Annapolis, MD – After 12 years of continuous, worldwide combat operations, nearly 45,000 soldiers have been wounded – and many returning veterans come home to new challenges. We believe that as citizens, we share an obligation to take care of these men and women, to honor the sacrifices they have made, our mission is to step in where government leaves off. Established in 2009, the Ripley Race raises awareness, money and support for America’s Veterans. Join us by making a tax-deductible donation or registering in the race.

Please join us Sunday, November 2nd, 2014 at 9am.

• $50 – Youth Running Clinic
• $40 – 5k General Registration
• $30 – 5k Military/MIDN/Youth
• $15 – 1 Mile Fun Run (all ages)

Packet pick-up is Charm City Run shoe store at Annapolis Town Center 11/1/14 10am-4pm. Post-race party at Fado’s Irish Pub (wear your race shirt for a free beer!)

6-Week Youth Running Clinic

Sign the kids up for our 6-week youth running clinic leading up to the race and inspire them to “Learn to Run, Learn to Support, Learn to Honor”. The clinic is about a whole lot more than getting ready for the race. Find out more at www.ripleyrace.com/about

 Win $1,000 – Ripley Race Team Competition 

Pick a team leader, set up a “Team” during the online registration process and organize your team. The team with the lowest average run time wins $1,000. Teams must have at least 20 entrants include 3 female participants.

Colonel John W. Ripley, USMC (Ret.)

The Ripley Race celebrates the legacy of valor and leadership of Colonel John W. Ripley Unites States Marine Corps (USMC). In a career that spanned more than 35 years, Colonel Ripley earned six valorous and 14 personal decorations in two tours of combat, including the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

During the 1972 North Vietnamese Easter Offensive, the then-Captain Ripley was responsible for destroying the Dong Ha Bridge. In a desperate and heroic action that would make him a legend in the Corps, Captain Ripley placed and detonated more than 600 pounds of explosives, stopping an enemy assault of more than 20,000 men.

For his courage and heroism at the Dong Ha Bridge, Captain Ripley was awarded the Navy Cross, the nation’s second highest award for valor. The destruction of the Dong Ha Bridge has been memorialized in a diorama at the U.S. Naval Academy entitled, “Ripley at the Bridge.”

Colonel Ripley’s leadership continued off the battlefield, serving in leadership roles at universities, as a historian, a speaker and as an expert testifying before Congress on military matters.

The Ripley Race commemorates a lifetime achievement in the service of his country and dedication to the nation he loved.