Bradley Smith 5K To Be Held Virtually

The 11th Annual Bradley Smith 5K is being held virtually this year from September 11-13. The race has raised $311,000 is scholarships in the first 10 years for not only area high school seniors, but anyone up to age 24 looking to further their education.

The first two years the race was held on the grounds and surrounding roads of Bethel Church after being started by fellow church member and then Edwardsville High School Senior Andrea Gross. Gross said she came up with the idea because she knew “the Troy community wanted to carry on Brad’s memory and people wanted to do something with their grief.” Two years later, Gross was a scholarship recipient. Bradley’s dad, Gary, has been a co-sponsor every year.

Each year 3-4 different groups with their own committees choose students to receive 6-7 scholarships from the foundation, including Bethel Church, the VFW, and Triad High School.  Past recipients have come from not only Triad High School but Collinsville, Edwardsville, Mater Dei, Father McGiveny, and home schooled students.

Because this year’s race will be virtual and on Patriot’s Day, Smith believes that attendance will be be high with squadrons all over the world participating. Organizers hope to video a few runners at the starting line and finish line of the usual route to give the event a feel of continuity.

The entry fee is $20 and includes a race bib. Registration is open through the 13th.  Registrants can also be entered into a drawing for a 3 foot by 5 foot wooden flag for every $10 they donate or raise. Tee shirts are also available for $20 including shipping for those that want one.

Registration is available online at https://www.active.com/running/distance-running-virtual-events/bradley-r-smith-memorial-scholarship-virtual-5k-run-walk-2020. Runners can send their time in by posting a picture of their race timing app on the event’s Facebook page, Bradley R. Smith Memorial Scholarship Virtual 5K Run/Walk.