Local triathletes raise money to aid breast cancer patients

A triathlon team sponsored by the Hanover-based law firm Epstein, Lipsey & Clifford raised $13,000 for the Ellie Fund to support local families dealing with breast cancer.

The Aug. 12 competition at Sharon Town Beach consisted of a half-mile swim, a 12.3-mile bicycle ride and a 4.4-mile run.

Scott Clifford of Norwood has led the Real Men Wear Pink team for three years, and was joined by 10 more friends this year.

“We began in an effort to give back to the community and became inspired my childhood friend Jen who went through so much last year while fighting breast cancer,'' Norwood said in a press release. "She is such a strong and inspiring person; we all want to do something to help others facing similar challenges with the disease. I face my water phobia each year to compete in her honor.”

The Elle Fund was founded in 1995 by brothers Jeff and Eliot Popkin to honor their mother’s fight against breast cancer and her giving spirit. The Needham-based organization says it provides transportation, child care, housekeeping, groceries and meals to more than 500 breast-cancer patients and their relatives in Massachusetts annually.

Shown above are (from left): Tara McDonough of Norwood, Elizabeth Riley of Westborough, Nancy Clifford of Norwood, Scott Clifford of Norwood, Brian Pfingston of Norwood, Dan Warsowick of Hanover, Michelle Warsowick of Hanover, Shawn Cray of Quincy, Jay McDonough of Norwood, Tim Jenkins of Hanover, Dave Gresham of Wrentham, Jimmy St. Croix of Weymouth, Steve Pavidis of East Bridgewater, Brian Jenkins of Marshfield, Mark Dunn of Duxbury, Scot Mazzone of Weymouth, Fiona Martin of West Bridgewater (in front).