(NECN: Eileen Curran, Abington, Mass.) - More than 1,500 people turned out for the 10th annual Jeff Coombs Memorial Road Race in Abington,Ma Sunday. The weather was perfect for the 5K walk/run. The race is in memory of Jeff Coombs an Abington resident who died on September 11th.
"The day was unbelievable," said his widow Christie Coombs.
"Besides being emotional because it would have been Jeff's 53rd birthday, it was unbelievable the number of people who came out.
In honor of his birthday, Coombs' family and friends released red, white and blue balloons into the air--each with a handwritten message to Jeff.
Christie wrote on hers, "Love you Jeff. Miss you a ton. Happy Birthday in heaven."
The money raised will go to support families in need throughout the state. It also goes to support military families and to host an annual holiday party for them.
"So many people went into military directly after 9/11 it was our way to pay it forward and say thank you," said Christie Coombs.
