Farmington Rd.
• Quakertown Office & Medical Building - 27600 Farmington Rd.
• - 12 Mile, south of Farmington Rd.
• (back lot)
• (athletic field and staff lot)

A map of the course, which starts and ends at the YMCA, is attached to this post. Other event information can be found on the Cipriano Classic 5k Facebook page. 

The 6:30 p.m. kick-off will include a warm-up and stretching led by Farmington Family Y personal trainers and playing of the National Anthem by members of the Detroit Catholic Central band. The timed 5K fun run and walk begins promptly at 7 p.m. and will be followed by free refreshments for the runners and walkers and prizes.  

If you can't participate, you can still make a contribution to the Cipriano Children's Trust Fund, care of Adolf & Swoish, PLLC, 31600 W. 13 Mile Road, Suite 129, Farmington Hills, MI 48334. 

Also today, a  in  for the Ciprianos' son Tucker, 19, and his friend Mitchell Young, 20, who both in connection with the attack.