Participants run up Stevenson Street in the 2014 Run for Ryan. Since its inception in 2010, the Run for Ryan has raised more than $50,000 for student veterans.
By Kaye Burnet | News Editor
Although Marine Sergeant Ryan Lane of Castle Shannon never attended Duquesne University, his family formed a bond with Duquesne’s ROTC program after Lane was killed during his second deployment to Afghanistan in 2009. This Saturday, members of the Duquesne community and Pittsburgh residents will take part in the seventh annual Run for Ryan to raise money for student veteran scholarships.
According to Don Accamando of Duquesne’s Office of Military and Veteran Students, the Run for Ryan has raised more than $50,000 for student veterans since its inception in April 2010. This year, proceeds will also go toward purchasing a service dog from Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. for a local veteran.
The 5K race will start by Brottier hall and circle campus, with a final push made by runners up the Stevenson Street hill.
“That hill’s a tough one,” Accamando said with a laugh. “And it will be a crazy day, with the Spring Clean Up going on at the same time.”
The race was started when Lane’s mother met two ROTC students at Duquesne, Chris Cavanagh and Joseph Vitti, shortly after her son’s death.
“When she told them about Lane, they wanted to make sure that he was remembered,” Accamando explained.
Those interested in running can register the day of the race at 8 a.m. in front of Brottier. Registration costs $25 and includes a t-shirt, race bib and race chip.
“Each year, the Run for Ryan attracts more participants,” Accamando told the DU Times. “Every contribution makes an impact, and Ryan’s heroic legacy is passed on to the recipient of the scholarship that bears his name.
