"Memorial run to celebrate Curley"
by Bill Donovan

Georgetown Record
Thursday, June 28, 2012

A 5k Memorial Road Race honoring the life of Georgetown resident David Curley will take place on Thursday, July 12 at 6:30 at Trinity EMS Stadium in Haverhill.

The first annual "Be A Champion" race is spearheaded by members of Curley's family, along with the Haverhill YMCA and numerous sponsors like the Institution for Savings and Juti Bar. Proceeds and donations will stay in the Haverhill Y community.

"David Curley was a longtime member of the Haverhill YMCA and truly embodied the spirit of the YMCA," said race director and Haverhill YMCA Executive Director Tracy Fuller. "We are happy to put together this race in honor of David's legacy."

During his life, Curley was enthusiastic about community involvement and physical fitness. He worked for many years as a software analyst for IBM and spent much of his free time trying to get his neighbors and kids to sign up to races. David's favorite pastime was running and took part in many tournaments along with his wife, Amy Curley.

He'd involve most of his family in hiking expeditions, bike rides, and many runs. Curley completed four Boston Marathons but ran unregistered as a "Bandit." The Georgetown man was always looking forward to to the next adventure. Often, he'd tell his family about his dreams of fostering a healthier community.

His daughter Elise Curley, a registered dietician and health and nutrition consultant, recalls staying up late one night talking to her dad about their ambitions. "He said, 'One day, if I have this extra money and time, I'm going to to create a club where people of all ages can run, regardless of age and athletic ability,'" Elise said.

In the months to come, the Curleys designed the "Champion" race along with the Haverhill YMCA.

The event is geared for both runners and walkers. It begins at the former Haverhill Stadium, now Trinity EMS Stadium, and runs alongside a portion of the Merrimack River on Water Street and Riverside Avenue. There are two small hills along the way. The course is taking the place of the YMCA Independence Day Race, with new modifications incorporated.

"We're hoping this race will encourage those who have little interest in fitness to become involved," Elise said. "My dad really touched a lot of people's lives and was really a go-getter, pairing fitness and health."

Daughter Christine Clancy can't wait for the race.

"He really wanted to push you to meet your potential," she said. "I remember going climbing with him one time and being a bit reluctant to go. He kept saying, 'You can do it, be a champion.'"

The first 225 registrants will receive free race shirts. A victory cookout is being planned by the Haverhill Y for those participating. The registration fee is $10, while children ages 13 and under are free. The public can register online at www.northshoreymca.org/roadrace.cfm.

"I hope we can make this an annual event and an annual tradition to keep his spirit alive," Elise said.