Race Spotlight: The Blazin’ Battle Against Brain Cancer 10k
The Details
Date: Sunday, May 17th, 2026
Start Time: 8:00 AM
Distance: 10k
Venue: Deerfield Park
Address: Lisa Ann Cir, Greenville, RI 02828
Organizer: The RI Brain & Spine Tumor Foundation
Website: https://runsignup.com/Race/RI/Greenville/TheBlazinBattleAgainstBrainCancer
The History
The Blazin’ Battle Against Brain Cancer 10k is held in memory of Jim Varin, a dedicated Providence firefighter who sadly passed away in 2023 of Glioblastoma, an aggressive and fatal form of brain cancer. All proceeds from the event go towards the RI Brain & Spine Tumor Foundation. The event, which also includes a 5k, was first held in 2024 and typically draws over 300 participants. It is also a partner race for the New England 65 Plus Runners Club, which is a unique nonprofit organization that supports and encourages active senior athletes ages 64-1/2 and older from all areas of New England and beyond.
The Course
Beginning and ending in Deerfield Park, the unique out-and-back course features three distinct sections: the uphill, the flat, and the downhill. The initial uphill section lasts until just before the 3-mile mark and features two challenging climbs of 100 feet and 150 feet. The next 1.5 miles are relatively flat in comparison with only a few ~20-foot rollers to navigate. The final downhill section, which begins just after 4 miles, features a massive 200-foot descent followed by a flat ~400m stretch to the finish. The current course records are held by Ryan Dyer (33:34 in 2024) and Kaitlyn Hughes (44:31 in 2024).
Route and Elevation
The Mission
The mission of the Rhode Island Brain & Spine Tumor Foundation (RIBSTF) is to provide comprehensive support to individuals and families of those diagnosed with brain or spine tumors, and to enhance their quality of life by providing education, spiritual, and financial support. Founded in February 2008, RIBSTF was created to address the lack of support for local patients and families diagnosed with brain or spine tumors. RIBSTF collaborates with medical professionals, researchers, and experts in other fields to assist patients and their families adapt to the challenges posed by these diseases.
The Rhode Island Brain & Spine Tumor Foundation offers monthly support groups on the second Monday of each month via ZOOM. These meetings are co-facilitated by a Nurse Practitioner and a brain cancer survivor. The meetings offer group and individual support for patients, families, and caregivers. RIBSTF can also provide financial assistance to patients, with requests reviewed by a dedicated committee, thus allowing the patient to focus on their treatment and recovery as they adjust to changes created by the disease. Each request is reviewed by their patient assistance committee and verified with the patients consent. They also connect families with additional experts and resources to assist in navigating their journey. Some examples of the support they provide include speech and physical therapists, licensed insurance specialists, licensed financial planners, end of life planning, hospice services, grief counseling, etc.
The Swag
The race offers awards to the Top 3 overall male and female finishers as well as the male and female age group winners in both the 5k & 10k.