A Providence Fire Chief who died in the line of duty was honored Sunday morning at an inaugural road race.
Battalion Chief Jim Varin died in 2022 after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Varin was a dedicated firefighter in the city for 31 years.
On Sunday, the “Blazin' Battle Against Brain Cancer 5K and Half Marathon” took place at Deerfield Park in Smithfield.
“The Blazin’ Battle Against Brain Cancer 5k/Half Marathon is not only a way to keep Jim’s memory alive and positively channel the pain so many 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,” a release from the Brain & Spine Tumor Foundation read.
More than 500 runners participated in the race.
Over $35,000 was raised to help benefit the organization.