The Run for Heroes takes to the streets and highways for the first time on Saturday, Sept. 21 all in the name of helping Concord University’s student veterans pursue a college degree.
The event is a motorcycle Poker-Run and 5K Run to benefit the Veterans Support Fund at Concord University. The fund bridges the gap between the costs of college for our military brothers and sisters, from textbooks to school supplies. The idea came to Student Activities Director Andrew Sulgit when he became aware that some student veterans were covering basic costs for college out of pocket.
“Personally, I don’t believe veterans should pay a dime for school, as they have provided a service to the citizens of the United States for which you cannot put a price on. I wanted to help the Veterans Support Fund gain more resources, and I know many who ride and/or run, and it seemed like a natural event to create,” he said.
The Run for Heroes begins and concludes at the parking lot beside CU’s football stadium. The Poker Run starts at 9 a.m., and the 5K Race starts at 12 noon with awards immediately following. Prizes will be given for Best Hand, Worst Hand and others, and five stations will be set up along the course that spans Summers, Raleigh, and Mercer counties.
Participants in the Poker Run will receive an event t-shirt, a picnic pass to a southern-style BBQ picnic, and have the opportunity to win prizes. Entertainment will be provided by the legendary Tommy C Blues Band and The Stunt Army, a motorcycle stunt group from Greensboro, N.C.
“We want to invite anyone who is supportive of our veterans to come out and enjoy the day, and participate…whether it’s on two wheels or two feet, come be a part of this new tradition in southern West Virginia,” Sulgit said.
Registration is $30/rider, $15/passenger, and $20 for 5K participants. Register online at www.facebook.com/runforheroes or www.concord.edu/runforheroes, or by calling (304) 384-5311. Participants may also register onsite the day of the event (for the Poker Run, 8:30 am and after).
