WILLIAMSBURG — Runners and walkers in Williamsburg and Yorktown can come together on Nov. 11 — Veterans Day — to take part in the inaugural Heroes 5K.
For Karen Corl, owner of RunWild Events, recognizing veterans and first responders is a passion project.
“I’ve had a long passion for military people. My grandfather and father were both military. My brother was a 30-year Marine, my sister and brother-in-law are also U.S. Navy Veterans. My dad always raised us for God and country. I just felt Williamsburg is such a diverse community and a lot of the people here are veterans. The service and sacrifices of military people and first responders is incredible,” Corl said.
Corl, a retired U.S. Navy chief petty officer with 20 years of service, also loves running. She thought it would be a good idea to combine her love of running and her heart for veterans and first responders.
“I thought this would be a great way to keep exercising while promoting greater awareness to the Williamsburg community of the service and sacrifice of our veterans and first responders,” Corl said.
Corl is footing the bill for the race because of her desire to raise awareness for veterans and first responders and to say thank you.
“I just want these people to know that they are heroes to those in their communities. We support them every day for what they have done for us. I want them to know they are recognized by the community they live in and they are a valued member of that community and their families are just as important,” Corl said.
Hosted at Jamestown High School, the event has something for everyone, from the beginner to the experienced runner. Kicking off at 8:15 a.m. is the non-competitive Pledge of Allegiance Mile run. Immediately following, at 9 a.m., the Heroes 5K run and walk will start.
If running isn’t for you, there are plenty of other things to do at the race site. The Williamsburg A Cappella Singers will sing the National Anthem and service branch songs, there will be a kids activity table, emergency vehicles will be on-site, plus an after party with a DJ and refreshments.
In addition to the individual races, participants can sign up as a team. The Super Heroes Team Competition will pit Army, Navy, Marine, 911 Dispatchers, Air Force, Coast Guard, Corrections Officers, Firefighters, EMS, Law Enforcement, National Guard, Nurses, and Space Force members against each other for in a competition for bragging rights.
The 5K aims to raise funds for two local Williamsburg area charities: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Williamsburg Chapter and Knott Alone-Hold Fast.
NAMI Williamsburg helps those with mental illness through advocacy and education in James City County, Poquoson, Williamsburg, and York County. It also holds a free weekly Tuesday support group.
Knott Alone-Hold Fast is a Gloucester-based charity that brings combat veterans together on the waters of the Chesapeake Bay to learn about crabbing and work on restoring the shores of the watershed. It also offers resources on how to deal with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
“I want to make sure the community and the race is addressing PTSD. Being in the military and seeing the struggles that some people have with what they’ve seen and done, not to mention the things that first responders see in the course of their duties, these groups deserve the recognition,” Corl said.
Corl is hopeful that groups in the community will consider sponsoring the event. If interested in sponsoring, groups are asked to email her at [email protected].
To sign up for the race or to learn more, visit RunSignup.com.