KISSIMMEE – On Friday, Sept. 9, Valencia College’s Alumni Association will hold a 5K race to raise money for scholarships for first responders.
The event, the Valencia College Family Run/Walk for Heroes, will start at 6:30 p.m. at Valencia College’s Osceola Campus, located at 1800 Denn John Lane in Kissimmee.
The running event will be the first in a number of events held to commemorate Sept. 11, 2001. On Sept. 12, Valencia will hold a field of flags celebration to remember the events of that day.
The Run/Walk for Heroes is open to runners, walkers, wheelchair athletes, and children ages 10 and up. Awards will be given to those who place in their division with special team awards for top fundraisers. Participants will be timed by transponders.
The entry fee is $25 for runners and walkers who sign up before Aug. 31. The fee is $30 for those who sign up between Sept. 1-8 and $35 on race day. The entry fee is $15 for Valencia students who sign up before Sept. 8, and will rise to $35 on race day.
Valencia alumni and retirees who sign up by Sept. 8 will pay $20 to enter. The entry fee will be $35 on race day.
Participants can pick up their race packets, including their race numbers and t-shirts, at Valencia College on Thursday, Sept. 8, from 4 to 6 p.m. in Building 4 on the Osceola Campus. Packets will be available for pickup on race day, starting at 5 p.m.
Awards will be given in age-group categories and for overall male and female finishers, plus male and female master’s runners. The event will be chip-timed.
In addition to the individual awards, there is also a Team Spirit award for the team with the most members. Individuals who register can join an existing team or create one of their own.
All participants will receive a special event day T-shirt.
All proceeds support the Rotary Club of Lake Nona’s scholarship fund for emergency responders, which is administered by the Valencia Foundation.
For safety reasons, in-line skates, skateboards and dogs will not be allowed on the race course. Headphones are discouraged. Baby joggers are welcome, but all participants pushing a baby-jogger or stroller will be asked to start at the back of the starting pack.
For additional information or to register online, go to https://runsignup.com/valenciacollege5K-kissimmee