2016 Run for Heroes 5K and Fun Run

The race will begin and end at Unity Plaza in Riverside. The race starts at 8 a.m. and participants will have the opportunity to run alongside two of the most accomplished long-distance runners in the U.S., Keith Brantly and his wife Kim Pawelek-Brantly.

Keith Brantly’s running career has spanned three decades, and many experts consider him one of the most successful long distance runners in U.S. history. His history includes the 1996 Olympics, where he was a member of the U.S. running team competing in the marathon. His has also been a member of the U.S. national track, road racing, and cross-country teams 12 times, and is an eight time U.S. road racing champion in the 10K, 20K, 25K and marathon.

Kim Pawelek-Brantly is one of the most accomplished athletes to ever compete at the University of North Florida and was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame in 2006. She has taken part in multiple world championships and Olympic trials over the past two decades and continues to excel in long-distance running.

The race begins at 8 a.m. at Unity Plaza at 220 Riverside Ave. in Jacksonville and will wind through Riverside. The race fee is $35 until May 26 and $40 on race day and all proceeds will go to the TraumaOne program at UF Health Jacksonville.

TraumaOne will also benefit from the opening of Metro Diner’s newest restaurant in Ponte Vedra Beach. A pre-opening charity event will take place during two times slots open to the public beginning at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The cost for attendance is $10 per person and all proceeds will be donated to TraumaOne.

People wishing to attend must RSVP by emailing [email protected]. There are a limited number of reservations available. Metro Diner is located in the Sawgrass Village Shopping Center, 340 Front Street, Suite 700, Ponte Vedra Beach.