RUN TEAM
SERIOUS RUNNERS ONLY PLEASE - We are assembling a small group (25 maximum), of active or former military personnel or dedicated athletes to comprise a core team of runners committed to a 4-day 250 mile tribute run from Virginia Beach to Arlington National Cemetery. Run will begin at 630am from the Light house at Fort Story and conclude in Arlington National Cemetery Section 60. The run has a specific timetable for each marker throughout each day. Runners need to be flexible, willing to run on any given day and when needed. RAIN OR SHINE.
Runners will run 1 mile for every Virginia fallen military hero who died while serving during the current war on terror, stopping to salute and give tribute by name at every Hero Marker, briefly greeting family, friends and comrades who may be waiting nearby. Stopping no longer than 90 seconds each.
Each runner must be physically capable of a consistent 8-9 minute mile for 2 mile legs. Core teams will rotate every hour over the 4-day period. We are not looking for quantity of runners but a solid team dedicated to the remembrance of those who gave their lives and their families. This route will be grueling at times because the trail winds through many hilly areas of Virginia as we near Northern Virginia and a specific pace must be maintained in order to greet waiting families.
If you are interested in becoming a part of our core team or desiring to run any of the 250 mile distance, contact us at,
virginia@honorandremember.org or fill out our Contact Form.
This year's Virgina Run for the Fallen Core Runners Are:
CLICK HERE TO SPONSOR A RUNNER
You may also text the word VARUN to 71777.
or click on the picture of the runner below.
Jim O'Hara
CAPT-USN (retired), 58 yrs old, Fairfax, Virginia. USNA '81, 3rd generation Navy; retired w/27 yrs service; proud to run 5th year with our Core Team! Honoring USNA '81 classmate CAPT Bob Dolan USN (9-11 Pentagon), hometown-Fairfax hero PFC Dillon M. Jutras USA (Iraq), and all fallen military family and USNA Alumni brothers and sisters. 2014, 2015, 2016 core runner.
Maggie Seymour
Maggie Seymour is an active duty captain in the Marine Corps. Originally from Alexander, Illinois she is now stationed in San Diego, CA with Marine Air Group 16. She's deployed three times and is currently looking forward to transitioning off active duty and continuing to serve her communities as a reservist/civilian. She's an avid ultra-marathon and is passionate about honoring the fallen and the sacrifices of all gold star families. Core runner 2014,2015, 2017
Sandra Garrett
Kristen Staples
I'm an avid runner and civilian employee at the Naval Base in Dahlgren, VA. First hearing about the VARFTF in 2014, I knew it was something I had to do. In 2014 & 2015 I participated as a supplemental runner in King George County only. Last year, I decided to be part of the core team and never looked back. It was, by far, the most challenging and life changing experience for me. I am privileged to be able to honor these Heroes and their families again in 2017.
Jared Reiber
Going on 6 years in the Navy and love every minute of it. Been stationed with 1st Battalion 2nd Marines and before that was at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Virginia. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio but the great Navy has brought me to the DC area to run this amazing run again. Love running and diy projects that keep me outside. Anything that I can do to give back to the people who gave everything is what I'm here to do. Core runner 2013, 2014.
Brian Hakes
US Army, Financial Management Advisor. Served: Fort Eustis, VA, Fort Bragg, NC; Camp Butmir Sarajevo, Bosnia. Interests: Running, triathlons, hiking, and volunteering with children with special needs. 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 core runner.
Mark Shade
Originally from Ohio now residing in Virginia beach. This run is a great way to honor the many individuals that gave their lives so we can continue ours. I'm proud to be a part of this team! 2015 core runner.
Alicia “AJ” Jones
I work in law enforcement and am also a Gold Star Family Member. Since I’ve been an athlete my entire life, this event is a perfect opportunity to honor and remember my father, friends and co-workers who made the ultimate sacrifice serving and protecting this great country.
Chris Cwiklinski
I am a retired Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman with 20 yrs of active duty service. This will be my fifth year running the VA Run for The Fallen. Participating in this event for the past 4yrs has just been a very humbling and life changing experience, and something I will never forget. Honoring and remembering all those who gave their lives for the freedoms we share today, and letting those families know that while their loved may be gone they will be never forgotten, is something very special. 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 core runner.
Santrica Walker
Dov Troup
In 2012 I quit competing in marathons and began running to bring awareness. I started by running 50 marathons in 50 weeks in 2012. In 2014 I ran to bring awareness to cancer. 2015 I began running to remember our fallen heroes. Me and my jogger have traveled over 3,000 miles of roadway and still going strong.
JP Duckett
Fuzz Harrison
Navy captain, diver assigned to OPNAV staff at the Pentagon. Veteran of Afghanistan and Iraq. My family roots in VA go back to the 17th century, and it will be a privilege to play a small role in VARFTF to honor the Old Dominion’s heroes and their Gold Star families. Gone but certainly not forgotten. 2014 Core Runner.
Tylisa Smallwood
Mark Hoel
I've been in the Navy for almost 14 years now. This event really combines two things that are close to my heart: running and honoring our fallen. This experience is a perfect way to remember those friends and family that we've lost. I am grateful to be a part of this years team!
Jarred Shorr
"I am an active duty Soldier that has been serving in the US Army for four years. Originally from Warwick, Rhode Island, I am currently serving at Fort Riley, Kansas. I have run in numerous marathons and I am always striving for more to see how much my body can handle. I am running with Adam Stroik in support of the loss of his fellow comrade, Staff Sergeant Mark Allen Stets Jr. "
Michal Yusko I
I'm a Spc in the army. Been in for 5 plus years. I been deployed twice to Afghanistan and I'm a mortuary affairs specialist.
Russ Turner
Former hospital corpsman (HMC) with the US Navy. prior duty's to include: Various Branch Clinics, USS Trenton LPD-14, 2nd Marine Air Wing, 3/2 Marine Infantry, Naval Special Warfare Group Two, Naval Special Warfare Development Group. 20 years United States Navy. Founder and director of Road Rage Events. Core Runner 2013, 2014, 2017
Jordan Weeks
Jordan was born in upstate New York, where he was raised along with his two brothers. He joined the Marine Corps after high school and served overseas in Japan, Iraq, Afghanistan, and various embassies around the world. He started running on his first deployment, completing his first half-marathon in Japan and recently finishing his first ultra marathon in February. This is his first Run for the Fallen and is humbled to be able to honor and remember our nation's fallen.
Thomas Ames
I'm from newton, New Jersey. I am a 92M (mortuary affairs specialist) in the army. I live in fort lee with my wife grace, one year old son Owen and dog roxy. In my spare time I love to workout and spend time outside with my family. I love what i do and im honored to serve this country. Hooah!
Joshua Sterver
I'm from Provo Utah. I like hiking/backpacking, trail running, camping and bowling. I joined the army in August 2015 as a Mortuary Affairs Specialist. Happy to be serving my country.
