4th Annual 'On Your Marc' Run Honors Fallen Soldier

From Lower Providence Township:

The 4th annual "On Your Marc" benefit 5k run/walk will be held Saturday, Aug. 4, starting at 8:30 a.m. at the Lower Providence Township Fire Department at 3199 Ridge Pike in Eagleville. Check in begins at 7:30 a.m.

The event, draws well over 600 participants each year, honors Marc J. Small, a U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret medic killed while serving his country in Afghanistan in 2009. Marc’s mother and sister, Mary and Megan MacFarland, are co-founders of the race in cooperation with Lower Providence Township.

Proceeds from the run benefit Small Steps in Speech, a 501(c)3 nonprofit foundation started by Marc’s fiancée, Amanda Charney, to help children with speech disabilities. Over $90,000 has been raised for Small Steps in Speech in the first three events.

Early check-in for the run will be held Friday, Aug. 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the firehouse. Race day check-in will begin at 7:30 a.m. The race will start at 8:30 a.m., followed by the walk at 8:35 a.m. Registration is $30; t-shirts are available while supplies last. 

The post run event will be at Brother Paul’s, at 3300 Ridge Pike. Join the crowd for more fun, raffles and food after the race.

Pre-registration is available online at lowerprovidence.org/events. Resgistration options this year include a Family Discount Rate of $40 per person for four or more family members and a Doggie Registration for $15 that includes a doggie bandana. 

Prizes will be awarded to the top two males and females in eight separate age categories and there will be a prize for the team raising the most money. In addition to finish line results, times will be posted online at pretzelcitysports.com. 

The 2012 sponsors include The Lenfest Group, Streamlight, SEI Investments, Service Mark, Play and Learn, O’Neill Properties, Lower Providence Police Association, Audubon Land Development, Shannondell at  Valley Forge and many others.  

For more information on the foundation, visit www.smallstepsinspeech.org. For additional race information, or to find out how you can donate refreshments or become a sponsor, please contact Megan MacFarland at 610-416-9898, or e-mail her at onyourmarc8@yahoo.com.