Kraig Vickers Honor Run, August 5

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Senior Chief Kraig M.K. Vickers, one of 22 US service members killed in action, August 6, 2011 in Afghanistan. Provided by the Vickers ‘Ohana.

By Wendy Osher

An honor run will be held on Sunday, August 5, 2012 in honor of the late Kraig Vickers of Maui.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Senior Chief Kraig M.K. Vickers, was one of 22 US service members killed in action August 6, 2011, in Afghanistan.

Vickers was also a 1992 Maui High School graduate and a football and wrestling standout.

He was assigned to an East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare unit and was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom when the helicopter he was in was shot down in the Wardak Province of Afghanistan.

“The decision to hold an honor run was made as a way to remember Kraig and to pay tribute to him and other military personnel as well and to thank them for their service and sacrifice,” said family members in a media statement.

There are two options for the honor run: a 5 kilometer or a 3 kilometer alternative. The event will start and finish at Kanaha Park, with the actual route running along Amala Road and the Northshore Greenway path.

The event is made possible through a partnership between the Vickers ‘Ohana and Valley Isle Road Runners.

Registration is open to the public, and all are invited to participate. Both running and walking are encouraged for this family friendly event.

The 5K event starts at 7:30 a.m.; the 3K begins at 7:45 a.m.  Registration includes an event T-shirt, post-race breakfast, snacks and entertainment. Cost is $25 for the 5K and $20 for the 3K. Medals will be awarded 3-deep in each category.

Proceeds will go to The Kraig Vickers Foundation, whose aim is to assist local military service members and their ‘ohana in times of hardship as well as to promote a more active and healthy lifestyle throughout the community.

Online registration is available at www.virr.com.  More information is available at www.active.com and www.mauirunner.com.