OXFORD, Miss. – Registration is open for the University of Mississippi Navy ROTC’s first-ever “Fury Run” charity race to benefit the program and also the Navy Seal Foundation and the Mississippi State Veterans Home in Oxford.
The public is invited to enter the run or walk race, which will feature both a 5-K and a 10-K. Participants will begin their route at 9 a.m. Sept. 16 at the Grove stage. The 5-K route will cover campus, and the 10-K route will venture into Oxford.
Organizers hope to make the race an annual event, said Midshipman 1st Class Josh Brenc, a senior mechanical engineering major from Wheaton, Illinois.
“The Navy Seal Foundation is really important because the funds go to the team guys’ families and what they do for us as nation, I just can’t put it into words,” Brenc said.
“And as far as the Veterans Home goes, we volunteer there quite often. Those guys all served and they are getting older, but they’re great people and they all have great stories. They deserve everything we can do for them.”
U.S. Marine Corps Capt. David Johnston, instructor in naval science and operations officer of the Ole Miss NROTC program, said he’s proud of Brenc and his team for establishing the Fury Run.
“This event serves as a fundraiser for multiple worthy veteran support organizations, as well as provides the UM NROTC an opportunity to raises funds for some of our more traditional military functions,” Johnston said. “There can never be enough awareness to the issues that our active duty military members and veterans face.
“The students at the UM NROTC just want to do their part at supporting those service members who have come before them.”
Entry fees for the races are $20 for the 5-K and $30 for the 10-K for early registrants. On Aug. 19, the entry fees increase by $5. T-shirts for participants are an additional $5.
Steve Stone and Best Times will officially time both races, Brenc said. Awards will be presented for the following categories: ages 15 and under, 16-19, 20- 29, 30-39, 40-49, and 50 and over.
Participants can sign up or find additional information here. Anyone who wants to support the cause but does not wish to run can donate here.