(Charlottesville, VA) The University of Virginia Foundation, with the support of the Charlottesville Track Club, will host its 4th Annual 4 The Wounded 5K (4TW5K) race in the University of Virginia Research Park on Saturday, June 7, 2014, benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project.
Sal Gonzalez, a veteran of the Iraq war, will be on-hand to address race participants. Sal was injured by an IED resulting in the loss of his left leg. He is part of Warrior Speak, a spokesperson program that helps the Wounded Warrior Project promote the needs of injured military personnel (both physically and emotionally) returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
Sal Gonzalez, a veteran of the Iraq war, will be on-hand to address race participants. Sal was injured by an IED resulting in the loss of his left leg. He is part of Warrior Speak, a spokesperson program that helps the Wounded Warrior Project promote the needs of injured military personnel (both physically and emotionally) returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
According to the Charlottesville Track Club, the 4TW5K has quickly gained notoriety and is now the 4th largest road race in the region.
The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) provides programs and services to tens of thousands of service men and women who have been injured in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, many suffering traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and severe burns, which retire them from service. These programs and services include benefits like counseling, family assistance, internships and much more, to ease their burdens and aid in the transition back to a successful civilian life. For more information on the WWP: www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
The race is open to the entire community and will begin promptly at 8AM. Runners, walkers and guests must be in the Park by 7:30AM after which the roads into the Park will be closed.
According to the Charlottesville Track Club, the 4TW5K has quickly gained notoriety and is now the 4th largest road race in the region. Over 1,300 runners have already registered for the race and organizers are expecting that number to swell to nearly 1,600. Though online race registration is now closed, runners/walkers can still register in person at “packet pick-up” which will be held in the lobby of the Town Center Three building at the UVA Research Park (995 Research Park Drive, 2nd Floor) from 3-7PM on Thursday, 6/5 and 9AM-6PM on Friday, 6/6.
Race day events include an all-terrain (on/off road) 5K, kids fun run and a post-race Expo at Dabney Grove Pavilion, at the finish line. The expo will include food and beverages, music, and an awards presentation for the top finishers.
“Through the generosity of many sponsors, fundraising efforts have been amazingly successful. Our fundraising goal this year is $115,000 and we are very close with a total raised so far of $108,000! Combined with the funds raised in previous years, we have now raised nearly $400,000 – all going to the Wounded Warrior Project; pretty remarkable for a newly established event,” notes Deborah van Eersel, Chief Administrative Officer for the UVA Foundation.
The Lead Sponsor for the past four years is ACAC Wellness & Fitness Centers who organize the Kids’ Race which is held immediately after the main race. Walmart, also a sponsor for four years, provides all water and food, and encourages employees to volunteer and agrees to reward their time with a corporate donation to the Wounded Warrior Project. And once again, Monticello Media and Charlottesville Newsplex are official media sponsors and will broadcast live from the Research Park on race day!
“This race, the beneficiary, and the unwavering support we receive from sponsors and volunteers alike continue to surpass our wildest expectations,” says van Eersel. “With soldiers from NGIC parking cars, a color guard, the national anthem performed by the Burley Bearettes – Burley Middle School’s concert choir, fire trucks and flags, music before, during and after the race, and over 1,300 racers, this morning promises an all-around great vibe! It will be a lively and patriotic morning and we invite you all to join us!”
Over twenty representatives of firms located in the UVA Research Park and in the north 29 community serve on the 5K Organizing Committee (a listing can be found at www.4theWounded5K.com). “Without their dedication and commitment to this race and cause, this event would not be possible,” according to van Eersel.
The University of Virginia Foundation develops research parks as part of its mission to support the University. The University of Virginia Research Park provides a venue for academic research to work with commercial technology, and supports a variety of businesses, from research and development to light manufacturing and knowledge-based commerce, as well as developing connections between UVA and private enterprise. For more information on the UVA Foundation and its Research Parks, visit http://www.uvafoundation.com/research-parks/.
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The race is open to the entire community and will begin promptly at 8AM. Runners, walkers and guests must be in the Park by 7:30AM after which the roads into the Park will be closed.
According to the Charlottesville Track Club, the 4TW5K has quickly gained notoriety and is now the 4th largest road race in the region. Over 1,300 runners have already registered for the race and organizers are expecting that number to swell to nearly 1,600. Though online race registration is now closed, runners/walkers can still register in person at “packet pick-up” which will be held in the lobby of the Town Center Three building at the UVA Research Park (995 Research Park Drive, 2nd Floor) from 3-7PM on Thursday, 6/5 and 9AM-6PM on Friday, 6/6.
Race day events include an all-terrain (on/off road) 5K, kids fun run and a post-race Expo at Dabney Grove Pavilion, at the finish line. The expo will include food and beverages, music, and an awards presentation for the top finishers.
“Through the generosity of many sponsors, fundraising efforts have been amazingly successful. Our fundraising goal this year is $115,000 and we are very close with a total raised so far of $108,000! Combined with the funds raised in previous years, we have now raised nearly $400,000 – all going to the Wounded Warrior Project; pretty remarkable for a newly established event,” notes Deborah van Eersel, Chief Administrative Officer for the UVA Foundation.
The Lead Sponsor for the past four years is ACAC Wellness & Fitness Centers who organize the Kids’ Race which is held immediately after the main race. Walmart, also a sponsor for four years, provides all water and food, and encourages employees to volunteer and agrees to reward their time with a corporate donation to the Wounded Warrior Project. And once again, Monticello Media and Charlottesville Newsplex are official media sponsors and will broadcast live from the Research Park on race day!
“This race, the beneficiary, and the unwavering support we receive from sponsors and volunteers alike continue to surpass our wildest expectations,” says van Eersel. “With soldiers from NGIC parking cars, a color guard, the national anthem performed by the Burley Bearettes – Burley Middle School’s concert choir, fire trucks and flags, music before, during and after the race, and over 1,300 racers, this morning promises an all-around great vibe! It will be a lively and patriotic morning and we invite you all to join us!”
Over twenty representatives of firms located in the UVA Research Park and in the north 29 community serve on the 5K Organizing Committee (a listing can be found at www.4theWounded5K.com). “Without their dedication and commitment to this race and cause, this event would not be possible,” according to van Eersel.
The University of Virginia Foundation develops research parks as part of its mission to support the University. The University of Virginia Research Park provides a venue for academic research to work with commercial technology, and supports a variety of businesses, from research and development to light manufacturing and knowledge-based commerce, as well as developing connections between UVA and private enterprise. For more information on the UVA Foundation and its Research Parks, visit http://www.uvafoundation.com/research-parks/.
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