The Blazin’ Battle Against Brain Cancer
- Date
- May 17, 2026
- Location
- Lisa Ann Circle, Greenville, RI
- Distance
- 10k · 5k · Virtual 10k & more
From the Organizer
In Memory of Jim Varin to benefit The RI Brain & Spine Tumor Foundation
Jim Varin was a dedicated firefighter in the city of Providence for 31 years. He always expressed how extremely thankful he was to have a job that he loved so much.
In January of 2022, Jim’s life as he knew it completely changed. He was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, an aggressive and fatal form of brain cancer, at the young age of 52. Due to this diagnosis, Jim would never be able to return to his fire station and perform the job he loved.
Before his passing, just 13 months later, he talked about wanting to help others who may be affected by Glioblastoma down the road. I assured him that his death would not be in vain and that we would make sure some good came from him being taken from us too soon by such a relentless cancer.
The Blazin’ Battle Against Brain Cancer 5k/10k is not only a way to keep Jim’s memory alive and positively channel the pain so many of us feel in his absence, but most importantly it will fulfill Jim’s desire to help others who are faced with a brain or spine cancer diagnosis.
Your participation in this race will directly support The Rhode Island Brain & Spine Tumor Foundation’s (RIBSTF) mission to provide comprehensive support to those individuals, and families of those diagnosed, with brain or spine tumors and enhance their quality of life by providing education, spiritual and financial support, as well as to assist those who conduct research and wish to study this field.
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for helping to make a difference in the lives of brain/spine cancer patients and their families. No one should have to go this road alone!
-The Varin Family
Please note - Dogs and strollers are precluded from participating in the event.
Bib Pick up
Sunday, May 17th - 6:30 AM to 7:45 AM at Deerfield Park.
PLEASE BRING YOUR QR CODE FOR QUICK CHECK-IN (It can be shown from your mobile device, it does not need to be printed - save a tree.) Bib numbers will be assigned at check-in.
Awards
Top 3 Overall Male & Female for both the 5k & 10k
1st Place Age Group Award Male & Female for the 5k & 10k
Age Group increments:
- 19 & under
- 20-29
- 30-39
- 40-49
- 50-59
- 60-64
- 65-69
- 70-74
- 75-79
- 80-84
- 84-90
- 90+
We are excited to be a partner race for the NE 65+ Running Club
Distances & Pricing
Race Location
About This Sport
From Endurance Grid's Founder
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
The half marathon is the distance where you find out what you're actually made of. Long enough to demand real preparation. Short enough that it doesn't consume your life to train for it. Most people who run their first half describe it as the race that changed their relationship with what they're capable of. Once you cross this finish line, the bar moves. That's not a warning — that's the point.
Race day energy varies by event size, but the finish line feeling is the same regardless. Big races keep the noise going the whole way. Smaller races give you stretches where it's just you and the miles — and that solitude becomes its own kind of fuel.
The half marathon rewards people who show up for the boring training miles.
How long to train: 10–14 weeks. If you're already running consistently, 10 weeks of structured buildup is enough. If you're building from a casual base, give yourself 14.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
More running races in RI
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is The Blazin’ Battle Against Brain Cancer?
- The Blazin’ Battle Against Brain Cancer is a running event held in Greenville, RI. Learn more about the different endurance sports here.
- When and where is The Blazin’ Battle Against Brain Cancer?
- Sunday, May 17, 2026 in Greenville, RI at Lisa Ann Circle, Greenville, RI. Check the official event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for The Blazin’ Battle Against Brain Cancer?
- Registration is handled through their official registration page. Confirm pricing, distances available, and sign up there.
The Blazin’ Battle Against Brain Cancer
May 17, 2026