UCF will welcome several wounded warriors and the families of fallen heroes on Saturday, May 10, for the fourth-annual Operation Giveback 5K/15K Run.Walk.Roll races.
Race activities will begin at 6:30 a.m. on Memory Mall. The 15K event will begin at 7 a.m., and the 5K will start at 7:20 a.m. Post-race ceremonies will wrap up at about 10 a.m.
To accommodate the race, Gemini Boulevard North will be closed between Greek Park Drive and North Orion Boulevard from about 6 to 9:30 a.m. East Plaza Drive and Mensa Lane will be closed as needed between 7 and 9:30 a.m.
Operation Giveback is a nonprofit organization created by veterans of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom that helps the men and women of the U.S. military who have been wounded in action and their family members.
On Saturday, Operation Giveback will honor the family of fallen hero Private First Class Christopher McCloud, as well as World War II veterans Rear Admiral Alene Duerk and Army Command Sergeant Major Harry Shakes. Several wounded warriors also will participate.
In addition to the race, attendees and participants are encouraged to take part in prize raffles and the silent auction with proceeds directly benefiting wounded warriors. The family friendly event features a Kids’ Zone with kids’ races, face painting and fun activities for children of all ages.
UCF RESTORES, a trauma management therapy program for veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars who are suffering from PTSD, will have a tent set up on Memory Mall. The program is based in UCF’s Psychology Department and led by Professor Deborah Beidel.
All event proceeds minus race expenses will support wounded warriors and their families as well as the children of fallen heroes.