It’s time again for the annual Park City High School Memorial 5K Run, hosted by the school’s National Honor Society. The race will start at 1:15 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, at the Park City High School baseball field.
“The path loops through the scenery of the Park Meadows Neighborhood and is for runners of all ages and experience levels,” said high school student Scarlett Tary. “Complimentary snacks and water will be provided, and a raffle of themed gift baskets will occur after the race.”
The memorial was originally created to honor the loss of five young graduates of Park City High School — Mike Pennels, Connie Blout, Matt Knoop, Erica Knell and Chris Yeates — who tragically died between February and September of 2008.
“Since then, we have honored more than 100 community members (students, alumni, and others in the community) with banners around the track,” said Tary. “Everyone participating is encouraged to run in honor of somebody they have lost, but not required to. This way, the run can have significant meaning to everyone participating.”
For this year, the 5K will start during school hours to encourage more student involvement. The organizers are estimating about 900 runners, and are welcoming any and all community members that are able to join.
“This event is such an amazing way to bring everyone together to help all those in need and remember those who had an impact on our lives,” said Tary.
The event also welcomes donations, and monies raised go to a variety of charities, including:
- Labs For Liberty: This organization pairs veterans or families of fallen veterans with service animals to help them heal. National Honor Society partners with Labs For Liberty to sponsor as many service animals as possible and match them to Park City military families.
- Homeless Youth Center of Salt Lake: A nonprofit shelter that helps provide resources to homeless youth in Utah, helping charter them onto a path toward a better future.
- National Honor Society humanitarian projects: This summer, many of Park City members will be participating in humanitarian projects through Padma, a service organization that runs humanitarian trips.
- National Honor Society scholarships: Scholarships are given to selected seniors who have overcome hardships in life. These scholarships help with their first year of college tuition.
In addition to the donation opportunity, the parents of the original “Park City 5” have created a memorial fund to provide educational resources to children in need. The organization’s goal is to “build five schools in five areas of the world where they are desperately needed.”
The fund will also provide five annual scholarships to distribute to Park City High School students who may wish to accompany the expedition and help to serve others.