As roughly 175 participants progressed through the second annual Grumpy’s Cranberry Harvest 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, they went through paths often traveled by the late Robert “Grumpy” Conway. Exactly who this man was and why a 5K is held in his names is intriguing.

A cranberry farmer, Grumpy was a man well-connected with nature. During his time with A.D. Makepeace Company, a supervisor introduced to photography.

Quickly, Grumpy became a natural, self-taught photographer. With a passion for nature, vibrant photos began stacking up.

By the time he pasted in early 2010 due to a heart attack, over a dozen tote bags were filled with Grumpy’s photographs.

Some of these photos were on display at the event. One captured a frog resting among truckload of cranberries while another captured a flooded cranberry bog in a winter’s snowstorm. All photos included the nature which surrounded him.

“Pictures were his serenity,” Betty Roderick explained.

Writing by Grumpy was displayed at the event. One line read, “I will share with all, through mine eyes so that you might see as I do.”

As this quote implies, Grumpy loved educating others- especially children.

“He always did stuff for the kids,” Dawna Gauvin said.

“He saw things no one else saw,” Claire Smith commented. “Grumpy’s goal was to educate and have people take a closer look.”

Smith hopes those who run take a closer look at their surroundings, even on their usual routes.

“He wanted people to know what was in their back yard,” Gauvin said.

With the 5K’s course passing through many trails Grumpy likely passed through, participants got a peek into grumpy’s world. Among the participants were a group of middle school students led by teacher Nichole Stahmer.

“These kids are part of the Wareham Middle School student leaders group, and they do more in the school than just run… they have committed to being leaders in our community,” Stahmer said. “[The 5K] helps them train and have healthy bodies.”

Jasiti Pol was among Stahmer’s students.  She placed third in her age group.

“I was running like the wind, except I wasn’t running back and forth,” Pol said. “I loved running around the bog. It was nice and scenic.”

The first person to cross the finish line was Tom Gelson, clocking in at 20 minutes, 12 seconds. He and the winners for each age group received an antique crate of fresh cranberries, photos, and a mug.

“This is one of my favorite courses,” Gelson said. “I wish more people showed up- great cause and extremely well run.”

Gelson discovered the race because he often stops by the farm stand for lunch, claiming their thanksgiving sandwich is the best in town.

“This should be on… active[.com] because that’s where us running enthusiast go to find races,” Gelson said. “It’s beautiful. I love these local races.”

Gelson was accompanied by Roger Spring, who won his group.

“Old guys rule,” Spring exclaimed.

The 5K offered an enjoyed experience for folks of all ages whether they were walkers or the most experienced runners.

Concerning the proceeds, scholarships are set up for second-year college students from Southeastern Massachusetts who have at least a 2.5 GPA and preferably study agriculture. Last year, three $1000 scholarships were handed out, and planners hope to grow that fund after Saturday’s race.

“The growers had gotten together and formed the Cranberry Education Foundation, and they were looking to do a fundraiser,” Gauvin said. “After [Grumpy] passed away, it was a natural blending to do something in his memory.”

“People run because they’re healthy. We know and believe cranberries are very healthy, and a run or jog through the cranberry farm and woods- there’s no better way to connect the industry, the environment and the community,” Peter Beaton said. “Grumpy would have been under that tree taking pictures… He was one man with one big heart.”