U.S. Marine and police officer Brad Fox took pride in helping others.
So, somewhere he must be smiling about the decision to expand the memorial 5K in his honor to include other groups of folks in need beyond his family.
Saturday’s sixth annual event has been renamed Brad Fox Day, and it will include not only the customary 3.1-mile race but many other activities as well.
Fox, a Warminster native, served his country in the Middle East before returning home to the Delaware Valley to serve as a policeman for the Plymouth Township Police Department.
He was killed in the line of duty, leaving behind a wife and two children.
The Brad Fox Fund was founded by his friends and admirers and the race, held in Warminster, was born.
“This year is actually way bigger than anything we’ve done in the past,’’ said race director Darren Meehan in a telephone conversation.
“Essentially what we’re trying to do is not only honor Brad the police officer and men and women like him but also honor the men and women of the armed services who sacrificed everything for their country.’’
Included in the list of activities are a Veterans Expo, featuring K-9 demonstrations, cadence calling exhibition, living history booth, Mission 22 (united in the war against veteran suicide), letters from home and salute to service.
Proceeds from the day’s events also provide a college scholarship to a student from both William Tennent and Archbishop Wood high schools.
In addition, funding will be provided for Abington Township police officer Bryan Rickards (who is suffering from ALS) and the Warminster VFW Post #6493.
The 5K starts at 9 a.m.
“We have groups that are very local and we are very honored to have groups like the Pat Tillman Foundation, which is joining us this year,’’ Meehan said. “We have a select set of groups of people from different areas of expertise, be it various levels of support or education.
“It’s just giving awareness to these groups and letting veterans in the community know there are groups that can use their help as well. It’s important that we take care of the ones who need the help but these are the people who are fighting for our country and defending our country overseas. They have important skill sets that can be used to improve our community as well.’’
More information is available at www.officerbradfox5k.com.
This event has drawn more than 700 runners in recent years and organizers hope to top that this year.
Ultimately, it’s about keeping the legacy of Fox alive in the Bucks County community and surrounding area.
“It’s important for two reasons,’’ Meehan said. “One is, it’s extremely important that his family know that the sacrifice that he made isn’t forgotten. He’s got two kids that will never have met their father.
“So events like this give people an opportunity to come out and show their support for the family. It’s also a good way of showing the community in general that there are a lot of people out there who are doing really important work. Putting it all on the line so we can live the lives we want to live. Be it the first responder living in Warminster or the marine who is serving overseas for a year and a half.’’
In the first five years of the event, donations of more than $200,000 have been made.
Break fast to get to Break-Fast 5K
The ever-popular Bucks 5K Series continues this Sunday with the Break-Fast 5K/10K, which is overseen by Bucks County Roadrunners Club president Johnny Marino.
Johnny takes great pride in his culinary skills when it comes to race day pancakes. So drop in, have a good race and then a good meal.
The addition of the new 10K should add to the overall excitement.
“It’s becoming one of the most popular races in the area,’’ Marino said. “Please join us for a post-race pancake breakfast at the Station Tap House, with Dr. Kathy McKinney and myself flipping the gourmet flapjacks and serving Founders Breakfast Stout champagne and mimosas.’’
In addition, there will be soft drinks, warm cookies, smoothies and more, plus live music. Don’t forget to bring an ID to prove you’re 21.
More information at www.Break-Fast5k.run.
Race calendar
Saturday
6th annual Brad Fox 5K, 9 a.m., Warminster. Contact www.officerbradfox5k.com
Sunday
3rd annual Break-Fast 5K/10K, 9 a.m., Doylestown. Contact www.Break-Fast 5K.run.
Sunday, May 20
20th annual Kiwanis-Sesame Place Classic 5K, one-mile run, kids’ sprint, 7 a.m., Sesame Place, Middletown Township. Contact www.sesameplaceclassic5K.com.
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