Seneca Valley honors sacrifice of Ryan Gloyer with 5K Run/Walk
Officials from Ryan Gloyer Middle School are still finding new ways to honor the life of Sgt. 1st Class Ryan A. Gloyer, who died in Afghanistan on Nov. 3, 2016.
The second annual Ryan Gloyer Memorial 5K Run/Walk is scheduled at 9 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, at the Seneca Valley secondary campus at 122 Seneca School Road, Jackson Township.
Registration for the event is $20 for Seneca Valley students, $25 for active duty and veterans, and $30 for adults.
The event had 376 registered participants and raised $36,000 in its first year and is expected to clear more than $40,000 in its second go-around, which happens to fall eight years to the day after Gloyer’s death.
“When the (race) planning committee realized the date and its significance, we collectively took a deep breath and just felt even more energized to make this year a greater success and to make Ryan proud as he smiles down on all of us,” Seneca Valley Foundation development director Annie Mersing said. “To date, we have almost doubled the number of sponsors, and the participation rate is exceeding our expectations.”
Gloyer was a multi-sport athlete before graduating from Seneca Valley in 2000. According to a news release, proceeds from the event will support educational initiatives at the school that reflect Ryan’s commitment to fitness, inclusiveness, perseverance and kindness, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire others.
School officials are estimating that about a fourth of total participants will be Seneca Valley students.
“That grit, determination and drive to be his best are just some of the many characteristics that we want to remember and highlight through hosting this race,” Mersing said. “We want our Seneca Valley students to know Ryan and to set goals, be kind and succeed at making dreams come true just like he did.”
The race will be held in tandem with a private assembly for seventh- and eighth-grade students and staff on Friday, Nov. 1.