Few finishers Sunday at the Run for the Troops 5K drew stronger cheers — or more fascination — than Greg Cinelli.
The Haverhill resident ran the race in his full Saugus Fire Department uniform, including jacket, helmet, and full air tank on his back.
“I am a combat veteran from Iraq and Afghanistan and I wanted to run in my gear for my brothers and sisters who are dealing with physical and mental injures from war and can’t run on days like this,” said Cinelli, who finished in 28:56, 94th in the 40-49 age division.
“I also ran for the first responders who are serving today and protecting our communities and can’t be here to run.”
It was a busy weekend for Cinelli.
On Saturday, the Melrose native competed in the New York Spring International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship.
“I won the Jiu-Jitsu tournament and didn’t get home until 2 a.m.,” he said. “Then I got up this morning and threw on my gear. I’m a little bruised, but I’m not broken. I got so much support from the veterans here.”