Race at Lone Lane Park to Aid Wounded Veterans

For those who prefer exercise for a cause, the Keystone Wounded Warriors are staging a 5K Race/Walk Sunday morning at Lone Lane Park in Upper Macungie to raise money for injured service members. 

Registration at the park runs from 8:30 a.m.-9:40 a.m. and with the race starting at 10 a.m. The cost is $30 for those 10-years-old and up and $15 for children under 10. Those over 10 who pre-register online by 4 p.m. Friday pay $25. The race begins and ends at and will weave through the surrounding neighborhood. Participants can choose instead to do a one mile walk around the park. 

Awards are to go to the top three male and female finishers in each of the five age categories: 18 and under, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49 and 50 and to the overall winner. A special recognition award will be given to the person who raises the most money for the Keystone Wounded Warriors.  Jonathan Tompkins, a Marine Corps veteran wounded in Iraq, is to present the awards. 

The group has held previous races at Alvernia University in Berks County but this is the first year for the Upper Macungie run. As of Thursday, about 150 people were pre-registered, according to Keystone Wounded Warrior Director Sam Johnson,  a Marine Reservist. "We're hoping each year it grows a little more," he said.

The nonprofit group's mission is to "honor and empower" men and women from all branches of military service, especially those wounded after Sept. 11, 2001, Johnson said. Since 2010, the organization has helped 73 in Pennsylvania with everything from handicapped ramps for homes to roof repairs to gift cards for groceries, he said.  

"This is one of just over 70 events Keystone Warriors do throughout the year," he said. 

For more information, contact sjusmc05@yahoo.com