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PHHS student putting on veterans 5K

The Chronicle - 10/13/2021

Oct. 12—CHAPLIN — A 5K to ben efit local veterans will be held in Chaplin on Sunday, Oct. 24.

The event is being orga- nized by Alexandra "Lexi" Smardon, a senior at Parish Hill High School, as part of her Capstone Project for graduation. Smardon is also a three- season student athlete.

" I have chosen the topic of veteran suicide prevention and awareness and am orga — nizing a 5K run/walk in order to benefit the Veterans Base Camp in Chaplin," Smardon said.

The camp, a nonprofit orga — nization established in 2016, provides transitional services to returning military person — nel and programs and respite for veterans, first responders and their caregivers.

"In 2018, 6,435 veterans died from suicide," Smardon said on her webpage. "From 2005 to 2018, there has been a 6.3 percent increase in the amount of veteran suicides. Veterans sacrifice their lives for our country, but typically, their mental health is neglect ed.

"This race is meant to not only raise awareness about veteran suicide, but also to raise money for the Veterans Base Camp to help more vet — erans in need." The race will take place Oct. 24 at the camp, located at 108 England Road. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the race starts at 9:30 a.m. The course proceeds from England Road to Canada Lane to South Bear Hill Road to the Chaplin Volunteer Fire Department on Cross Road, and then back to the camp along the same route. Empire Timing Co. will provide the official timed scores for the race.

The fee is $25 per runner or walker. Smardon has already lined up sponsors for her event, which include Black Owl Roasters, Empire Timing Co., Raise the Standard, United Abrasives, United Services, Christy Andrychowski, Donna and Jim Andrychowski and July Bilda.

For more information on sponsoring or donating to Smardon's charitable event, email Smardon at phhsvbc5k@ gmail. com. To register for the run/ walk, go online to www. lighboxreg. com/ phhsvbc- 5k.

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