Corporal Stephen J. Ballard Memorial 5K set Aug. 20 in Georgetown
On Sunday, Aug. 20, Races2Run and a group of dedicated volunteers are sponsoring the Inaugural Cpl/1 Stephen J. Ballard Memorial 5K beginning at 8:15 a.m., at Arena’s Deli at the Delaware Coastal Airport, 21553 Rudder Lane, Georgetown. There is also a free Kiddie K for children 9 and younger.
On April 26, Delaware State Police Cpl. Stephen Ballard was tragically killed in the line of duty in Bear, while serving the citizens of the state. Ballard, 32, an eight-year veteran, leaves behind his wife, Louise, and 5-year-old daughter, Abigale.
Morgan Albert, co-chairperson of the committee planning this event, is a close friend of the Ballard family. "It was a tragic event for all of us who knew and loved Stephen. We wanted to keep his memory alive. I knew Stephen and what he felt in his heart. I know and remember what he did for everyone. He only wanted to give to others," said Albert.
Proceeds from the event will go to the Cpl/1 Stephen J. Ballard Memorial Fund. The fund has been established at the Delaware State Police Federal Credit Union in the name of Corporal Ballard and all proceeds will be given to his family. Checks can be made out to the DSTA - Stephen Ballard Memorial Fund, PO Box 168, Cheswold, DE 19936. This is the only official, memorial fund dedicated in the name of Cpl. Stephen Ballard. For more information, contact the Delaware State Troopers Association at 302-736-9958.
Preregistration for the events is available at www.races2run.com and entry is $25 until Aug. 17. Afterwards the entry fee is $30. The Kiddie K is at no cost. Non-participating guests may purchase post-race party tickets for $5. Awards go to the male and female overall and master's winners, top three winners in the 10-year age groups from 9 years and below to 75 and over. Top three male and female walkers are also awarded. Amenities include special, commemorative glasses and a great breakfast from Arena’s. Beer is available for those over age 21.
The Corporal Ballard Cup will be awarded to the Largest Police Team and the Arena's Cup will go to the Fastest Police Team.
On race day, registration opens at 7:15 a.m., at Arena’s at the Delaware Coastal Airport. The Kiddie K begins at 8 a.m., and the race begins at 8:15 a.m. sharp. The flat course starts and ends at the airport.
Sponsors for this inaugural, memorial event include Arena’s Deli, NKS Distributors, Georgetown Police Department and Delaware Coastal Airport. For more information about the event go to www.races2run.com.
