The race, “4 the Wounded 5K,” will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2011, benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project.

The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) provides programs and services to tens of thousands of service men and women who have been injured in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, many suffering traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and severe burns, which retire them from service. These programs and services include benefits like counseling, family assistance, internships and much more, to ease their burdens and aid in the transition back to a successful civilian life.

Race day events will include an all-terrain (on/off road) 5K, kids fun run, post-race expo featuring technologies developed by Charlottesville area companies that support soldier safety in theatre, involvement from the University of Virginia, National Ground Intelligence Center, Defense Intelligence Agency, National Guard, and WWP. The race is open to the entire community.

Online race registration will open on February 21, 2011. A fundraising goal of $25,000 or more has been set and numerous sponsorship opportunities are available. Interested sponsors can get detailed sponsorship information online or by contacting Deborah van Eersel.

Over twenty representatives of firms located in the UVA Research Park and in the north 29 community serve on the 5K Organizing Committee.

The University of Virginia Foundation develops research parks as part of its mission to support the University. The University of Virginia Research Park provides a venue for academic research to work with commercial technology, and supports a variety of businesses, from research and development to light manufacturing and knowledge-based commerce, as well as developing connections between UVA and private enterprise.