Group remembers inspirational man at 5K

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Among the runners who took to the course Sunday at the CVS Caremark Downtown 5K, was a group called the Downtown 5K Dashers.

Each member has the 5K every year, since its inception in 1990. But, this year there was a noticeable absence; a man who for years inspired countless others, that nothing is impossible.

Jay Pisano was a man who struggled to speak. But for those who knew him best, the words to describe his lasting impact come easily.

Janice Tetreault is a member of Team Pisano who ran the CVS Downtown 5K. This year, in memory of the wheelchair athlete who died in April at the age of 40.

Through the years Jay developed an unbelievable determination and passion for road racing. He started participating in the CVS 5K in 1990, and several years ago, became part of an elite group known at the CVS 5K Dashers.

"When you think of people who have disabilities as athletes, he was just a true athlete, said David Dean.

Fred Zuleger III has competed in more than 2,000 races over several decades. He's traveled all over the world and has seen inspiration in many forms. But Jay's story is one of the unforgettable ones.

"Until I saw Jason doing it, that was about the first time. He was probably a leader that even showed these other people that didn't have his disabilities that hey, this was possible", said Fred Zuleger III.

This year, awards in Jason Pisano's name were presented to the first male and female wheelchair athletes.

Watch the CVS Caremark Downtown 5K Wrap Monday night at 7 on WPRI 12.