5K to raise funds for scholarship, veteran support
IOTA - Runners looking to support area youth and military veterans are encouraged to run for a cause this coming weekend.
The annual Cpl. Matthew Richard 5K Memorial Run will be held on Saturday, April 27 at the Iota Veterans Memorial Pavilion.
Registration will begin at 8:15 a.m. with a 9 a.m. start time for the race clocked by Cajun Timing of Lafayette.
“Area Boy Scouts will kick things off with a flag ceremony and a priest will say a prayer,” said event organizer Alicia Richard. “We have a young woman who will sing the national anthem before the 5K begins.”
The deadline for online registration will be 8 a.m. on Thursday, April 25, Richard said.
The registration fee will be $30 per runner, which will include a memorial T-shirt along with water and fruit at the end of the race.
The run began years ago in memory of a Marine who gave his life for his country while serving in Afghanistan conducting combat operations.
“My son Matthew was a corporal in the United States Marine Corps,” said Richard. “He was killed in action in 2011 and this is the eighth year we put on the run as way of keeping his memory alive.”
The Cpl. Matthew Richard Memorial Foundation will hold the race and all proceeds will fund scholarships for local youth.
“Anything that exceeds the amount of the scholarship will go back into military service organizations to help support service men and women,” said Richard. “This is our way of giving back to the community.”
She said a silent auction will be held from 9-11:30 a.m. which includes items such as a Yeti ice chest, an aluminum crawfish table, an iPad and a large wooden swing.
“We also have a flag that was hand painted on corrugated tin along with handmade blankets and baby sets,” said Richard. “Donations will continue to be accepted until the day of the event.” Jambalaya, hamburgers and drinks will go on sale at 10 a.m., Richard said. Jaryd Lane and the Parish will provide musical entertainment for the event again this year. Children’s activities will include fun jumps, face painting and balloons for the little ones. According to the foundation’s website, races will be separated into age groups with a first, second and third place winner for each category. Overall male and female winners will also receive an award. The age groups were listed on the website as follows: age 9 and under, 10-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and ages 60 and older. To register for the 5k, individuals can visit www.cplmatthewrichard.org to complete a form. Richard can be reached at (337) 581-4350 for more information, to register or to sponsor the event. “Participants can register before the race on the day of the event,” said Richard. “Any donations will be accepted that day as well.”